Dearest friends;

I am excited to announce the opening of Kirkland Mortgage Services.  We are a branch of Mortgage Master Service Corporation, a local mortgage banker that has been serving our area for over 17 years.  We are excited to begin this new venture, as it will enable us to provide our clients with increased access to more loan programs, improved service and better interest rates.

Sunset West Mortgage has been originating broker loans since 1992.  During that time, the mortgage broker business model flourished.  As recently as three years ago, mortgage brokers originated 65% of all residential loans in the country.  Last year, that number was 40% and next year the number will continue to drop, perhaps to less then 25% of the business.

As mortgage brokers are continuing to be marginalized, this move became simply a matter of timing.  Underwriting standards and mortgage insurance guidelines are now more stringent for broker originated loans.  The number of active purchasers of broker originated loans is less than 20% of what it was in 2006, and that number continues to drop, as more wholesalers leave the business.  Mortgage brokers had some of the most competitive rates available, which is simply no longer the case.

Consequently, this move is simply a reflection of my desire to do the right thing for my clients.  Though I am now a mortgage banker, with all the advantages that entails, I will also retain the ability to broker loans, giving my clients the best of both worlds.

I look forward to continuing to serve you and your friends in my new capacity for years to come.  Should you have any questions, please let me know, I’m here to help.

Your Personal Mortgage Banker!

Jon Dillingham

Senior Loan Officer

Oh, by the way... whenever you have clients, friends or family members thinking about buying, selling or refinancing a home and you would like them to experience the level of service that we provide, I would love to help them.  Just give me a call with their name and number and I will be happy to follow up and take care of their real estate financing needs!