Lake Geneva lender Steve Smith says Wisconsin is in his blood. “Many of my childhood memories were from learning to fish with my grandpa on Rock Lake, or water skiing with my uncle on Nagawicka,” he says, adding that he’s more than happy to take clients on fishing trips. Smith’s Wisconsin roots make him the ideal person to assist people setting down their own roots on the state’s beautiful lakes.
Service and speed are the top priorities for Smith and his team. “My team and I focus on communication, organization and closing on time or early,” he says. “I am always proud when a client thanks me for the experience first, rather than just about an amazing rate.”
Smith has personally funded over $130 million in loans in 18 different states since the launch of Proper Rate in the middle of the pandemic. He’s earned entry into the Presidents’ Club multiple times in the years since, in addition to being named one of Chicago Magazine’s Five-Star Mortgage Lenders.
Smith says his ability to problem solve is his greatest strength as a lender. “Most often when you stand out in lending it’s because you made a tough situation easy or saved a transaction that another lender couldn’t get closed,” he explains. “You need experience and knowledge, plus the right team in place, to make the hard ones look easy.”
Proper Rate, LLC; NMLS #1901699; 1800 W. Larchmont Ave., Suite 301, Chicago, IL 60613; 866-755-0679. For licensing information visit nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Equal Housing Lender. Conditions may apply. • AZ: One South Church Ave, Suite 1200, Office 1248, Tucson, Arizona 85701, Mortgage Banker License #1010230 • CA: Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act • CO: Regulated by the Division of Real Estate • GA: Residential Mortgage Licensee #69357 • OH: MB 804550.
