Janna Bogert, Loan Officer at South Florida Mortgage, NMLS #2411341, joins Jerry Byers of AD Mortgage to discuss her path from real estate marketing and transaction coordination to mortgage lending.
With more than seven years of industry experience, Janna shares her perspective on mentorship, borrower affordability, AI, and finding the right financing solutions – from FHA to Non-QM – for today’s homebuyers and investors.
Career Path and Mentorship
Few mortgage professionals set out to become loan officers from childhood. Many find their way into the industry through related fields – and Janna’s career is a strong example.
‘I have been in the real estate industry for seven or eight years, but I started off in marketing. Then I worked in transaction coordination and got my loan origination license to help process loans and be an LOA. As a result, it turned into me doing my own loans.’
Janna credits much of her professional growth to the mentorship she received from Stephen Fierce, broker and founder of South Florida Mortgage. Having previously worked with his wife, Tammy Fierce, Janna had the opportunity to watch the business develop and learn from an experienced mentor.
‘Steven has been a huge resource for me as a mentor. He was absolutely phenomenal. Luckily, he loves teaching like I love teaching. So even though I asked all the questions and wanted to be guided, he took the time and he did it and got me to where I am today.’
Passion for Solving the Puzzle
To grow as a professional and find fulfillment in a career, people need their own motivation. Janna shares what keeps her engaged in mortgage lending:
‘All of us are problem solvers by nature. This industry allows me to have a plethora of good problems to solve. The fact that I get to figure out these awesome problems every day keeps me very engaged and motivated.’
How AD Mortgage Became a Lender of Choice for South Florida Mortgage
Finding the right wholesale lender can be a challenge. Feedback from other brokers and loan officers can help mortgage professionals evaluate their lending partners, so Janna shared her perspective on working with AD Mortgage:
‘AD Mortgage has good people in its arsenal, amazing rates, and all the programs we are looking for. It is wonderful to have a lender that uses common sense and puts clients first. AD Mortgage is willing to explore options that others may not, because you want to help people.’
Having a shared approach to each deal is also an important factor. As Janna explains: ‘When I bring a problem, you guys say, “Okay, let’s figure it out”. It is never “No, you can’t do that” – which, obviously, anybody in the industry knows you will hear a lot.’
‘I need somebody who knows that a “no” is just a “yes” that has not found its way yet. And that is what you guys know.’
Beyond Rates: The Real Cost of Homeownership
Many borrowers view current mortgage rates as high. For a historical perspective on today’s rate environment, watch the digest with Max Slyusarchuk, CEO of AD Mortgage, where he discusses mortgage-rate cycles and why today’s rates can look different when viewed beyond the unusually low pandemic-era period.
Janna explains that loan officers should address borrowers’ concerns about rates while helping them explore the most suitable terms and payment options:
‘Obviously, rates are a challenge. If you can afford the mortgage payment, you may be able to reduce the total interest you pay over time by making biweekly payments, paying extra toward principal, and using similar strategies.
We also try to tailor the payment as much as we can. Sometimes that depends on how much you are approved for, and sometimes it involves a buydown, including a temporary buydown.’
However, rates are not the only affordability challenge. Property taxes and homeowners insurance can make up a significant portion of a borrower’s total monthly housing payment, particularly in areas where those costs are elevated. Janna believes these expenses need greater attention from policymakers: ‘I wish our government would factor taxes and insurance into the conversation in areas like Texas, Florida, and California. A lot of borrowers do not realize that, as an industry, we advocate for them. We send lobbyists, and we are trying to change things and work on rates.’
‘People think we want higher rates. No, I don’t make money off your rate. I make money off your loan amounts. So, I need the rates to be low, so more people buy.’
AI is Everywhere – What Does It Mean for the Mortgage Industry?
While the internet is full of AI-related discussions, Janna remains moderately skeptical about the new technology:
‘I am just as apprehensive as everyone. AI has made my life a little bit easier when it comes to data entry, searching guidelines, and all that kind of stuff. I am trying to incorporate it in that aspect.’
‘Don’t try to fight tomorrow’s problems with today’s tools. We are going to have different tools and different things we have learned. We will continue to grow with AI just as much as it is going to grow.’
Right Loan Product for Your Client
‘Every product has its place.’ There is no universal solution, but certain loan types can work well in a wide range of situations.
For example, Janna highlights that FHA loans are not limited to first-time homebuyers. They can work in far more situations than people expect, in part because FHA financing may allow higher front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios. ‘They are almost one-size-fits-all – as long as we are not talking about too high incomes. FHA is a great product that you can really make work, and we help navigate it.’
AD Mortgage offers a full range of loan programs, helping partners match their clients with the right solution. Submit a Scenario Request to receive a tailored loan scenario in 30 minutes.
