Area business helps people realize their home-owning dreams
BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY Bank of Little Rock Mortgage >>
The homebuying process can be a stressful and confusing time for many, but one company strives to take the anxiety out of purchasing property.
Bank of Little Rock Mortgage, founded in 1998, has become the mortgage lender of choice for many families looking to buy their first, second or third home and beyond. The company has also been voted Best Mortgage Company by readers of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in its 2023 Best of the Best readers’ poll. This is the company’s fourth consecutive year of winning this award.
“We have the community-bank philosophy that starts with responsiveness — answering emails, texts and phone calls in an expedited manner,” said Lee Maris, senior vice president. “This business is so competitive, success comes down to very simple things, like answering the phone instead of sending customers into a menu and making them bounce around everywhere.
“The difference with us, in a word, is we’re more down-home. If there’s a problem, you can speak to someone about it directly. You’re not stuck with some call center; you’re talking to someone who can help and advise you along the way.”
He also said that while mortgage lending has become increasingly complex over the years, the company’s formula for success has remained remarkably simple. With a smalltown attitude, Bank of Little Rock Mortgage leverages its strength and experience in the local real estate industry. The company combines the business practices of a Main Street lender with the resources of banks several times its size to deliver an unparalleled customer experience. Maris boasted that this community-centric focus gives his team an advantage over the competition.
“We have as many arrows in our quiver as the bigger banks and online guys,” Maris said. “Technology is great, but we still believe in the power of personal connections. We’ve always believed getting face-to-face is the best way to show clients that you’re there for them.”
Another feather in the cap of the Bank of Little Rock is the word-of-mouth recommendations it receives from the local real estate community.
“Realtors aren’t going to refer someone unless you’ve shown yourself to be competent, and you know your products,” Maris said. “If they refer someone, they’re counting on you to take care of their client. Over time, we’ve proven we do just that.”
Maris said the most rewarding aspect of the job is the same as when the company opened 24 years ago.
“Getting people into a house, especially those who don’t think they can get one, is the most rewarding thing about this business,” he said. “The people who think it’s out of reach and they find out it’s really not — those are the ones you really enjoy and who make everything worth it.”