In this edition of the CCRIM Member Focus we will chat with Nate Ellis a lender for Residential Pacific Mortgage (RPM) the 2007 Contra Costa Realtors in Motion (CCRIM) Affiliate of the Year.  Nate is the Vice President of CCRIM for 2008 and also served as the VP in 2007.  He keeps us entertained every Tuesday morning with his selection of music for the day.  CCRIM had a chance to interview Nate and find out a little more about him.

CCRIM: How did you get into the Real Estate Mortgage business?

Nate Ellis: Honestly it found me.  Just before I got into the business in 2000, I was working in my worst job ever.  It was a completely thankless job that was running me ragged.  Honestly how many shoes does a woman need to try on during Prom Season?

CCRIM: You sold Woman's Shoes?

Nate Ellis: Yes, Just like Al Bundy.  It's amazing what a woman will do so her feet look cute.  I must have said "I don't have that shoe in a 10, only a 6 ½ "a thousand times and they almost always reply "I'll take the 6 ½".  So when I got a call from a finance company that saw my resume on Monster.com asking me if I was looking for a change, I kicked my heels in the air and ran for the door.

CCRIM: What other jobs did you have before getting into Real Estate?

Nate Ellis: I only sold shoes for two weeks and two weeks was enough.  Before that I sold fine pieces of art by the "Painter of Light" Thomas Kinkade,a survey taker for Gallup, a massage therapist and worked for 8 years helping men dress better selling suits at the Men's Wearhouse.  I don't believe how much money I've spent on clothes.

CCRIM: What drives you?

Nate Ellis: Currently a Gold Ford Focus.  Oh, that's what I drive. Seriously, I love helping people reach a goal they may have thought was out of reach.  The joy and energy created when that new home owner get the keys to their first home dives me.  Being able to find the down payment assistance to help them buy that home drives me.  Knowing that they have been prepared to manage this large debt and can begin building wealth drives me.  And then this gig pays pretty well also.

CCRIM: You also volunteer your time teaching financial education.  Tell us about these organizations you assist.

Nate Ellis: Hey you did your homework.  I have been a Certified Money Management Volunteer (CMMV) for Money Management International and Consumer Credit Counseling Services of the East Bay since 2005.  Working with Shirley Dean, Regional Director of CCCS East Bay, I have facilitated classes on Budgeting, Home Buyer Education and Credit Improvement.  I remember helping out a gentleman at the Salvation Army Shelter in Oakland clear up some negative marks on his credit so he and his two boys could move out of the shelter and rent an apartment.  It's a great feeling helping someone build the skills so they can improve their lives.  I also have been asked to lead the development committee for the Mount Diablo Housing Opportunity Center.  This is a Center that assists people with resources for all housing issues or questions in Contra Costa County located in Concord.  We recently hosted a First Time Home Buyers fair at Diablo Valley College (DVC) in November.  We had representatives from several of the local City Housing divisions, including Walnut Creek, Concord, Pittsburg and Contra Costa County, talk about the programs available.  We are looking to host another Fair in May in conjunction with Home Ownership Month.  Concord Mayor Susan Bonilla and State Senator Tom Torlakson are supporting the May event.

CCRIM: Have you been on TV?

Nate Ellis: I have or am or something like that.  I was a featured speaker for the Tri Valley Housing Opportunity Center's Home Buyer Fair in 2006.  You can sometimes see me discussing ways to improve your credit late at night.  At the time I was working for Wells Fargo.

CCRIM: What advice do you have for others in the Real Estate Business?

Nate Ellis: Find your niche. Figure out where you can make the most impact and the business will follow.  As long as you are in this business to truly help people you will be successful and rewarded for your actions.

CCRIM: Thank you, or should I say Danke Schoen.

Nate Ellis: "Danke schoen, oh darling, danke schoen."