When homebuyers are looking for a mortgage professional with an extensive financial background, they need look no further than Mark Brannon. With a 20-year background in lending, a degree in economics and recognition as one of the nation’s top mortgage originators, Brannon is a seasoned and accomplished loan officer.
After entering the lending space at a full-service bank in 2001, Brannon quickly became a top producer and at age 26 was the youngest loan originator at his company. Today, he’s a vice president of residential lending at Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp.’s Schaumburg branch and continues to be a standout professional in the mortgage industry.
Brannon attributes his success to maintaining a detailed knowledge of the many mortgage solutions he offers. “I make sure to constantly keep up to date with mortgage guidelines,” he says. “Understanding the intricacies of lending has enabled me to better help both my clients and partners throughout the loan process.”
Known by his clients for his educational approach, Brannon always takes his time during each transaction. “I help my clients make educated mortgage planning decisions when buying, and I alert them whenever refinance opportunities are available,” he says. “I make sure to take a deep dive into their financial profiles to fully understand what works for them.”
Brannon’s excellence is recognized with years of accolades. He has been named a Five Star Professional every year since 2013, made Mortgage Executive magazine’s Top 1% of Mortgage Originators in America list and been recognized as one of the top originators in the country by industry trade publication Scotsman Guide. He is also part of his company’s President’s Club, a group reserved for top-producing loan officers, and is an active member of the Illinois Association of Mortgage Professionals.
Last year, Brannon closed over $74 million in loans — a career record for him — and he’s aiming to continue this momentum in the years to come. When he’s not closing loans, Brannon enjoys golfing, boating and spending time with his 12-year-old daughter, 10-year-old son and wife of 15 years.
