At a time when experience in mortgage lending is more crucial than ever, Dan Gjeldum offers 29 years of knowledge and success in the industry. “The internet actually does provide a borrower a variety of resources to read about the mortgage process, but these can often be extremely confusing,” he says. “My team and I are able to confidently and competently explain the process in real time.”
An executive vice president of mortgage lending with CrossCountry Mortgage, Gjeldum focuses much of his attention on working with non-qualified mortgages, or “non-QM,” which he describes as the space in which nontraditional lending occurs. “Examples of nontraditional lending are bank statement loans or asset-based loans — the traditional portfolio loan,” he explains. “These are the loans that make 100% sense for mortgage lenders but never had an outlet.”
According to Gjeldum, the most respected and trusted mortgage professionals are constantly learning new programs, staying on the forefront of product ideas and launches, and understanding how the mortgage market works. “It is unbelievable how many clients come to us who have been to other lenders who just spit out rates,” he says. “That is no way to build a reputation or a career.” Clients appreciate the personal approach he and his team deliver. “We truly care about our clients,” he insists, “and they feel it every time they work with us.”
During the past year, Gjeldum welcomed more new Realtor partners than he had during the previous five years. “Lenders are leaving the business more than ever, but lenders are messing up transactions far more today,” he remarks. “Those of us who serve our clients and do our jobs well are sought out, which is very refreshing.” Because of his longevity, he sees many returning clients, as well as their children and grandchildren.
