Helping people realize their dream of buying a home they love is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job as Mortgage Loan Officer with American Bank and Trust, says Jamie Olson.
“I love my job and the people I work with,” said Olson, who serves the communities of Huron, De Smet and Miller. “I am thrilled to be a part of the ever-changing mortgage industry.”
Olson, who has been involved with lending in one form or another since 2007, began her job at American Bank and Trust five years ago.
A native of Ramona, she attended college at Dakota State University in Madison, where she graduated cum laude in 2003 with degrees in English for Information Systems, and Multimedia Web Design and Development.
Olson moved to Huron in 2007 where she met her husband Tony, whose family owns an infrastructure construction company. Together, they are raising four boys, Hunter 16, Ethan 13 and 9-year-old twins Matthew and Michael. She worked for Greater Huron Development Corporation before joining American Bank and Trust.
“I want people to feel confident about their home-buying experience,” Olson said.
Besides working full-time and raising four children, Olson also volunteers for Huron Little League, Huron Junior Football, Junior Achievement, Meals on Wheels, the Huron Backpack Program, Huron Ambassadors and James Valley Christian School. She is also active with her sons in baseball, wrestling, basketball, golf and football.
“I understand the term busy,” Olson said, laughing. “So I love to be able to tell people about our e-sign option.
“Forever people thought you had to make an appointment and come in and sit down and talk to a banker. People still have that option, but now you also have the option to sit at your computer in your jammies and get approved for a loan,” she said.
All of the documents that need to be signed throughout the process can be sent through email.
“A lot of times I don’t even meet people until the day of closing,” Olson said. “E-sign makes everything so much simpler and quicker.”
Those who might be looking at buying a home should be conscious of their credit score and make sure they are pre-qualified before falling in love with a certain property.
“Buying a house is a very, very big step, so just be patient,” Olson said. “If you apply and are denied, we can go over your credit report and take a look at things that need to be fixed. It may take time, but anything that is truly worth it is worth waiting for.”
Olson has a can-do attitude that keeps her motivated and on the move.
“I feel it’s important to be organized, make yourself productive and go after it,” she said. “I believe that a life of purpose is a happy life. Always have something to do that truly makes you happy.”
CRYSTAL PUGSLEY/PLAINSMAN Jamie Olson, Mortgage Loan Officer with American Bank and Trust, finds personal satisfaction in helping people buy their new home.
