Matthew Ewald

Vice President of Residential Lending
Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp.

Now in his 14th year in the mortgage industry, Vice President of Residential Lending Matthew Ewald of Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp. is a top-producing and highly referred mortgage originator. Ewald is ranked among Mortgage Executive magazine’s Top 1 Percent of Mortgage Originators in America, and 2016 was his best year yet in terms of both volume and number of loans originated.

Working almost entirely on a referral basis, Ewald often serves borrowers throughout their lives as homeowners. “The first time I interact with clients is usually when they are first-time homebuyers,” he said. “Then, as they go through life, I handle their move-up purchases or help them branch out into owning multiple properties.” Though primarily serving clients in his home market of Chicagoland, he also works with borrowers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Florida and Colorado.

Several of Ewald’s qualities endear him to his clients. “Strong communication and well-managed expectations are two big parts of making sure things go as smoothly as possible,” he says. “If all parties know what is needed, then it’s never a surprise when things arise.” Ewald is committed to informing and guiding his clients throughout the mortgage process. This means providing expert advice, thorough explanations and consistent follow-ups to ensure terms come back as expected or better and loans close on time.

Ewald has several important priorities and accomplishments outside his professional life. He and a large group of family and friends participate in the American Brain Tumor Association’s annual 5K walk in Chicago, raising thousands of dollars toward better diagnosis and treatment of the disease. (Ewald’s father-in-law was diagnosed with the disease in 2015 and passed away after an 18-month battle.) Ewald has also been a member of Eastern Illinois University’s Alumni Association Board for almost 10 years. Lastly but most importantly, he cherishes the opportunity to watch his children continue to grow up while maintaining the flexibility to attend most of their events.