After 22 years as a mortgage loan officer, Linda Morris, like so many others in the business, found herself facing a tough year in lending in 2023. She used the slowdown to sharpen her skills, first by re-educating herself about the U.S. economy and how interest rates are determined, and then by focusing on personal and professional development with mindset coaching. Now, she’s hitting the ground running in 2024 and bringing her positive outlook with her.

Morris is known for being patient, upfront and honest and sees herself as her clients’ biggest fan during the biggest transaction of their lives. “When dealing with a mortgage, the energy is so important, and being positive every step of the way is key,” she says. Also important is ensuring that borrowers understand the entire homebuying process and the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved, including the real estate agent, the title officer, the lending advisor and themselves.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2001, Morris soon realized the field didn’t provide the excitement she needed from a career. However, lending allowed her to apply her knowledge while adding the fulfillment of working with and helping people, so she was hooked. Two decades later, she has the experience to think creatively to get clients qualified, and she has the confidence and ease to be able to tailor her approach to fit each client’s needs. “I am very patient with first-time homebuyers, as well as detail-oriented clients,” she says. “I mold depending on who I am working with to provide the best possible service.”

Morris prioritizes health and fitness along with spending quality time with her family. She stays mindful with meditation, stays fit with weight training and running, and stays connected to the community by volunteering at her children’s school.