Ellie Wade

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

WRITTEN BY DAVE DANIELSON | PHOTOS BY NESTED TOURS

As your clients set out across the uncertain terrain of their real estate transactions, they rely on your experience, expertise and guidance to get them through.

That’s a big part of Ellie Wade’s role that she cherishes, as well.

As a senior mortgage loan officer with First United Bank Mortgage, Ellie enjoys easing the way ahead for those around her.

“Helping people through this sometimes very confusing industry is very rewarding for me,” Ellie says. “Guidelines sometimes don’t make sense to a borrower, so it’s my job to explain it and put them at ease. I love putting people at ease during the buying process and teaching them what they need to know to make it an easy experience. Buying a home should be a fun and exciting time, not a stressful one.”

Building with Her Best

Ellie has been in the banking industry since 1969 … having just taken one year away during a move to Arlington, VA, where she worked with the FBI.

“After that, I decided to move back to Oklahoma and get into banking,” she remembers.

It was the culmination of a lot of thinking and planning she had done growing up in Ardmore, OK.

“It may seem odd, but as a child, I always wanted to own my own bank,” she smiles. “There’s a lot less stress if you just work for the bank but treat everyone, especially customers, as though you are the owner.”

She got her start in banking at First National Bank. Through time, she has maintained a strong belief in continuous improvement and growth through education. In fact, she has received a variety of certifications, including the Institute of Mortgage Lending: GML (Graduate of Mortgage Lending); MML (Masters of Mortgage Lending); CME (Certification of Mortgage Ethics); and CMI (Certified Mortgage Instructor).

Valuable Solutions

Those who work with Ellie and First United Bank Mortgage have access to a full range of valuable solutions.

“First United Bank Mortgage does conventional, VA, FHA, Tribal 184 and USDA Loans. In addition, we do down payment assistant loans through OHFA, REI and Community Action Agency,” she says. “We also have a great doctors’ loan. Plus, we have offices in Oklahoma and Texas, but can do a loan in almost any state.”

Ellie is proud of being part of an organization with deep local roots.

“We are a locally owned company, and we love to serve our communities,” Ellie points out. “We service most of our loans in Oklahoma, which simply means we don’t sell our loans.”

Passion for What She Does

The passion Ellie brings to the profession is easy to see.

“I love what I do, and I know this is not an 8-to-5 business. People are looking at homes after 5 a.m. and on the weekends. I pride myself in making myself available at any time,” Ellie says. “REALTORS® and borrowers have my cell number, and they know they don’t have to hesitate to call me.”

One of the most pivotal moments in life for Ellie came in 1995 when she opened her own mortgage brokerage company.

“By doing this, I got to learn every aspect of this industry. I learned to originate, process and almost underwrite my own loans,” Ellie says. “It was an experience that taught me a lot, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. After the death of my husband, I decided it was time to close up shop and get back into the banking world. It was the best decision I ever made.”

Family Fulfillment

Away from work, Ellie cherishes time with her family, including her daughter, Jennifer, who is an artist and is also well-known in the music industry for her gift for painting guitars. In fact, she was commissioned to paint a guitar for Willie Nelson that was given to him on his 80th birthday by his daughter.

Ellie has an ongoing love for her son, Christopher, who passed from lymphoma in August. His memory comforts her.

She also feels very thankful for her two granddaughters — Jade Castle Madden, who is a singer/songwriter, and Penny, who is 4 years old.

In her free time, Ellie enjoys time at church and time with her family.

As Ellie came of age, she expressed her creative side through 12 years of dance. In fact, she had wanted to become a member of the world-famous Rockettes dancing troupe.

“I was too short to do that, but I did a lot of Little Theatre Musicals while living in Ardmore,” she says. “I also hosted a weekly call-in radio talk show called Movin’ on Up! on KTOK AM 1000 for five years. I talked about and answered questions relating to the real estate industry.”

Caring for Dreams

As she reflects on her career, Ellie has a knack and love for caring for the dreams of others. As part of that, she is especially partial to working with veterans.

“The VA loan is my favorite. Any time I can help a veteran get into a home, I feel blessed and honored. First United Bank also gives a $300 credit toward their closing costs,” Ellie says.

“I love dealing with veterans because they are very organized and detailed. They are used to all the government documents and the process.”

When you are looking to partner with someone who will invest in your success by easing the way ahead for your clients, look to Ellie Wade and First United Bank Mortgage.

Contact

First United Bank Mortgage

today!

Website: ewade.firstunitedteam.com

Phone: 405-820-8269