Member Spotlight: Pat Diomede, Fairway Independent Mortgage

Every BNI chapter has one seat per profession, and at BNI A1 Networkers the residential mortgage seat belongs to Pat Diomede, a loan officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation.

A long career in mortgages

Pat works out of Fairway's Glendale office and serves home buyers and homeowners across the West Valley, including Peoria. Pat's professional profile lists a start in the mortgage business in 1993. That kind of experience is valuable when a loan hits a snag or a buyer needs someone to explain their options in plain language.

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is a full-service mortgage lender headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, with branches across the country.

What Pat helps with

Pat works with a wide range of home loan types, including:

• Conventional loans for buyers with a range of down payment options
• FHA loans, often a good fit for first-time buyers
• VA loans for eligible veterans and service members
• USDA loans for eligible properties in qualifying areas
• Jumbo loans for higher-priced homes
• Fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages
• Refinancing for current homeowners
• Reverse mortgages for eligible older homeowners
• Down payment assistance options for buyers who qualify

Why late summer is a good time to talk to a lender

August in the Valley is hot, but the housing market does not stop. Families who want to move before the holidays are planning now, and plenty of buyers are starting their search so they can be settled when the weather turns pleasant. A few reasons to talk with a loan officer early:

• Pre-approval makes offers stronger. Sellers and agents take buyers more seriously when financing is already lined up.
• Knowing your budget saves time. It is much easier to shop for homes when you know what fits.
• Credit and paperwork take time. Starting early gives buyers room to fix small issues before they matter.
• Refinancing questions deserve a real answer. Homeowners who are curious whether a refinance makes sense can get a clear picture of their options.

Making the first conversation easy

A lot of people put off talking to a lender because they assume they need to have everything figured out first. They do not. A first conversation with a loan officer is a chance to ask questions, understand which loan programs might fit and learn what documents will be needed down the road. Someone who is a year away from buying can benefit just as much as someone who wants to make an offer next week, because they leave with a clear plan for getting ready.

How you can refer Pat

A great referral for Pat might be:

• A renter who is tired of paying rent and wants to know whether buying is realistic
• A first-time buyer who is not sure where to start
• A veteran or active-duty service member who may qualify for a VA loan
• A family that has outgrown their home or wants to downsize
• A homeowner asking whether refinancing could help them
• An older homeowner curious about reverse mortgage options
• A real estate agent who wants a responsive lender for their buyers

If someone you know fits, connect them with Pat at 623-256-7237 or point them to patdiomede.com.

Meet Pat in person

Pat is at BNI A1 Networkers every Thursday at 7:00 AM at Brothers Family Restaurant in Peoria. Come say hello and see how our chapter works. Plan your visit.

Pat Diomede, NMLS #232746. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, NMLS #2289. This post is for general information only and is not a commitment to lend.