CMG Home Loans is infusing its reverse mortgage space with new leaders in a dedicated effort to boost business in that sector.
The private mortgage banking firm just welcomed Kari Van Kleef, a decorated Reverse Mortgage Operations Manager with over 26 years of industry experience.
Van Kleef’s career began in 1998 in mortgage processing, before evolving into a focus on the reverse mortgage sphere around 2015. At Fairway Independent Mortgage, she was able to establish a new processing center for reverse transactions, grow the team from six members to 55, and develop a specialized training platform for originators.
During her tenure at Movement Mortgage, Van Kleef was credited with enhancing the company’s reverse division.
In her new role at CMG, she will work alongside a team of reverse professionals to enhance the firm’s presence in the sphere, including Reverse Mortgage Regional Manager (West) Gina Larson, Reverse Mortgage Regional Manager (Texas & East), Peter Klamkin, and VP of Reverse Mortgage Sean Kirksey.
“My passion for the reverse industry is extremely strong, and I was happy to find a place that offers the perfect platform for me to apply and enhance my skills,” said Van Kleef. “CMG embodies my core values – doing the right thing, putting people first, and going above and beyond. Their commitment to innovation and growth paired with their passionate leadership team made my decision to come to CMG easy.”
Van Kleef’s arrival marks one of several recent investments CMG Financial made to its reverse division, resulting in a 500% increase in HECM growth in the first seven months of 2024.
“We’re in a unique position in the market, with 1,400 traditional loan officers in the company who have pre-established relationships with clients that we can help wherever they are in life,” Kirskey pointed out. “CMG has already proven that we’re committed to developing the reverse space, as proven by our growth and addition of industry veterans like Kari.”
