Focus on Countrywide: Senior Vice President Joseph HarveyMortgagePress.comwholesale, lending, NAMB
Joseph Harvey is senior vice president for the eastern division
of the Wholesale Lending Division of Countrywide Home Loans,
America's Wholesale Lender. He is responsible for the daily
production and operation of the Wholesale Lending Division's four
eastern regions, which encompass 28 local branches, east of the
Mississippi River.
In this capacity, Mr. Harvey has the distinction of working
closely alongside Mortgage Brokers, many of whom are members of the
National Association of Mortgage Brokers. "I have maintained a
long-time, continued support of NAMB. Countrywide's constant
involvement has allowed us to assist the association in making
their voice heard from both a legislative standpoint on Capitol
Hill, and as major players in the mortgage origination market."
"It is important for Countrywide to recognize the roles that
Mortgage Brokers play, the roles they have played and will continue
to play in attaining their large market share. We believe that they
are going to remain a major force in mortgage lending, and by
partnering with NAMB, it adds value to my company's role within the
industry," explains Mr. Harvey.
According to Mr. Harvey, product diversity, dedication,
stability and customer service are the keys to selecting a good
lender, which are qualities that he feels his company both
possesses and applies. However, like any good broker, he believes
that the borrower's needs should take precedence: "Our primary goal
is to point the borrower towards the loan, pricing and product that
best fits their needs."
Mr. Harvey also credits the broker-business partnership for a
large percentage of the record-breaking year (2001) in
applications, pipelines and funding that Countrywide has enjoyed.
"We owe a large part of the record-breaking months we have enjoyed
to the dedication of our employees and the brokers whom we serve,"
he says. "With more than 50 branches providing easy access across
the country, we have footprints in more areas than most other
lenders."
He also points to technology as a major deciding factor for the
success of the mortgage industry in the coming years. "The key for
the continued success of the wholesale lender and their partner,
the broker, has been largely due to technology. The way that
brokers receive pricing is instantaneous, and I believe that we
have only touched the tip of the iceberg. With the development of
online closing services, we are in a good position to take what we
have now to the next level."
Mr. Harvey feels that with a strong NAMB membership, a sense of
participation and a pronounced national presence, the industry will
flourish for years to come. "Mortgage Brokers have steadily
escalated their percentage of mortgage originations through the
years, and will remain a major force in mortgage lending. Brokers
will continue to enjoy a great relationship with us, due to the
human relationships that they offer us."
