Today we’d like to introduce you to Erez Shimoni.
Hi Erez, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After graduating college, I started working at a mortgage company doing more of the administrative and support side of the business. I really didn’t know much about mortgages at the time, but I was fortunate to be around people who were willing to teach me and help me learn the industry from the ground up.
Like a lot of people starting out, the first few years were very difficult. I worked for a few different companies, trying to find the right fit and build a career. There were definitely times when I questioned whether this was the right path for me. Looking back, I’m very thankful that I didn’t give up, because after about two years, things finally started to come together.
What started as an entry-level position turned into a career that I’ve now been in for over 26 years. Throughout that time, the mortgage industry has changed tremendously, but one thing has stayed the same: I still enjoy helping people achieve homeownership and finding solutions for clients when others can’t.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely was not a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges in the mortgage business, especially when you’re starting out, is that most real estate agents already have established relationships with loan officers they know and trust. Breaking into those relationships and getting an opportunity to prove yourself can be very difficult.
Early in my career, I spent a lot of time meeting with realtors, making calls, attending open houses, and trying to earn even a small opportunity to show what I could do. I quickly learned that success in this business isn’t just about knowing mortgages—it’s about building trust and consistently delivering for your clients and referral partners.
There were certainly times when I felt discouraged, especially in the beginning, but I stayed persistent. Once I was given opportunities and was able to demonstrate my knowledge, responsiveness, and commitment to helping clients, I slowly began building lasting relationships. Looking back, those challenges taught me resilience and the importance of earning trust, which are lessons that still guide me today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What I believe sets me apart from many other mortgage professionals is my focus on education and communication rather than sales. Over the years, I’ve learned that buying a home can be overwhelming, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or someone who has purchased several homes before. There is a tremendous amount of information to process, and it’s often difficult for clients to fully understand and remember everything discussed during a phone call.
To help solve this, I’ve embraced technology and video communication in a way that many lenders do not. Every client who contacts me receives personalized videos explaining their mortgage options, monthly payments, closing costs, and the overall loan process. This allows them to review the information multiple times at their own pace and come back with more informed questions.
I’ve found that this approach not only creates a better experience for the client, but it also makes the process easier for real estate agents because buyers become more educated and more confident in their decisions. My goal has never been to sell someone a mortgage product. Instead, I focus on educating clients, presenting options, and helping them make the best decision for their individual situation.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built over the past 26 years. Many of my clients and referral partners have been with me for years, and I believe that’s because they know my approach is centered on transparency, education, and putting the client’s interests first.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
While I don’t rely heavily on business books or podcasts, there is certainly a lot of value in those resources. Personally, I’ve always been more of a hands-on learner and tend to stay current by reading industry news and researching new technologies.
Some of the publications and websites I regularly follow include National Mortgage News, Mortgage News Daily, HousingWire, The Close, and The Blueprint, among others. I find that staying on top of market trends, new loan programs, and industry changes is critical in the mortgage business.
From a technology standpoint, I’m always looking for tools that can improve the client experience. I use platforms like Mortgage Maker and Loom extensively, particularly for creating personalized educational videos for clients. I’ve found that leveraging technology and video communication helps borrowers better understand the mortgage process, reduces confusion, and ultimately creates a better experience for both clients and real estate agents.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.applywitherez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mortgagesbyerez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erez.shimoni.73/#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erez-shimoni-mortgage
