Carrie interview Q&AHow long have you been in the mortgage business and what inspired you to get into it?I've been in the mortgage industry since 2003, I've always loved numbers and my career has been dedicated to customer service, sales and management. Getting into mortgage was a natural progression for me.Who is your typical customer and what questions do they typically have?My clients range from first time home buyers to high value clients. I love working with everyone and will treat every client with the same respect. I thrive on helping get the loan process completed efficiently and quickly.What advice would you give new or first time home buyers?Consult a professional, I know it's easy to want to do everything online and never speak to someone on the phone or in person but with a mortgage its one of the bigger decisions that you will make in your lifetime. Talk to a mortgage professional, if something happens with your loan you will need an advocate and you will need someone that will need to solve your problem. A mortgage professional will have that ability but a data entry clerk or someone that communicates only by email/internet individual will not.Tell us about a mortgage product that consumers may not be aware of?Guaranteed Rate offers a wide array of products including our Give 2 you program that will give you a grant of 2% with the borrower contributing 3% for down payment or closing costs. This is an amazing product. One of the things that I am most excited about is the Jumbo product offering with interest only up to 85% financing! I love the flexibility that we have at Guaranteed Rate.What are the top 3 misconceptions people have about the home loan process?#1 You have to have a huge down payment saved up to buy a home- This is 100% incorrect with the down payment assistance programs that are available you may be able to get into a home with as little as $1000 out of pocket #2 You have to have perfect credit to purchase a home- Today there are many different loan programs that fit different scenarios, talk to a mortgage professional and see what your options are. Even if you cannot buy right now you may not be too far off from being able to buy in the near future. #3 I can do everything on the internet - Yes you have that capability but that doesn't mean that you are getting the best product for your needs long term or short. Trust a mortgage professional with helping you explore your options.What can borrowers do to insure a smooth mortgage underwriting process?Always talk things over with your VP, they are there for a reason. If you have a potential issue bring it up to us. We've been thru pretty much every situation under the sun and we know how to help.Are you active in any local associations or community groups, and at what level? What goals and/or success have you helped these groups achieve?I was one of the founding members of the North Central Valley Women's Council of Realtors. Being involved with WCR is important to me because it empowers the women in our industry to be successful. I love hearing their speakers deliver tidbits on how to change one or two things in your day to day life to increase your business and grow your footprint.Tell us something that makes you unique or something wacky, yet interesting about you?I love spending time with my children, they are 5 and 7. Kids are amazing, watching them grow up to the unique individuals that they are is the best feeling ever.