Possessing a myriad of transferable skills, Sami Barakat worked in a banking sales role and in management for more than a decade before transitioning into real estate. When a lending manager noticed his talent and suggested he pursue a career in mortgage financing, it was only a matter of time before he shifted gears. “My prior roles have helped me identify needs, customize the right product or service for the client and follow up to ensure expectations are exceeded,” says Barakat. Over the past six years, he has gained trust from clients and built a significant repeat client base.

Clients consistently remark on Barakat’s responsiveness, patience and the fact that he treats them like family. His flexibility and attention to detail add to his value, allowing him to adapt to the needs of each client. Barakat sets clear expectations upfront on what the process will look like, identifies possible hurdles and lets clients know he will be with them every step of the way. “It’s a journey and we are together from start to finish,” he shares. With so many lenders in the field, Barakat has found a way to stand out by mitigating stress and simplifying the process.

Barakat received Chase’s National Achiever award in 2020 and was a Top Performer in 2021 and 2023. He feels fortunate and honored to have helped so many clients achieve their dream of home ownership in a very challenging and volatile environment. He also credits his stellar assistant, who has allowed him to excel by managing the moving parts of mortgage lending with ease.

When away from work, Barakat volunteers his time to assist new hires in getting up and running. He also helps run workshops and enhance business metrics at the regional level.