At SoFi Technologies, our Mortgage Consultants are one of the guiding lights that illuminate the path towards homeownership, helping individuals and families turn their dreams into tangible realities. With our acquisition of Wyndham Capital Mortgage earlier this year comes the arrival of exceptional employees joining the SoFi family. One such employee, Kara Whitman, Senior Mortgage Consultant spent 12 years with Wyndham before transitioning to SoFi, and she has an unwavering commitment to helping our members achieve their aspirations of owning a home. In this Q&A, we learn about her remarkable journey highlighting her dedication to personal and professional growth, her cherished moments as a working mother, and the pride she takes in her career achievements.
Tell us about your role and how you support our members!
While it may sound obvious, my ultimate goal is to help our members achieve their homeownership goals! My role entails guiding members through the mortgage maze to purchase a home or refinance an existing one. I support our members by providing exceptional customer service while making the mortgage process as straightforward as possible. Mortgages are complicated and I want my clients to know that I am their advocate to help educate and empower them to fully understand the process and make the best financial decision for them and their loved ones. Establishing a trusting relationship with all of my clients is the cornerstone of my work, and includes partnering with them to put together a mortgage strategy that meets their individual needs.
Which of SoFi's 11 core values resonates with you most?
Helping people grow is crucial on my team as well as in my life. The mortgage industry is always changing and we must continue to adapt and grow in order to be successful. I strive to be a role model and inspiration to my team, showing that it may not be easy, however, we can do it—and do it better together. I have been lucky enough to mentor others both professionally and personally, inspiring them to keep going and never give up. There is room for everyone to be successful if you support and uplift each other. By helping others, my life is more meaningful, fulfilled, and enriched. The best feeling is being a part of another's success story and truly impacting their life in a positive way both in the office and outside of the office.
Which SoFi benefit do you appreciate most?
I deeply value the flexible work environment that SoFi provides, as it enables me to strike a balance between my professional and personal life. The option I have to work remotely not only underscores the company's support for a healthy work/life balance, but also empowers me to be a present and dedicated working mother. This way, I can actively participate in my children's special moments while wholeheartedly fulfilling my responsibilities as an employee. This level of flexibility means I can readily assist members on their homeownership journey without compromising the quality time I spend with my children every single day. In a world where time is our most precious resource, having the opportunity to allocate the majority of it to what matters to me most—my family and my career—is truly remarkable. I am so thankful for SoFi's accommodating work environment, which has allowed me to thrive in both essential facets of my life.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of my personal journey. I started in the mortgage industry just after college graduation, having limited knowledge of mortgages or homeownership—and have quickly risen to become a high producer. At the beginning of my career, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but was determined to make a name for myself and create a legacy I would be proud of. Throughout the journey, there have been numerous obstacles and setbacks, which caused me to question whether or not this was the right path. But through it all, I've learned how to effectively manage stress and establish a healthy work-life balance. Over the years, I have been able to become financially independent, start a family, own multiple homes and be in the top .01% originators across the country. I am proud to be a mentor to others, instilling hope and inspiration that the journey may not be easy— but with enough tenacity, it is possible and so worth it!
As Kara continues to light the way for those embarking on their homeownership journeys, her story stands as a testament to the power of resilience, the beauty of shared success, and the remarkable opportunities that await those willing to take on the challenge.
The individual featured is a SoFi employee. Their personal experiences, obviously, do not take into account your own specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. Results will vary.
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