Meet our North Conway group, a bunch of native consultants devoted to understanding the banking wants of the Larger Mount Washington Valley area.
– Susan Perry, Senior Vice President, Industrial Mortgage Officer
– Will Perez-Moya, Department Supervisor
– Kathy Sanderson, Sr. Residential Mortgage Mortgage Originator (NMLS 409084)
– Thomas Rubino, Common Banker 1
We requested our group questions on their lives right here in MWV, their place on the financial institution, how they’re concerned in the neighborhood and their ideas on the housing state of affairs within the space. We hope you get pleasure from attending to know them and studying extra about their ideas about residing right here in Conway!
How lengthy have you ever lived within the MWV, and what introduced you to this space?
Susan:
I’ve lived in Chatham, New Hampshire (1 mile from Conway) for 34 years. I moved to the realm after getting married, as my husband grew up on this space and lived right here his entire life.
Will:
I’ve lived in Conway for 2 years. The job alternatives and the realm’s stunning pure environment are what initially attracted me to this group.
Kathy:
Moved from Central Florida 20 years in the past to North Conway. We wished to have our daughter expertise 4 seasons in a slower paced rural surroundings.
Are you able to share your skilled journey in banking and the way you got here to work at Union Financial institution?
Susan:
I’ve been working in banking since 1989, beginning first as a teller at a financial institution on Congress Avenue in Portland, Maine, and them relocating to the previous White Mountain Nationwide Financial institution after I moved to the realm. I began with WMNB as a Buyer Service Consultant and moved round for a number of years, lastly ending up as a Credit score Analyst.
When WMNB was acquired by First NH, my job was eradicated so I moved to the previous Berlin Metropolis Financial institution as their first Credit score Analyst. I used to be with Berlin Metropolis (aka Northway Financial institution) for greater than 17 years, rising the credit score division from simply me to a big group. As well as, I established a small enterprise program generally known as the Northway Enterprise Categorical program the place we helped tons of of companies with working capital strains of credit score and gear purchases.
After 17 years, I used to be introduced with the chance to journey the nation and took a job in Software program Implementation for a Industrial Lending LOS system. I used to be answerable for assembly with Banks throughout the nation to find out their wants with the software program they bought, then configured the software program to satisfy their wants. Over the 5 years that I did this job I helped greater than 100 banks implement this software program and enhance their efficiencies.
Six years in the past, Union Financial institution was seeking to open a mortgage manufacturing workplace in North Conway, and I’ve been right here since.
Will:
I started my profession on the financial institution as a Common Banker, and since final June I’ve been serving because the Department Supervisor.
Kathy:
I began in Banking as a Teller and moved over shortly to New Accounts and after a couple of years began my profession in Residential Mortgage Financing. My husband is self-employed as a Dental Lab Technician in North Conway.
Thomas:
I began my banking profession at Norway Financial savings Financial institution a bit over 5 years in the past now. My father and mom have been each in banking (father nonetheless is) and after a couple of years in retail gross sales, I made a decision it was time to attempt it out and see if that profession path was value switching to.
I wore many hats whereas I labored for Norway Financial savings Financial institution and when it got here time to maneuver to a totally new city, I wanted to search out one thing nearer. Fortunately, the department supervisor on the time right here was a former co-worker from Norway Financial savings so it was a very simple transition!
What do you get pleasure from most about working right here?
Susan:
My favourite a part of my job helps individuals and companies obtain their dream of enterprise possession or enterprise development. I get pleasure from working at Union Financial institution as our selections are made regionally, however people who’re invested of their communities and the individuals who dwell there.
Will:
What I get pleasure from most is working with my unbelievable colleagues. We now have a supportive, customer-focused group, and it’s rewarding to be a part of such a collaborative surroundings.
Kathy:
I really like working for an area Group Financial institution and the assist I’ve at Union Financial institution in my position and outreach efforts in Mount Washington Valley.
Thomas:
I feel the factor that I get pleasure from probably the most about working right here is seeing the satisfaction coming from our prospects after we’ve completed all we are able to to assist them with their banking wants.
There’s no higher feeling than seeing a buyer extraordinarily joyful after having a relationship transferred over to us or perhaps a new relationship, they usually reward all the workers for all their arduous work. It’s such an incredible feeling.
Do you could have any private or household historical past of rising up or attending faculty within the North Conway space?
Susan:
My husband grew up in Chatham and attended faculties in Fryeburg, Mainer. My kids additionally attended faculty in Fryeburg, each having graduated from Fryeburg Academy.
Will:
I grew up in a special nation the place I lived close to the mountains, about two hours from the coast. In that method, transferring to North Conway has felt acquainted, because the pure panorama right here jogs my memory of residence.
What do you consider the housing market in MWV? How has it modified over time?
Susan:
The housing market within the Mt. Washington Valley could be very powerful. The demand for properties to personal or lease far exceeds the provision of accessible items. Communities and builders work arduous to search out alternatives to generate new stock, nevertheless, in current instances, the fee is prohibitive, and the brand new building tends to lean towards the second householders or rich people.
Kathy:
In my twenty years residing in North Conway and being very concerned within the native housing promote it has change from a really rural setting to now a significant four-season vacationer space. There are lots of 2nd properties being offered within the final 4 years which limits housing for the parents that work in our space. Housing costs have additionally soared upwards. This makes housing affordability for locals very tough.
What recommendation would you give first-time homebuyers in Conway or the encompassing areas?
Kathy:
Hunt down a mortgage skilled that may information you step-by-step for a future profitable residence shopping for expertise. It’s by no means too early to get educated!
Susan:
Be affected person, work on ensuring your private state of affairs is the perfect it may be by eradicated bank card debt, and so on. Avoid wasting cash so you could have the funds wanted to buy a house and be open to residing in surrounding communities.
Will:
For first-time homebuyers in Conway, my recommendation is to be ready and act shortly. I not too long ago made the error of not doing that, and it looks like my spouse and I missed the possibility to purchase our dream residence.
Be sure to’re pre-approved for a mortgage (with Union Financial institution, in fact) so you can also make a suggestion with confidence, as competitors is excessive. It’s additionally vital to work with an area realtor who understands the precise market traits in Conway. Be versatile along with your wants and take into account properties simply exterior of Conway, which can be extra inexpensive whereas nonetheless providing quick access to the city’s facilities.
How does the financial institution assist prospects navigate mortgages, particularly given the native housing traits?
Susan:
We now have a superb group of Mortgage Originators, particularly Kathy Sanderson, who cowl New Hampshire.
Kathy:
We companion with Housing Finance businesses for House-buying lessons and availability for down cost help. We even have many mortgage applications for distinctive properties and supply construct mortgage applications that may accommodate homebuyers wants.
Will:
The financial institution presents customized mortgage providers to assist prospects navigate the native housing market. We offer pre-qualification and pre-approval providers to provide patrons a bonus in a aggressive market. Kathy Sanderson, our mortgage mortgage originator helps educate patrons on the various kinds of loans obtainable, together with first-time residence purchaser applications, which could supply decrease down funds or higher phrases.
What native components, like value of residing or neighborhood developments, ought to homebuyers in MWV pay attention to?
Will:
Homebuyers in Conway ought to pay attention to the rising value of residing, particularly with property costs and taxes growing. Moreover, North Conway’s sturdy tourism trade contributes to the native economic system, which might have an effect on housing demand, particularly for second properties or trip properties.
Consumers also needs to take into account the supply of native facilities resembling faculties, healthcare, and the proximity to leisure actions, that are key to Conway’s enchantment. Latest neighborhood developments and the city’s give attention to sustaining its attraction may also affect property values, so keeping track of native zoning adjustments and infrastructure initiatives is essential for long-term funding planning.
Kathy:
Learn as a lot as you may concerning the native market and future alternatives they’re ceaselessly altering. Ask questions of your mortgage skilled. We’re right here to assist even at nights or weekends.
How do you keep engaged with the group exterior of labor?
Susan:
I’m the Secretary/Treasurer of the Mt. Washington Valley Financial Council, the treasurer of The Mom Seton Home and concerned with the Fryeburg Truthful.
When my kids have been rising up, I used to be very concerned of their faculties, rec applications, booster golf equipment, and so on. I used to be additionally concerned with the Pink Cross after we had an area workplace within the Mt. Washington Valley years in the past.
Kathy:
I’m concerned with Memorial Hospital/Primary Med in North Conway. My membership with Mt Washington Valley Chamber retains me related with enterprise leaders in the neighborhood. My involvement with the White Mountain Realtors and Affiliate committees is a good what to remain related with my referral sources. All of those sources present Union Financial institution with many advertising and marketing alternatives and relationships.
What do you’re keen on most about residing within the North Conway space? Are there any explicit points of the area you assume make it an ideal place to dwell?
Susan:
The Mt Washington Valley is a good place to dwell. We now have fabulous meals choices, actions to maintain most individuals busy and cultural occasions resembling native theater productions.
Will:
What I really like most about Conway is the unbelievable pure magnificence mixed with the welcoming group spirit. The proximity to the White Mountains makes it excellent for outside actions, resembling mountaineering, snowboarding, and scenic drives. The city has a singular mix of small-town attraction and vibrant tourism, so there’s at all times one thing occurring whereas nonetheless feeling peaceable. The sturdy sense of group and native pleasure really make it an ideal place to dwell.
Kathy:
There’s by no means a scarcity of actions in MWV. Being a four-season resort space you could have many decisions to benefit from the outdoor and inside actions or occasions.
Thomas:
I feel what I get pleasure from probably the most about residing on this space is the truth that you don’t need to journey far to go from bustling metropolis life the place each road nook is a special retailer to accommodate most wants, to driving simply 5 minutes out of city and you might be already immersed within the breathtaking mountain views and a brief drive into the nationwide parks. You actually do get the perfect of each walks of life residing right here.
For brand new residents seeking to become involved, what native organizations, group actions, or occasions would you suggest they take a look at?
Susan:
Regulate the Conway Each day Solar and Social Media; there are such a lot of issues occurring in and across the space to maintain most individuals engaged.
What are your favourite native spots to go to with household or mates?
Susan:
There’s nothing extra calming that driving north on Route 16 and catching a glimpse of a snow-covered Mt. Washington within the background. There are such a lot of fabulous eating places within the space, and all are so good. Favourite eating places embody SeaDog Brewing, the WildRose at Stonehurst Manor, the White Mountain Lodge and Massive Dave’s Bagels. Procuring has modified over time, with many shops leaving the realm and new specialty shops taking their place. It’s typically tough to search out gadgets resembling a costume shirt for a special day, however entry to higher purchasing is barely a brief drive away.
Will:
A few of my favourite native spots embody Echo Lake State Park, the place you may get pleasure from picnicking and mountaineering with gorgeous views of Cathedral Ledge. For eating, I really like stopping by The Wild Rose Restaurant at Stonehurst Manor for excellent native meals. Procuring at Settlers Inexperienced can be a should, providing a variety of shops and distinctive retailers that enchantment to each locals and guests alike.
Kathy:
I get pleasure from Schouler Park in North Conway. Numerous strolling and driving trails. Within the Winter cross nation or snowshoeing is accessible to get pleasure from. My favourite restaurant is Black Cap Grill. Domestically owned and operated.
How have you ever seen Conway develop or change over time, notably in areas like housing or native providers?
Susan:
The realm continues to develop and evolve; the Mt. Washington Valley is a vacationer vacation spot, and the expansion now we have seen is expounded to this trade. Space points of interest resembling Cranmore Mountain proceed to broaden and enhance their operations to draw extra guests to the realm. We want housing for individuals who dwell and work right here and lodging for individuals who like to go to and play right here. The realm must discover a good stability between the 2.
Thomas:
I grew up in Bartlet NH which is simply down the highway from Conway. I bear in mind when this whole space was once lots much less busy and crowded than it’s immediately.
I’d say the enterprise inhabitants right here has elevated tremendously since I used to be in my youth, visiting right here fairly commonly. The realm has introduced extra numerous enterprise that the realm on the time didn’t have so I’d say that the expansion this space has had was a blessing.
What would you suggest to somebody transferring to Conway concerning housing or settling into the group?
Thomas:
For somebody transferring to Conway, I like to recommend working with Kathy. She really understands the distinctive housing market right here. Whereas the housing stock will be aggressive, there are alternatives should you’re affected person and ready. Get entangled in the neighborhood early on by attending city occasions and visiting native companies—it’s an effective way to really feel settled and meet individuals.
Kathy:
Instantly become involved in the neighborhood. Volunteering is an effective way to remain related and meet locals that may make it easier to navigate your MWV expertise.
What are some native landmarks, companies, or occasions that maintain particular which means for you?
Kathy:
Memorial Hospital is expensive to my coronary heart.
We Look Ahead To Assembly You!
We hope this glimpse into our group has helped you get to know us higher. We sit up for constructing an enduring relationship with you and supporting your monetary wants.
Union Financial institution is proud to serve North Conway with a devoted group dedicated to creating a optimistic influence in our group. Whether or not you’re opening an account, on the lookout for a mortgage, or in search of monetary recommendation, we’re right here to assist. Cease by immediately or contact us to expertise the distinction we are able to make for you!
