Meet our North Conway staff, a bunch of native consultants devoted to understanding the banking wants of the Higher Mount Washington Valley area.
– Susan Perry, Senior Vice President, Industrial Mortgage Officer
– Will Perez-Moya, Department Supervisor
– Kathy Sanderson, Sr. Residential Mortgage Mortgage Originator (NMLS 409084)
– Thomas Rubino, Common Banker 1
We requested our staff questions on their lives right here in MWV, their place on the financial institution, how they’re concerned in the neighborhood and their ideas on the housing scenario within the space. We hope you take pleasure in attending to know them and studying extra about their ideas about residing right here in Conway!
How lengthy have you ever lived within the MWV, and what introduced you to this space?
Susan:
I’ve lived in Chatham, New Hampshire (1 mile from Conway) for 34 years. I moved to the world after getting married, as my husband grew up on this space and lived right here his complete life.
Will:
I’ve lived in Conway for 2 years. The job alternatives and the world’s stunning pure environment are what initially attracted me to this group.
Kathy:
Moved from Central Florida 20 years in the past to North Conway. We wished to have our daughter expertise 4 seasons in a slower paced rural setting.
Are you able to share your skilled journey in banking and the way you got here to work at Union Financial institution?
Susan:
I’ve been working in banking since 1989, beginning first as a teller at a financial institution on Congress Avenue in Portland, Maine, and them relocating to the previous White Mountain Nationwide Financial institution after I moved to the world. I began with WMNB as a Buyer Service Consultant and moved round for a number of years, lastly ending up as a Credit score Analyst.
When WMNB was acquired by First NH, my job was eradicated so I moved to the previous Berlin Metropolis Financial institution as their first Credit score Analyst. I used to be with Berlin Metropolis (aka Northway Financial institution) for greater than 17 years, rising the credit score division from simply me to a big staff. As well as, I established a small enterprise program often called the Northway Enterprise Categorical program the place we helped a whole bunch of companies with working capital strains of credit score and gear purchases.
After 17 years, I used to be introduced with the chance to journey the nation and took a job in Software program Implementation for a Industrial Lending LOS system. I used to be liable for assembly with Banks throughout the nation to find out their wants with the software program they bought, then configured the software program to fulfill their wants. Over the 5 years that I did this job I helped greater than 100 banks implement this software program and enhance their efficiencies.
Six years in the past, Union Financial institution was trying to open a mortgage manufacturing workplace in North Conway, and I’ve been right here since.
Will:
I started my profession on the financial institution as a Common Banker, and since final June I’ve been serving because the Department Supervisor.
Kathy:
I began in Banking as a Teller and moved over shortly to New Accounts and after just a few years began my profession in Residential Mortgage Financing. My husband is self-employed as a Dental Lab Technician in North Conway.
Thomas:
I began my banking profession at Norway Financial savings Financial institution a bit of over 5 years in the past now. My father and mom had been each in banking (father nonetheless is) and after just a few years in retail gross sales, I made a decision it was time to attempt it out and see if that profession path was price switching to.
I wore many hats whereas I labored for Norway Financial savings Financial institution and when it got here time to maneuver to a totally new city, I wanted to seek out one thing nearer. Fortunately, the department supervisor on the time right here was a former co-worker from Norway Financial savings so it was an easy transition!
What do you take pleasure in most about working right here?
Susan:
My favourite a part of my job helps individuals and companies obtain their dream of enterprise possession or enterprise progress. I take pleasure in working at Union Financial institution as our choices are made regionally, however people who’re invested of their communities and the individuals who stay there.
Will:
What I take pleasure in most is working with my unbelievable colleagues. Now we have a supportive, customer-focused staff, and it’s rewarding to be a part of such a collaborative setting.
Kathy:
I like working for an area Group Financial institution and the assist I’ve at Union Financial institution in my position and outreach efforts in Mount Washington Valley.
Thomas:
I feel the factor that I take pleasure in essentially the most about working right here is seeing the satisfaction coming from our prospects after we’ve accomplished all we are able to to assist them with their banking wants.
There’s no higher feeling than seeing a buyer extraordinarily joyful after having a relationship transferred over to us or perhaps a new relationship, and so they reward the complete employees for all their onerous work. It’s such a tremendous feeling.
Do you may have any private or household historical past of rising up or attending faculty within the North Conway space?
Susan:
My husband grew up in Chatham and attended colleges in Fryeburg, Mainer. My youngsters additionally attended faculty in Fryeburg, each having graduated from Fryeburg Academy.
Will:
I grew up in a distinct nation the place I lived close to the mountains, about two hours from the coast. In that manner, transferring to North Conway has felt acquainted, because the pure panorama right here jogs my memory of dwelling.
What do you consider the housing market in MWV? How has it modified over time?
Susan:
The housing market within the Mt. Washington Valley may be very powerful. The demand for properties to personal or hire far exceeds the provision of obtainable models. Communities and builders work onerous to seek out alternatives to generate new stock, nevertheless, in current instances, the associated fee is prohibitive, and the brand new building tends to lean towards the second owners or rich people.
Kathy:
In my twenty years residing in North Conway and being very concerned within the native housing promote it has change from a really rural setting to now a significant four-season vacationer space. There are a lot of 2nd houses being offered within the final 4 years which limits housing for the oldsters that work in our space. Housing costs have additionally soared upwards. This makes housing affordability for locals very tough.
What recommendation would you give first-time homebuyers in Conway or the encircling areas?
Kathy:
Hunt down a mortgage skilled that may information you step-by-step for a future profitable dwelling shopping for expertise. It’s by no means too early to get educated!
Susan:
Be affected person, work on ensuring your private scenario is one of the best it may be by eradicated bank card debt, and so on. Avoid wasting cash so you may have the funds wanted to buy a house and be open to residing in surrounding communities.
Will:
For first-time homebuyers in Conway, my recommendation is to be ready and act shortly. I not too long ago made the error of not doing that, and it looks like my spouse and I missed the prospect to purchase our dream dwelling.
Be sure you’re pre-approved for a mortgage (with Union Financial institution, after all) so you can also make a proposal with confidence, as competitors is excessive. It’s additionally essential to work with an area realtor who understands the particular market developments in Conway. Be versatile along with your wants and take into account properties simply exterior of Conway, which can be extra reasonably priced whereas nonetheless providing quick access to the city’s facilities.
How does the financial institution assist prospects navigate mortgages, particularly given the native housing developments?
Susan:
Now we have a wonderful staff of Mortgage Originators, particularly Kathy Sanderson, who cowl New Hampshire.
Kathy:
We associate with Housing Finance businesses for Dwelling-buying courses and availability for down fee help. We even have many mortgage applications for distinctive properties and supply construct mortgage applications that may accommodate homebuyers wants.
Will:
The financial institution affords personalised mortgage providers to assist prospects navigate the native housing market. We offer pre-qualification and pre-approval providers to provide patrons a bonus in a aggressive market. Kathy Sanderson, our mortgage mortgage originator helps educate patrons on the various kinds of loans out there, together with first-time dwelling purchaser applications, which could provide decrease down funds or higher phrases.
What native components, like value of residing or neighborhood developments, ought to homebuyers in MWV pay attention to?
Will:
Homebuyers in Conway ought to pay attention to the rising value of residing, particularly with property costs and taxes growing. Moreover, North Conway’s sturdy tourism business contributes to the native economic system, which might have an effect on housing demand, particularly for second houses or trip properties.
Patrons also needs to take into account the supply of native facilities similar to colleges, healthcare, and the proximity to leisure actions, that are key to Conway’s attraction. Current neighborhood developments and the city’s deal with sustaining its allure can even affect property values, so keeping track of native zoning modifications and infrastructure tasks is essential for long-term funding planning.
Kathy:
Learn as a lot as you possibly can in regards to the native market and future alternatives they’re ceaselessly altering. Ask questions of your mortgage skilled. We’re right here to assist even at nights or weekends.
How do you keep engaged with the group exterior of labor?
Susan:
I’m the Secretary/Treasurer of the Mt. Washington Valley Financial Council, the treasurer of The Mom Seton Home and concerned with the Fryeburg Honest.
When my youngsters had been rising up, I used to be very concerned of their colleges, rec applications, booster golf equipment, and so on. I used to be additionally concerned with the Pink Cross after we had an area workplace within the Mt. Washington Valley years in the past.
Kathy:
I’m concerned with Memorial Hospital/Important Med in North Conway. My membership with Mt Washington Valley Chamber retains me linked with enterprise leaders in the neighborhood. My involvement with the White Mountain Realtors and Affiliate committees is a superb what to remain linked with my referral sources. All of those sources present Union Financial institution with many advertising alternatives and relationships.
What do you like most about residing within the North Conway space? Are there any specific features of the area you assume make it an awesome place to stay?
Susan:
The Mt Washington Valley is a superb place to stay. Now we have fabulous meals choices, actions to maintain most individuals busy and cultural occasions similar to native theater productions.
Will:
What I like most about Conway is the unbelievable pure magnificence mixed with the welcoming group spirit. The proximity to the White Mountains makes it good for out of doors actions, similar to mountaineering, snowboarding, and scenic drives. The city has a singular mix of small-town allure and vibrant tourism, so there’s at all times one thing occurring whereas nonetheless feeling peaceable. The sturdy sense of group and native satisfaction actually make it an awesome place to stay.
Kathy:
There may be by no means a scarcity of actions in MWV. Being a four-season resort space you may have many selections to benefit from the open air and inside actions or occasions.
Thomas:
I feel what I take pleasure in essentially the most about residing on this space is the truth that you don’t need to journey far to go from bustling metropolis life the place each avenue nook is a distinct retailer to accommodate most wants, to driving simply 5 minutes out of city and you’re already immersed within the breathtaking mountain views and a brief drive into the nationwide parks. You actually do get one of the best of each walks of life residing right here.
For brand new residents trying to become involved, what native organizations, group actions, or occasions would you advocate they try?
Susan:
Control the Conway Day by day Solar and Social Media; there are such a lot of issues occurring in and across the space to maintain most individuals engaged.
What are your favourite native spots to go to with household or buddies?
Susan:
There may be nothing extra calming that driving north on Route 16 and catching a glimpse of a snow-covered Mt. Washington within the background. There are such a lot of fabulous eating places within the space, and all are so good. Favourite eating places embody SeaDog Brewing, the WildRose at Stonehurst Manor, the White Mountain Resort and Massive Dave’s Bagels. Buying has modified over time, with many shops leaving the world and new specialty shops taking their place. It’s usually tough to seek out objects similar to a costume shirt for an important day, however entry to raised procuring is barely a brief drive away.
Will:
A few of my favourite native spots embody Echo Lake State Park, the place you possibly can take pleasure in picnicking and mountaineering with beautiful views of Cathedral Ledge. For eating, I like stopping by The Wild Rose Restaurant at Stonehurst Manor for nice native meals. Buying at Settlers Inexperienced can also be a should, providing a variety of retailers and distinctive retailers that attraction to each locals and guests alike.
Kathy:
I take pleasure in Schouler Park in North Conway. A lot of strolling and driving trails. Within the Winter cross nation or snowshoeing is offered to take pleasure in. My favourite restaurant is Black Cap Grill. Regionally owned and operated.
How have you ever seen Conway develop or change over time, notably in areas like housing or native providers?
Susan:
The realm continues to develop and evolve; the Mt. Washington Valley is a vacationer vacation spot, and the expansion we’ve seen is said to this business. Space sights similar to Cranmore Mountain proceed to increase and enhance their operations to draw extra guests to the world. We want housing for individuals who stay and work right here and lodging for individuals who like to go to and play right here. The realm must discover a good steadiness between the 2.
Thomas:
I grew up in Bartlet NH which is simply down the street from Conway. I bear in mind when this complete space was once quite a bit much less busy and crowded than it’s immediately.
I’d say the enterprise inhabitants right here has elevated tremendously since I used to be in my youth, visiting right here fairly repeatedly. The realm has introduced extra numerous enterprise that the world on the time didn’t have so I’d say that the expansion this space has had was a blessing.
What would you advocate to somebody transferring to Conway concerning housing or settling into the group?
Thomas:
For somebody transferring to Conway, I like to recommend working with Kathy. She actually understands the distinctive housing market right here. Whereas the housing stock might be aggressive, there are alternatives if you happen to’re affected person and ready. Become involved in the neighborhood early on by attending city occasions and visiting native companies—it’s a good way to really feel settled and meet individuals.
Kathy:
Instantly become involved in the neighborhood. Volunteering is a good way to remain linked and meet locals that may show you how to navigate your MWV expertise.
What are some native landmarks, companies, or occasions that maintain particular that means for you?
Kathy:
Memorial Hospital is expensive to my coronary heart.
We Look Ahead To Assembly You!
We hope this glimpse into our staff has helped you get to know us higher. We stay up for constructing a long-lasting relationship with you and supporting your monetary wants.
Union Financial institution is proud to serve North Conway with a devoted staff dedicated to creating a optimistic influence in our group. Whether or not you’re opening an account, searching for a mortgage, or in search of monetary recommendation, we’re right here to assist. Cease by immediately or contact us to expertise the distinction we are able to make for you!
