A top-producing loan officer for over 20 years, Sam Sharp continues to adapt to the changing market. “It is this constant growth and focus that allows us to continue to grow,” says Sharp, the executive vice president of national sales at Guaranteed Rate. Specializing in first-time homebuyers, down payment assistance programs, jumbo loans, self-employed borrowers and real estate investors, he can be counted on from contract to close.
Starting his career as a broker with New Horizon Mortgage, Sharp became the company’s top producer within his first year and made partner after less than two years in the industry. In 2006, he joined Wintrust Mortgage to become a mortgage broker, and in 2009 he transitioned to Guaranteed Rate. He now leads a team of more than 20 lending experts who are equipped to handle every aspect of the loan process, allowing for consistency and reliability. “My team is the core of my business, and without them it would not be possible to accomplish what we have built,” he says, adding that their unwavering commitment to their customers has led to significant repeat business and client referrals.
In 2020 alone, Sharp assisted more than 1,200 clients and doubled 2019’s volume, with over $420 million in funded loans. Every year since 2015, he’s earned Chairman’s Circle recognition through Guaranteed Rate and has ranked among the top 20 loan officers in the country, as well as its No. 1 purchase producing loan officer for the state of Illinois. “At this point in my career, I’ve seen it all,” he says. “There’s no problem I haven’t encountered.”
Sharp is a member of the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce and partners with organizations around the city, including Humble Design. A longtime drummer, he continues to be a part of Chicago’s music scene, balancing his time between lending, music and family. When asked what his “why” is, Sharp credits his wife, Carrie, and kids, Elia and Chloe, to want to do better for them each and every day.
Guaranteed Rate, Inc. is a private corporation organized under the laws of the state of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any other government agency.
