Kimberly Kozelsky is the Branch Manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Pottstown. Kimberly has previously served on the Suburban West REALTORS Association’s Board of Directors and currently is an active member of the Affiliate Member Forum.

Please share with us your background and your career track.

I became hooked on the passion of the real estate industry 18 years ago and have, over time, moved from the settlement piece of the transaction into the mortgage component and I love what I do. I admire and respect what our REALTOR partners do to build their business.

As the Association highlights the importance of Affordable Housing, what role do mortgage companies play in ensuring that individuals can meet the expenses of owning a home?

Mortgage companies in conjunction with their REALTOR ® partners play a large role in working together to ensure that individuals can meet the expenses of achieving the dream of owning a home. We have found that the earlier we begin working with a First Time Home Buyer, the better foundation we create. One of the tools I use when meeting with a First Time Home Buyer is to set into motion a plan to begin practicing their mortgage payment. This action accomplishes two tasks; first, it gets them ready for the payment, and reduces the shock when the payment comes to fruition; and, second, it accumulates additional funds that could be used as a down payment, closing costs or for purchases for their new home. Another byproduct of this technique is that it helps the Buyer become more informed, prepared and committed for the REALTOR ®.

Please characterize the ideal relationship between a mortgage representative and a REALTOR ®?

Relationships are just as important for mortgage representatives as they are for REALTORS ®. We recognize that the REALTOR ® is on the front line and that the mortgage is sometimes the most complex contingency of a transaction. Thus, we want you to know that the mortgage end of the transaction will go smoothly if you entrust us as your mortgage representative. We make sure we stay in touch with you for every development from start through finish so that there are no surprises. We, too, appreciate it when our REALTOR ® partners keep us in the loop as to any changes in a transaction. Communication is key and makes the transaction smoother for everyone involved.

How has the recent “normalization” of the real estate market affected your business?

I continue to view our local housing market as strong. The business plans that we create at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage are centered on the growth of purchase business and this market climate aligns with those plans. This market allows our clients the opportunity to thoroughly consider a property before making an offer. This market also gives us the opportunity to continue to strengthen our ties with our REALTOR ® partners by assisting listing agents in finding ways to market their listings, ie. introducing incentive suggestions and by being present at their open houses to help them grow their business. Did you know that Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Consultants visited over 200,000 open houses in 2006?

As an Affiliate Member, what value do you see in the organization and why should REALTORS ® consider Affiliate Members for their service providers?

Suburban West REALTORS ® Association provides tremendous value to both its Affiliates and REALTOR ® members, both in terms of education and networking. Our Association works hard to bring our REALTORS ® the latest tools to sharpen their skills and keep them at the top of their profession. Like REALTORS ® in our Association, Affiliate Members are always interested in keeping up with the latest trends and technologies. We attend the educational and social engagements of the Association not only for networking opportunities but also because we genuinely want to know what are the most important issues concerning our REALTOR ® partners. We feel we can better serve you if we have our ears open to your voice, and this Association is your voice.