Meet Jeff Markell | Sr. Mortgage Consultant and Reverse Mortgage Evangelist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff Markell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As far as in life, I have sought out, trained for and accomplished physical challenges such as climbing Mt. Whitney and riding in Centuries (100-mile bike rides.) There is great personal satisfaction in finishing these demanding events and risk is injury or even worse.

In my career, working as a Broker for commission and no safety net of a salary, there is great risk of being able to provide for my family and juggling the demand of working exhausting hours. Many years ago, my Grandmother was dying in a nursing home and we all thought her mind was gone. In a brief moment of clarity, she spoke to me about my Dad and how he worked the same job for so many years and did the same thing every day and how I was not wired that way and I would find my path. I didn’t understand at the time, but I do now.

I don’t do well with “Groundhog Day” and the mortgage business brings me and all who are in it different people, different scenarios, different outcomes and different successes every day. No two days are alike.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I don’t know if you’d ever run across anyone in the Mortgage Industry that would say it is easy. It can take many years to achieve success and the guidelines are constantly changing which keeps us all on our toes.

There are challenges every day and I’ve learned the way to approach them is t0 address them ASAP and have a solid game plan in place. We all get surprises, but many challenges that come up have happened before.

I love the saying, “some will, some won’t, so what, next.” We will win, we will lose, but it is important to not get too high or too low, another transaction will come along.

As a Veteran, I love to help my fellow Vets with their mortgage. Many people are unaware Veterans by and large have greater credit scores and have greater reserves than somone who hasn’t served. The discipline taught in the service carries over into real life.

I’m really enjoying serving the senior community with Reverse Mortgages. I will lead with they are not for every senior and have had a bad rap in the past. Today’s Reverse can be a life and legacy saver for many older Americans.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve been privileged to spend time in many States and have spent most of my life in Southern California. Many locals know that you can visit the mountains and the ocean in the same day. Can you ski and surf in any other State in the same day? Also, living in Orange County and close to Disneyland is a great perk many families enjoy.

The list is endless for the great restaurants that are available to enjoy. You name the kind of food you like and there will be a slew of good choices to enjoy.

The golf courses in and around Sothern California is amazing and with great weather, there are plenty of good days to play.

People-watching is a favorite hobby of mine and I’ve found I can enjoy it best by going to Santa Anita Race Track or driving over to Venice Beach. Another great place is Palm Springs. It can be a little on the warm side, but good for a couple day trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that have contributed to my success, I’d like to recognize some of them. First, my parents. From the time I was a young boy, they encouraged me to explore and learn all that I could. In school, I strived to be the best student and won some awards for my academic prowess. In sports, I gave everything I had to help my team win. After high school, I went on a road trip with a good friend and we visited many States over a 30 day period. I have lived in different States and enjoyed the culture of different areas.

My wife and kids are instrumental from the standpoint of being patient while I got everything figured out.

My business partner is a great resource for life decisions and industry knowledge.

The brokerage (Empire Home Loans,) I hang my licenses at is the best place I could imagine finishing out my career. We are growing like wildfire and the three principals of the company are assembling an amazing group of loan officers who are both professional and personal fits with each other.

Website: https://empirehomeloansteamoc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empirehomeloansteamoc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreymarkell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empirehomeloansteamoc

Other: https://www.facebook.com/jeff4reverse/ https://www.instagram.com/jeff4reverse/