Spanish Speaking Loan Officer, Isolina Fernandez-Kirchner, Serves the Hispanic Community
The homebuying process can be difficult to navigate and understand, but a language barrier presents an additional obstacle for many borrowers.
Isolina Fernandez-Kirchner, a fluent Spanish-speaking mortgage banker, can help by offering borrowers genuine customer service, established planning, and an understanding of Hispanic clients.
About Isolina
Isolina, like many others who have immigrated to America, has a story that shows dedication and a desire to make a difference:
“I immigrated from the Dominican Republic in 1982 [and] had to learn the language. My mom [was] a widow, blue collar, minimum-wage earner, [and] shared a small apartment with her siblings, father, and two daughters. [She] worked so hard to give us a better life.”
“I am the first in the family to graduate college. It's been a long, fulfilling, not-always-easy road, but this is what makes me appreciate my Spanish-speaking borrowers.”
“Prior to becoming a loan officer, I was a realtor in Woodbridge, NJ, where I met my husband, who was a loan officer…I had built in relationships with my realtor colleagues and so the transition [to becoming a loan officer] was easy. We started interviewing different mortgage companies to find a fit for me…NJ Lenders was clearly the place for me. It's been my work home since.”
“I lived it firsthand, and to help others achieve the American Dream- it’s a personal satisfaction I would not get from any other job.”
Understanding Mortgage Basics
There are a number of pieces that make up the homebuying process. Borrowers should be familiar with the following:
Income: Helps to determine what you can afford. There are many income sources and they all must be documented:
- Tax Returns: Provide a breakdown of most income types
- W2s, 1099s, etc.: Documents how much income was made in a year from a specific employer
- Self-Employed: Self-employment income can be accounted for through tax returns and supporting documentation.
Credit score: A borrower’s credit illustrates their payment history and helps lenders predict the chances of them paying on-time in the future. It’s important to aim for as high of a number as possible when it comes to scoring.
There are a variety of solutions for borrowers with no or low credit scores. Speak with your trusted mortgage professional for advice on improving your credit.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): This ratio compares borrower’s monthly debt payments to their monthly income. Loan programs vary in the maximum DTI allowed, and DTIs may be approved with compensating factors such as a high credit score or additional assets.
Down Payment: This is the amount of money a borrower brings to the transaction. While many borrowers believe that they must provide a down payment that is 20% of the purchase price, different loan programs can accommodate down payments as low as 0-3%.
Asking Isolina: “Why Should Borrowers Work With You?”
In Isolina’s words, “Simply put, because I really care and it shows in my service. I am honest and always put their interest first. I think it's my duty to make sure they are taken care of.”