With 21 years of experience working in lending, Barry Schwartz will always make the process enjoyable and entertaining, while at the same time making sure clients know what’s happening every step of the way. Schwartz is the vice president of residential lending at CrossCountry Mortgage. He works with a variety of clients, from first-time homebuyers to clients purchasing retirement homes.

Schwartz jumped into the lending industry after a career in computer sales, where he learned all the basics of real estate. “Be nice, honest and competitive; build relationships; and communicate from start to finish,” he says. “I know that sounds cliche, but those are the keys to success.”

Now a seasoned professional, Schwartz’s goal is to make “a very stressful process as fun and stress-free as possible.” He knows many clients need him at their side from start to finish, and whether it’s their first purchase or their tenth, he makes himself available seven days a week for questions and assistance. He is known for getting the deal done, constantly striving to be the most professional and efficient loan officer possible. “Every year there is always something new to learn, a better way to get deals done,” he says.

Schwartz also runs a weekly mortgage blog, which goes out to more than 4,000 past clients and business contacts, filled with important information, trivia and fun facts. “My blog sums up how I do business,” he says. “You’re not going to be bored working with me. I don’t have a banker’s personality, and I never in my wildest dreams thought I would end up being a mortgage broker.”

Through his unique and fun take on lending, Schwartz has been able to keep his business going on referrals alone. “I have never once advertised,” he says. “It’s all word of mouth from real estate brokers, attorneys, money managers and past clients. That’s a testament to me and my team.”