Margy: Good morning! I’m Margy Lyman, realtor with Dudum Real Estate Group, and welcome to a few minutes with Margy. Today, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dave Mladnich, a mortgage banker with Mason McDuffie. Welcome, Dave!

Dave: Hi, Margy. Thanks for having me!

Margy: I’m so glad you could stop by. Let’s jump right in—how would you describe your business these days?

Dave: Challenging, to say the least! With interest rates where they are, you’ve got to get creative. It’s all about offering value to motivate people to buy a house despite the rates.

Margy: Got it! So what kind of options are we talking about?

Dave: Oh, there’s a whole toolbox—grant loans, down payment assistance, FHA, VA, conventional loans, jumbo loans. Whether it’s a first home, a refinance, or an investment property, there’s usually something I can do.

Margy: So basically, you’re not just looking at the interest rate and running for the hills?

Dave: (Laughs) Exactly! If I ran every time rates went up, I’d be out of a job. The trick is finding what fits the client’s needs. Once you figure that out, you tailor a plan for them.

Margy: Sounds like you’re a mortgage magician! How did you get started in this business?

Dave: Oh, I grew up in it. My mom has been in the industry for over 55 years—don’t tell her I said that! My sister runs a title company here in Danville. I started out as a marketing rep for a title company, then made the jump to mortgages, and I’ve been doing it for over 30 years.

Margy: Wow, it’s in your blood! What keeps you going after all these years?

Dave: I love working with people. There’s nothing like helping first-time buyers get their dream home. The excitement, the nerves—they’re practically shaking, but when it all comes together, it’s magic.

Margy: It is! They’re so excited and grateful.

Dave: Exactly! They don’t know the process, so you guide them, calm their nerves, and present the best options. The appreciation they show is worth everything.

Margy: That must be such a rewarding feeling! Speaking of first-time buyers, they’re probably texting you at all hours, right?