For nearly a decade, Greg Bolton has been a trusted name in the Albany, Oregon community as the branch manager at Landmark Professional Mortgage. With roots that trace back to his childhood, Greg’s deep connection to Albany, paired with his extensive experience in the mortgage industry, has made him a go-to resource for homebuyers and homeowners alike.
Greg’s story began in Oregon, where he was born before moving to California at a young age. However, it wasn’t long before his family returned to the Pacific Northwest, settling in Albany when Greg was around eight years old. “I’ve been in Oregon since I was probably eight years old,” Greg recalls. “We moved up here in 1971, and the area has been home ever since.”
Greg attended South Albany High School and eventually embarked on a career in the mortgage industry in 1985, just after college. Over the years, he has seen the industry go through significant changes, and his vast experience has equipped him with the knowledge to navigate even the most challenging market conditions.
The Landmark Professional Mortgage Difference
Landmark Professional Mortgage stands out in the competitive world of home loans, not just because of its longevity but also because of its commitment to personalized service. As a family-owned business, Landmark Professional Mortgage survived the 2008 market crash—a time when many companies crumbled—by adhering to conservative lending practices. This cautious approach has allowed them to continue serving the community with integrity and reliability.
“Our survival through the 2008 market crash was due to being conservative in our lending practices and spending,” Greg explains. “Even with the challenges of high rates and housing prices over the past couple of years, we’ve managed to stay afloat by making adjustments that help our clients.”
What sets Landmark Professional Mortgage apart is its flexibility. Unlike large national companies, Landmark Professional Mortgage can pivot quickly to meet the needs of its clients. This flexibility is further enhanced by Greg’s role as a mortgage broker.
“I have the ability to shop lenders and loan products, so I’m not hemmed into any particular banks,” Greg explains. “This allows me to offer my clients a wide variety of options to find what works best for them.” Whether it’s interest rates, down payments, or specific lender guidelines, Greg is always looking for the best option for each client.
First-Time Albany Homebuyers
For those entering the housing market in Albany for the first time, Greg has some straightforward advice. “Make sure your credit is good,” he emphasizes. “That’s huge.” He also advises prospective buyers to save diligently for a down payment and be prepared for closing costs. “In today’s market, you’ll likely need at least $12,000 for a down payment and another $8,000 for closing costs,” Greg notes. “But with $20,000, you can easily get into a home.”
Greg is well-versed in the variety of loan programs available, including FHA, USDA, and VA loans, each offering unique benefits depending on the buyer’s situation. “There are plenty of options, and as a broker, I can guide clients to the program that fits them best.”
The Value of Refinancing an Albany Home
When it comes to refinancing your home in the Albany area, Greg offers a commonly cited “rule of thumb”: consider refinancing if you can lower your interest rate by at least 1%. However, he quickly adds that this is not a hard and fast rule that fits every scenario. “It really depends on the individual’s situation,” Greg explains. “I’ve helped clients refinance even when the rate drop wasn’t substantial because it allowed them to remove mortgage insurance or consolidate debt, ultimately lowering their monthly payments.”
Greg’s approach is tailored to each client’s needs, ensuring they make informed decisions that benefit their financial situation in the long run.
Despite living in Salem since 1994, Greg’s ties to Albany remain strong. “I grew up in Albany and Lebanon, so it’s always felt like home to me,” he shares. His affection for the area is evident in his active involvement in the community. Greg participates in local organizations like Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce Greeters and contributes to charities such as Furniture Share.
When he’s not helping clients or giving back to the community, Greg enjoys visiting local spots like Loafers Station and Brick & Mortar Cafe for a good meal, and Margin Coffee for his caffeine fix.
Why Choose Landmark Professional Mortgage Albany?
At the heart of Greg’s work is a simple but powerful commitment: to make the mortgage process as smooth and positive as possible for his clients. “We’ll do what it takes to make the experience the best it can be,” Greg asserts. This dedication is supported by Landmark’s local loan processors, underwriters, and the flexibility that comes with being a smaller, family-owned business.
For those in the Albany area looking to purchase a home or considering refinancing, Greg Bolton and Landmark Professional Mortgage offer a combination of experience, local expertise, and personalized service that’s hard to beat.
If you’re in the market for a mortgage or considering refinancing, Greg Bolton is here to help. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the Albany community, Greg is ready to guide you through the process and find the best solution for your needs. Reach out to Greg at Landmark Professional Mortgage in Albany, OR, or call him directly at 503-881-3323.
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Dec. 22nd, 2022