Consistency, dependability and availability have been the hallmarks of Craig Achtzehn’s career in mortgage lending. The West Point graduate, MBA holder and 21-year industry veteran is known for bringing an exceptional level of expertise and attention to detail to every home financing transaction. As a result, he has consistently distinguished himself as one of the nation’s top mortgage originators.

Achtzehn is based at the downtown Chicago branch of Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp., where he serves clients across Chicagoland and his 25 licensed states. “I truly love helping people buy their homes,” he says, and few in the industry have helped as many people as him. Based on his annual closed loan volume, mortgage industry publications Scotsman Guide and Mortgage Executive Magazine have ranked him among the top-producing mortgage originators in America.

Even after more than two decades in the business, Achtzehn has never lost his appreciation for the importance of guiding clients through one of the biggest investments of their lives. “My value is providing a seamless, stressless transaction for the borrower and their agent,” he says. “This allows the buyer to buy with confidence and allows the agent to focus on their job without worrying about the deal closing.” Achtzehn says his approach to every loan includes educating his clients, keeping all parties updated and remaining consistently available throughout the process.

From first-time homebuyers to savvy multiunit investors, Achtzehn’s clients come from all walks of life. He is experienced with virtually every type of borrower, property and loan. As a U.S. Army veteran, Achtzehn is especially passionate about helping fellow veterans access their VA home loan benefits. Most of his clients are referred to him from past borrowers, real estate professionals and financial advisors, and he is always looking to grow his network.

When Achtzehn is not closing loans, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.