Interview Series – Jeff Novotny of George Mason Mortgage

May 4, 2021

Welcome to our very first interview!!!

On the call, I had the opportunity to chat with Jeff Novotny of George Mason Mortgage.

We talked about the new brokerage, long walks on the beach, and what the Jeff Novotny Lending Team stands for.

Jeff has a team and provides his clients an amazing experience. No transaction is perfect but the procedures Jeff and his team have in place really help make the home financing experience as positive as possible.

The barrier to entry into the field was a little more of a hurdle than he thought. Coming from the insurance industry, Jeff quickly learned that a lot of companies in the mortgage industry were not willing to take someone looking for a part-time career. About five years ago, Jeff set a vision and business plan to provide excellence for his clients along the way. He has followed it ever since and adopted the tagline, “Hard work, works.”

Time is the central component that is finite and the business systems that run the show behind the scenes are something Jeff and his team do very well. Communication is key and allows for constant improvement.

The favorite memory Jeff has does not revolve around an award or an easy transaction. His favorite memory was helping a client that was being overlooked by other mortgage loan officers and was going through a challenging time. He drove the client to the IRS office to get the needed documentation (without an appointment) to help better the experience for the client and tailor the strategy to the client. This mentality allows Jeff to provide the highest level of service possible.

On the community service front, Jeff focuses on giving back to the veteran communities and participates in Operation Second Chance. Every year he solicits sponsorships to bike from Pittsburgh to DC in the ride called, Ride Allegheny. Last year, over $600,000 was raised and typically, $500,000 – $600,000 is raised per year by 120-130 cyclists.

Buyers in today’s market are experiencing a brutal market and we have not seen anything like this. Buyers are cashing out retirement accounts and getting caught up in an auction-like mentality. For Jeff’s clients, he focuses on education to help them understand the market and the low rate environment we are in. The financing contingency can also be strengthened by the process Jeff follows to have the underwriter review the follow to make the listing agent, seller, and buyer feel confident in Jeff’s ability to help the buyer secure a loan.

I always learn so much. Jeff follows the financial market. I follow the real estate market – resales and new construction. Exciting stuff so be sure to tune in, like, and subscribe!

Upcoming Classes – Accredited Buyer Representative on May 24 and 25 in Arlington, VA