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Craig Markhardt, CRMS (Advana Mortgage) Mortgage and Lending

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Craig Markhardt
CRMS
location_on Sioux Falls, SD — Advana Mortgage
Get to Know Craig Markhardt

My team and I have worked to create the perfect loan process, to educate, inform, and answer all questions and concerns that many homeowners and homebuyers have.  When working with a first time homebuyer, whether in person, or over the phone, we spend quality time covering the differences from renting to owning a home, especially when it comes to finances.  I take pride in being the preferred choice for homeowners in Sioux Falls, South Dakota when obtaining a home loan. Since not every person or family budget is the same, especially in South Dakota and the surrounding states, we spend quality time presenting benefits of loan programs that others don't take the time to. 

The decision to buy or refinance a home can be overwhelming and scary.  My goal is to remember that everyone has different concerns and get all the questions answered to eliminate any fear.  I have spent years building a reputation known for honest and up front service, and love to spend my time learning about the industry.  The mortgage industry is challenging, and I keep up on it by attending conventions, conferences, and taking classes.  This additional dedication has allowed me to rise above the norm and obtain a certification only awarded to less than 2% of the industry.  With these challenging economic times, I have chosen to give homeowners the peace of mind they are working with a knowledgable, honest, ethical, and up-to-date loan officer by obtaining my CRMS certification. 

The Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist designation takes a minimum of two years to prepare for by taking educational classes, contributing to the mortgage industry, teaching others, and attending national conferences and conventions.  I hold the only CRMS in the state of South Dakota, and am the first to obtain it.  It is important to me to hold this certification to prove to my customers that I have the adequate training and advanced knowledge of the industry to provide excellent service, today and in the future.

I am the founding and current President of the South Dakota Association of Mortgage Professionals.  This association was created to bring the State of SD up to date with current industry changes in Washington DC, and provide a place for professionals in the industry to help the consumers in SD.  The SDAMP has successfully passed the consumer protection bill in 2007 that required all mortgage originators to pass an FBI criminal background check and register with the state of South Dakota.  Since then, Congress has passed a similar bill that will require the same to occur on the Federal level, therefore adding to the protection of consumers.  Each year we spend time bringing education to SD, and have recently brought South Dakota's first Ethics training for loan officers.  We continue to work on laws and issues that will protect consumers' interests, and keep those who choose this as a profession accountable.

Certifications

My specialty is working with borrowers who are looking for service that is unique and informative, so an educated decision can be made.  Whether it is the move up homebuyer that is looking for the best advice on price range to shop in, loan size to consider, and payments that are affordable, to the empty nester that wants to downsize and buy a smaller home, and are thinking of retirement in the future.  I specialize by bringing both the current factors in life, and the future financial decisions not often considered into conversation so proper planning today, can be beneficial financially down the road.   With the informed buyers of today, this sophisticated buyer may actually be the first time homebuyer.  They often ask advanced questions others do not since they may have learned the basic information on the internet, or in a periodical, and want additonal information for their decision.

The loan programs that I have available are SD Housing First Time Homebuyer loans, Federal Housing Administration insured loans, Veterans Administration insured loans, USDA Rural Development insured loans, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (conventional) loans, Home Equity loans, Construction loans, and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC).

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Specializes in home financing. SD Housing (SDHDA), Conventional, FHA, VA, Rural Development lender. Certified Residential Mortgage Speicalist