Mortgage Loan Originator Connie Houlihan serves people throughout central Virginia, from Charlottesville to Lynchburg and beyond, during the home buying process. From pre-approval to closing, Connie helps open the doors to everything from first homes to dream homes.
We recently talked to Connie to learn a little bit more about her and her role in the home-buying process.
Tell us a little about Connie. Where are you from and how long have you been with Carter Bank & Trust?
CH: I was born in Martinsville, VA, graduating from Bassett High School. I then went to Radford University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Management. Several years after college when I was still looking for a rewarding career, a friend was telling me about the mortgage business and how she loved helping people get into their dream homes. I joined her company, went thru training, and became a licensed mortgage loan officer. After starting with her, I worked at a few other financial institutions, before joining Carter Bank & Trust early in 2021. I’m getting ready to enter 20 years in the mortgage business.
As a Mortgage Loan Originator, what do you do? What is a day like for Connie Houlihan?
CH: As a Mortgage Loan Originator, I pre-qualify people to buy a home or build a home. I analyze their debt-to-income ratio and see which of our loan programs is going to be best for them to make their dream home come true. If the buyer is not ready to be a homeowner, we work with them and try to get them ready in the future. Once they are ready to buy, we stay in contact while they are looking for homes and give them updates on where interest rates are as they search.
What is something you wish all home buyers, especially first-time home buyers, knew about the process? What do you think is the most important piece of advice you can give?
CH: For first-time buyers, they really need to get advice from the loan officer on what is the best option for them on a loan program. There are so many variables that need to be considered for each individual home buyer. Try to avoid doing the search on your own to try and figure something out. A good loan officer wants what is best for you, the buyer, and will guide you in the process.
Another important piece of advice…when a loan officer has pre-qualified you for a loan, before you do anything else regarding buying something on credit or changing jobs, please ask the loan officer before you make that decision.
What is your favorite part about your job?
CH: I enjoy meeting people on their home purchasing journey. I love it when their plan all comes together and we get them to the closing table of buying their first home or their dream home.
Outside of work, what is a day like for Connie Houlihan?
CH: In my free time, I love to work in my flower and vegetable gardens and travel with my husband, Dennis. We especially love going on cruises. I also have one son, Brett, and love spending time with him and his wife, Andelyn. I also have two dogs, Tripp and Benji, my fur babies, that get a lot of my attention.
To contact Connie and start the mortgage process, email her at Connie.Houlihan@CBTCares.com or give her a call at 540.255.5788.