Libertyville mortgage banker named in top 1 % of her field

Jan Leasure spent two decades teaching junior high, then 10 as a college instructor.

A Libertyville mom of two local chiropractors, Leasure also worked as a licensed Realtor for 10 years, and wrote a syndicated column called $uper $aver for 25. It is as a mortgage banker, however, where she's truly found her calling: helping to make dreams come true.

Indeed, her dream-making acumen has landed her in an elite club. Leasure, division president of Diamond Residential Mortgage in Libertyville, recently was recognized as among the top 1 % of mortgage originators in the U.S.

"It was such a difficult year for everyone," Leasure said of 2020, the year for which she was recognized. "I was shocked to receive notice of the Top 1 % honor."

To qualify, originators must close more than $30 million in loans in a 12-month period, with those numbers coming solely from their own production and not through office assistants. A fiercely devoted and dynamic professional, Leasure is no stranger to 60-hour work weeks. The results, she said, are worth it.

"It's enormously satisfying when you close on the purchase of someone's dream home, help first-time homebuyers obtain their own home when they thought they would rent forever, or when you are the catalyst in helping a family actually build their home from the ground up," Leasure said.

While teaching and writing were rewarding vocations, nothing compares to this phase of Leasure's career path, she said, adding that it all started from a sense of gratitude.

"In 1990, a random loan officer helped my family save our home through a refinance during a difficult economic time," she said. "I felt indebted to the loan officer who helped me, and decided that I could make a difference in people's lives as well."

The Top 1 % accolade, published in the summer 2021 issue of "Mortgage Executive," is welcome recognition, Leasure said.

"It meant to me that my clients and agents put their trust in me and I did not let them down," she said. "It also means that it is never too late in life to earn a place in your industry, and that hard work pays off."

Licensed in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, California, Florida, Georgia, Washington, Arizona and Indiana, Leasure is available to help any qualifying, prospective new homeowners pursue their dreams.

"Jan is the rare breed of mortgage lender who explains everything thoroughly, provides her opinion about the best route to go, and is ready for anything that pops up unexpectedly," wrote James Prister after doing business with Leasure this July. "You feel as though she is family and is always looking out for your best interest."

"The Top 1 % achievement is great," Leasure said. "But it's really all about testimonials like Jamie's. That was one of the most touching reviews of my career, and I will try to continue to live up to it."

To reach Leasure, call (847) 293-2111 or send email to jan.leasure@drmconline.com.