Guaranteed Rate

Tom Lavallee wakes up every morning eager and excited to get to work. As a senior vice president of mortgage lending at Guaranteed Rate, Lavallee is an expert in the purchase market and works directly with Realtors, as well as with borrowers on purchases ranging from $50,000 to $3 million. With more than 30 years in the business, Lavallee has accrued a customer base of more than 6,000 past clients and their referrals. “My experience allows me to give my clients a wealth of knowledge and insight into their home purchase,” he says, adding that he considers himself a financial advisor and creates a customized strategy for every purchase.

For the past 25 years, Lavallee has ranked among the top 1 percent of mortgage loan originators. In 2003, he closed 3,313 loans totaling $653,646,151, and was named the No. 1 mortgage loan originator in the country! “My goals are simple,” he explains. “Make the process as easy as possible for the client, save them time and give them peace of mind!”

Lavallee is an official lender for the Northern Illinois Alumni Association and has recently started mentoring younger loan officers in his office.

Every year, he volunteers at the local fish hatchery for the Walleye Run. Lavallee is a dedicated yoga practitioner and enjoys making wine, beer and maple syrup, as well as skiing and hiking. He is inspired every day by his wife Renee and two dogs, Napa and Paddy.