Ed James has been in the housing industry for over three decades. With 35 years in the real estate industry and a broad knowledge in banking and mortgage lending, Ed is here to help customers make their home buying process easier.
How did you find your way into banking?
I've been in real estate for 35 years, and because of this I’ve been around community banks and lenders for years, and had great relationships with them, especially the ones at Citizens Bank. I’ve always been interested in banking and mortgage lending, so one day while having a conversation with Jay Speckman, a Citizens Bank commercial lender, I learned that they were looking for more mortgage lenders. I thought that we would be a perfect way to pursue something that I have always had interest in.
Describe your position at Citizens Bank
Everyone has a need to borrow money for a home at some point in their lives; whether that be buying a new home, refinancing their current mortgage for a better term and lower payment, or a home equity to do a room addition or remodel their kitchen. As a mortgage loan officer, the one thing you try to do is assess the needs of customers to find the best mortgage programs that will best suit what each customer has to work with.
How do you find out what the best products are for each customer?
The more you can learn about the people you’re working with, the more you are able to help them find out which products make the most sense for their situation. I like people, and it all kind of starts with the relationships you make with those people. You just have to figure out a little more about your customer each day and that helps you fine tune how you can help them.
What is your favorite part of your job so far?
I love to learn, so I’m enjoying the new challenge of this job. Since I walked in the doors of Citizens Bank, I have learned something new every single day and my coworkers have been so helpful in that learning process. Another thing is the people. I think it is so important to have fun at work and have camaraderie with my coworkers and the atmosphere here at Citizens Bank brings just that.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
My favorite pastime of all is reading. It’s kind of my go to to get away from the outside world. I love to read non-fiction and biographies, I really think those are interesting. I also, when I have time, I like to play the guitar. This goes back to my love of learning — I took a few lessons to learn the basics, but I love the challenge of remembering how to play new songs. I also enjoy hiking and fishing at State Parks around Indiana when I have time.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza is my favorite food hands down, I’m always looking for recommendations for the best pizza around. In fact, I took a trip to Italy a few years ago, and I ordered pizza with every meal.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I’d love to go see Mt. Everest, it would be really neat to see the highest point in the world. I would love to travel more in general, but that would be something really cool to see.
Who inspires you?
I mentioned my love for books, and some of the books I’ve read have led me to have a lot of respect for members of the military. I am so impressed with their commitment to our country, they are making it so we have our freedoms everyday and I have such admiration for what they do for our country.
How are you involved in the community?
I am involved in the Clothe-A-Child gifting around Christmas time. Each year, I save up a little money and go out to shop for families in need so their children can enjoy Christmas, as any child should.