Neena Vlamis
President
A and N Mortgage Services, Inc.
A real estate industry powerhouse, Neena Vlamis was the top female mortgage originator in Illinois in 2014, 57th in the U.S. last year for the most volume closed and among the top 1 percent of mortgage consultants in the U.S. in 2013, according to the Scotsman Guide. All the while, however, this mother of three young children remains involved in family activities, community events and church functions. Her enduring success, as well as that of A and N Mortgage Services, Inc., speaks to a unique ability to not only meet clients’ needs, but also to skillfully navigate the complexities of the real estate industry, even when the going gets tough.
Vlamis points out that while many mortgage firms found themselves forced to either close or get bought out during the economic recession, A and N is still standing and currently enjoying one of its best years. She herself boasts production that exceeds $112 million and motivates her team to work collaboratively to sustain their individual and collective accomplishments. “We’ve created a true culture of success at A and N,” she comments, “and we’re like a family.” Their achievement is undoubtedly due to the customized approach that each lender takes to craft the appropriate mortgage solution for every client. “We really get to know our clients so that we can offer customized financing,” explains Vlamis. “We know that there are online and cookie-cutter services out there, but we don’t think anything can replace the human connection.”
Although she majored in English with the intent to teach, Vlamis never forgot how her parents taught her about household budgeting as a child, which strengthened her acumen for numbers and led to roles as a loan officer and account executive. She and partner Aaron Gilter founded A and N in 2002 and have earned an A+ Better Business Bureau rating each year since opening. Her clients have become friends over the years, just like the Realtors with whom she partners. “It’s not just about financials; it’s about the passion I have for helping people own their dream home.”
While hers is still a male-dominated field, Vlamis encourages women to consider mortgage lending as a career option that offers professional, personal and financial rewards. “I hope I serve as an inspiration,” says this finance expert who is certainly a role model for anyone interested in entering the business.