Toni Thwaites

A LENDER FOR LIFE

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Jessica Laine Photography

After graduating from Central Michigan University in 2002, Toni Thwaites took a year to figure out her career path. She accepted a position at a mortgage company where she could learn about the business and the intricacies of originating mortgages. Seventeen years later, with countless transactions and a portfolio full of repeat clients, Toni has successfully built a career in the mortgage industry.

Since that time, Toni has worked for several different mortgage companies, learning the basic principles of the business and establishing relationships and a name for herself. Today, she is the branch manager for Ross Mortgage Corporation in Birmingham. “I have a strong loyalty to Ross,” Toni shared. “I relate to the ethics and morals of the company along with the amazing teamwork mentality.” When Toni was asked to open the Birmingham branch, she jumped at the opportunity. “I was thrilled to be a part of the milestone opening,” she said. “As a resident of Birmingham, I am familiar with the people, the community and the real estate agents — it’s a location that’s near and dear to my heart.”

With the understanding that people tend to do business with others they respect, Toni brings a personal touch to her transactions. “I take the time to get to know my referral partners and build relationships based on trust and excellent service,” she said. “My clients are guided through each step of the mortgage process because I want them to have the best experience possible.”

Many of Toni’s clients are repeat customers. She is often doing multiple loans and providing services to their referred friends and families. “My reputation sets me apart from others,” she explained. “My agents and clients don’t stress when they work with me because I bring peace-of-mind to the entire process and ensure everything runs smoothly and on time.”

In today’s market, mortgage programs and interest rates are generally remarkably similar. Therefore, Toni’s dedicated team works tirelessly to set themselves apart. Collaboratively, they stay current on industry trends and are attentive to their clients’ needs. “We know exactly what’s going on with every step of the transaction,” Toni said. “We offer concierge-style service with attention to detail at the top of the list.”

With 17 years in the mortgage business, Toni said she has seen it all. “At Ross, we know how important it is to stay on top of guideline changes and new policies,” she explained. “It’s part of our job to know when there’s an adjustment in the marketplace; we easily adapt, knowing everything could be different tomorrow.”

When Toni’s not guiding her clients through the mortgage process, she can be found socializing with her friends, working out or taking time to be with her daughter, Brooke, 10. Toni is a dedicated mother, and she and Brooke share a very special bond. They enjoy outdoor activities such as riding bikes and traveling the world. “My daughter is the light of my life,” Toni confided. “I love spending time with her, especially traveling. As she gets older, I look forward to traveling the world with her and introducing her to how people live throughout the world. I think travel is one of the best gifts I can give her to shape the woman she becomes.” Brooke will be entering 5th grade in the fall.

For Toni, success isn’t about a financial goal. Rather, success to her is creating and achieving a personal goal and finding success in the growth. “I know a lot of people who reached high financial status and yet, they did not find happiness,” Toni shared. “Don’t get me wrong, career growth is important and rewarding, but for me, success is found once you are happy and comfortable with who you are as a person. When that’s achieved, everything else falls into place.”

Among her clients and colleagues, Toni is known for her kind heart. She stands up for what she believes in and for those that she loves. “I want to be remembered for being a loving mother and friend,” she said.

As a beacon through the mortgage process, Toni looks forward to many more years of helping others during the most exciting time of their lives. “Buying a home is probably the biggest transaction of a person’s life,” Toni said. “I will continue to be an advocate for my clients and real estate partners. I want them to know I am here for them as their lender for life!”

Partner Spotlight - Toni Thwaites