What Are Top Producers Saying?

What Are Top Producers Saying?

Why Did You Choose to Work at Big Valley Mortgage?

I have been a lender for the past 13 years. I started in the Silicon Valley in the small, high-end town of Los Gatos. When I first started, I really did not know what to expect from any mortgage company, but since then, I have been through eight different companies. This has been an advantage to me, and I believe it is how I ended up here at Big Valley Mortgage.


In my past years, I have been with quite large mortgage companies and banks, never a broker. I have had folks promise the world to get me to join them, only to find out I was just another number to them. Big Valley will be my final stop in the Mortgage biz as long as they will have me, for many reasons, but one stands out the most to me and will always hold my feet firm here: they make me feel like family!


To have an environment where I do not feel like I am competing with the LO next door is priceless in this biz, because the fact is, we are all competitors, but the management environment from the top down makes us all feel like we are a team here to support each other.

Of course, we cannot be successful without having successful products, and BVM has these as well. We have almost all the loans available out there and the resources (scenario desk) to assist each loan officer


through each program. The rates are competitive enough to win against competing rates, but of course we lose some here and there to rates. But again, management never likes to see a deal go away more than we do. They will work with you to do what it takes (short of losing money) to win the deal.


As with all companies, BVM is not perfect and never will be, but as a team, we strive to be the best we can, and it shows. I am proud to be a part of this team, and the real estate community knows our reputation. I would actually like to mention what lender I am with; imagine that..

Professional headshot of Rob Popham wearing a light blue shirt, smiling against a dark gradient background.

The reasons that I came to Big Valley and remain with the company have to do with the culture and the ability to run your own business within the framework of the overall company structure.

While no company is perfect, Big Valley Mortgage was my choice because of some conversations with Kurt, who is the embodiment of our culture. From the top down, it was clear that we are here to have an environment where we can succeed as individuals in our business and where the individual is respected beyond the dollars and cents of the business we produce. It shows up in the content of the loan officer Summits as well as the day-to-day interactions between the Big Valley teammates.


Rob Popham, NMLS #241174
Senior Residential Mortgage Consultant (Licensed in CA)

Headshot of Des Lenz wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and maroon tie, smiling against a dark gradient background.

I value the opportunity to utilize the resources and financial foundation that APM has to offer as the underlying strength for my own personal business. There is support and encouragement to build our brand, grow our business, and still have the individual touch that is unique to our own business model. We have great people and a great platform to use to succeed at a level of our choosing.


Des Lenz, NMLS #212971, DRE #01140423
Senior Mortgage Consultant (Licensed in CA and WA)

The list of real benefits of working with Big Valley Mortgage is substantial.

  • Management is supportive and helpful to get you where you want to go
  • Management is always reachable and ready to lend a hand
  • Urgent matters will be helped by management
  • New programs are always in the works to make BVM a LEADER in purchase business . For example, a KOT for fast closing and now even a Pre-Approval KOT
  • Pre-Approvals can be pre-underwritten in a timely matter
  • Able to communicate with processing, underwriting, and funding directly to get answers fast
  • Management has daily review meetings on difficult loan issues, which allows a potential problem’s outcome to be known and answered in advance. This is outstanding.

  • Local Lender with direct communication in all departments. This is huge!
  • Excellent Reputation in the market place
  • Pro-Active in the Loan Process . BVM is always working to improve and stay ahead of the market and competition.

  • Offices are wonderful and have a good environment
  • Outstanding and friendly staff that are all hard workers
  • Equipment and Technology that are needed and provided
  • Processing and Assistance are outstanding, and we work hard to get loans through a timely manner.
  • Education is always available and very good
  • Bridge – on-line access to underwriting guidelines is immediate for answers
  • Help Line – to ask questions and get answers quickly.
  • Technical Help on site with computer and technology needs
  • Marketing is exceptional and will do whatever they can to help you succeed
  • Marketing specialized help with your own systems and ideas
  • Marketing offers quick, turn-key items to reach your customers
  • High Pay
  • Simple and easy-to-understand pay structure and timely/accurate payments
  • Excellent HR Benefits
  • Management and Employees are extremely knowledgeable of the mortgage business, professional, proactive, and hardworking to meet the goals and expectations of our clients and customers.


Headshot of Kristy Ruhkala wearing a dark blazer and patterned blouse, smiling against a dark gradient background.

Impressive is the honest and hardworking management and employees that have come together for one common goal: to close loans quickly and efficiently in a demanding realtor/client environment, which is extremely competitive. I feel privileged to be a part of Big Valley Mortgage and the entire team, which are real professionals and great individuals. I would enthusiastically recommend anyone to Big Valley Mortgage who has the same professionalism, work ethic, and human kindness.


Kristy Ruhkala, NMLS #256835
Senior Loan Officer (Licensed in CA)

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