Check Out Rachel Fort’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Fort.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started diving into the real estate and mortgage industry in 2015. Before this, I was a stay-at-home mom, self-employed as a hairstylist, and dabbled in a few MLM companies. My husband and I had three kids under three years old at the time. I was looking for a career that would allow financial freedom, control over my own schedule, and of course, allow me to help families and individuals. My journey in the mortgage industry began when I took a computer course program at a local city college and had the opportunity to shadow a few real estate agents at their office. I enrolled in the program to spruce up on my skills. Initially, I had plans to pursue a career as a Real Estate Agent but was then introduced to the mortgage industry about a year thereafter. During this switch, I had our 4th and last child. Once I started in the mortgage industry, I was able to work under a top Loan Officer that helped me build a great foundation for my start in the industry. I’ve always loved numbers and especially loved that I could help individuals with financing their homes at the same time. It was definitely new but I was determined to take every opportunity I could to learn. Within these six years, I have enjoyed working with some great mentors who have taught me how to be successful. It has been some trials and errors but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Last year was one of my best years and this year, I am on track to double and possibly triple my volume.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey was not a smooth road initially and definitely had a few bumps along the way. The first three to four years from 2015, my family and I dealt with an unhealthy living situation that almost caused us to have nowhere to stay. We moved over five times! There were times where we would barely have $20 in our bank account with no savings and retirement funds depleted. There were many days where we would have to drive our car with the gas tank close to empty while still needing to travel to work, pick up kids and run additional errands praying that we would make it home. I took on a few job opportunities just to make ends meet between working on building my business. My husband was working hard as well along with studying for his Nursing Degree. Nevertheless, I am so grateful for friends and family members who helped us tremendously through support, encouragement, monetary, food, and just sticking with us through our rough times.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Loan Officer. Most of the time, I consider myself a Home Loan or Mortgage Consultant, however. I specialize in originating residential home loans. Anyone looking to receive financing in purchasing or refinancing, I am your go-to. The current company I work for is a mortgage brokerage which means we are a liaison for the client and lender/investor. What this means is, I am able to shop for the best interest rate considering the clients’ specific circumstances or scenarios. I specialize in FHA, Conventional, and VA loans. I am most proud of having the opportunity to help so many families. I’ve helped individuals save hundreds and even thousands on their loans by refinancing as well assisted them with receiving financing to purchase a new home. I provide white-glove service and have amazing support from my team that helps set me apart from others. I am patient and continue to stay informed in the industry to make sure I educate all my clients for a lifetime on all their mortgage needs. My goal is to be a client’s consultant for life. My passion is to educate individuals especially those in my community on how to utilize real estate as a tool to build generational wealth.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was sort of a nerd. I loved learning, was the one always sitting in the front of the class, and did everything I could to be a great success in school. I enjoyed reading, drawing, and the great things in life. I was raised by a single mother who did every she could to make ends meet. I was definitely not raised with a silver spoon and remember times where we were even on welfare just to make ends meet. In elementary, I never really knew what I wanted to be but knew I wanted to be financially stable and travel the world. I had so many moments growing up where I wanted to be everything; actress, doctor, congresswoman, and even a journalist. Once I graduated from high school, I worked a few jobs for a year and remembered my mom asking “what are you going to do next?” I was working two jobs and going nowhere… Right before a year hit of doing this, I pursued a career as a hairstylist which was also a God-given gift/niche that I had. I used to do hair in high school and figured, “Hey, I am good at it, enjoy it, and can make money at the same time, why not?” Along this path, I continued my education and graduated with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Theatre Arts and Dance. Despite me not pursuing either of these careers, these degrees gave me a great foundation for who I am as a person. I consider myself a kind-hearted individual who has always looked to be a helper and wanted to see the best in someone. The experiences I have had in my life have helped mold me into who I am today.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.rateonefinancial.com/rfort/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel__fort/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelFortMortgage

Image Credits:
Brittney Jean https://www.instagram.com/brittneyjeanphotography/ https://linktr.ee/brittneyjeanphotography