“Find your people.” That’s one piece of advice Sam Sharp, executive vice president of national sales at Rate, would offer to anyone starting out in the mortgage business. “Find your business partners that you resonate with; people that have the same goals,” he explains. “When you work with someone who doesn’t fit your plan, then they are keeping you from finding those that do. There are more of ‘your people’ out there than you can imagine.”

Sharp gained these words of wisdom over 22 years of experience in the industry, a span in which he has worked with many clients and seen most borrower scenarios. His team comprises “his people,” and he credits them with much of his success. “I lead a team of amazing individuals, which allows us to provide top-level service 24/7,” he says. “We’ve created an intentional and well-thought-out process for our clients.” The process includes an actual loan approval up front, allowing clients to make a stronger offer once they find a home. Clients say doing business with Sharp is “the way homebuying should be.”

Formerly a professional musician, Sharp discovered an opportunity in the mortgage industry when he broke his hand and could no longer tour, trading one rewarding career for another. Now, he specializes in home financing for all types of homebuyers: first-time, luxury, investors, self-employed, veterans and active military. He promotes to those homebuyers through social media, working with his partners to help create engagement and value.

Sharp’s family inspires and supports him. “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without my wife, Carrie, and my two children, Elia and Chloe, who are supportive, understanding and inspirational,” he says.

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.