advertisement

Area mortgage originator now under new brand name, discusses 2017 forecast

Bob Kenney, one of the Barrington area's top residential mortgage loan originators, is seeing changes big and small as 2017 progresses. Kenney is vice president of residential lending at the Cary branch of Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp., one of the Top 100 Mortgage Companies in America.

The change that ushered in the New Year for Kenney was to the brand name he operates under. As 2016 drew to a close, Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp. changed its name from 1st Advantage Mortgage.

A part of the Chicago-based Draper and Kramer real estate services company since 2008, the new name brought the lender in line with company-wide branding. "It's great to be doing business under the 123-year-old Draper and Kramer name," said Kenney. "My clients and business partners are happy to hear that the company and my service are the same, and I'm excited to have a well-known and well-trusted brand behind me."

Kenney is seeing much more substantial changes in real estate and lending markets. "Home values continue to rebound in the Barrington area, and with anticipated increases in interest rates in 2017, now rather than later seems to be the best time to purchase a home." Kenney noted that the Federal Reserve, which raised short-term interest rates in late 2016, has made clear its intention to introduce further rates increases in 2017. "These increases eventually impact mortgage rates as well," he said.

According to Kenney, the mortgage industry continues to evolve in terms of products and services and how they are offered. "Qualified buyers have more choices now in terms of financing," Kenney said. While smart buyers will shop for a lender, Kenney cautioned that they should consider multiple factors in their search. "Make sure the lender is someone you are comfortable working with. Find someone nearby who is available to answer questions throughout the process. Having a trusted source to guide a buyer through the process, especially for first-time buyers, is essential." To assist buyers with the lending process, Kenney offers a free mobile app that allows his clients to calculate full monthly payments, submit necessary documents and stay up-to-date on their loan's status on their mobile devices.

Kenney speaks from experience as many of his clients have acquired multiple loans from him throughout his career, whether for purchasing a new home, refinancing a current residence or buying a vacation property. "While the mortgage industry changes, it is good to have stability in your lender so you know your loan is being handled properly," said Kenney.

Robert Joseph Kenney (IL:031.0001638 IN:23858 IA:22746 WI:198253 NMLS:198253) is an agent of Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp. (IL:MB.0004263-017 IN:11027 IA:2003-0201 WI:2284721BA NMLS:2551) an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee located at 701 E. 22nd St., Suite 125, Lombard, IL 60148. Call (630) 376-2100.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.