Yes, she did do that. Yes … that. But you would’ve, too.
There it was, stashed away where it could’ve been lost forever. Instead, she found it all-the-way-back-there, that gorgeous gown she wore as a sophomore for Prom.
And the young lady slid right in like the dance was the day before.
Sure, it was a goal, and yeah, that “like a glove” moment was the victory she wanted after working on better health for several months. So, why not? Raise those fists and claim that triumph.
You Go Girl!!
Right? Damn right.
Just ask Ashlee Burkey, a single mother of two children, and a mortgage banker and loan officer for Wesbanco. If you do, she’ll tell you the dress fitting was yet another milestone in this new life of hers. She’s single, happy about it, and now concentrating on kids and work, of course, but these days also about herself, too.
How would you explain the success of “Barbie – The Movie”?
Barbie is an icon. Even my 8-year-old daughter – who has probably only owned one Barbie – is obsessed.
You see everyone dressing in pink and making a whole experience of going to the movies. This is the opposite of what most of us have been doing for years by just waiting until a movie is on a streaming service.
Everyone that watches the movie is going to come out of it with a different perspective. Depending on your generation, gender, or stage in your life the movie has different messages or meanings. I am a single mother who grew up playing with Barbies, and I had many “Ah ha” moments.
I had moments of validation. I had moments where I looked at the two little girls sitting next to me and hoped that their futures would be very different than my experiences.
America Ferrera’s Monologue for me was very powerful. She summed up in minutes my reality as a woman. Every word resonated within me.
In your opinion, what are the three most important “keys” to being the best mortgage broker possible?
Number one has always been for me communication. I make certain I answer all of my calls, texts, and emails promptly. Even if I cannot help a client immediately, I will send them a quick text or email with a timeframe of when I will be able to get back to them. So often my clients will apologize for asking questions or texting at random hours. My response is always to never apologize, that is what I am here for. We as a society do not have lives that allow for only taking care of business during a 9-to-5 timeframe.
If my clients have a question or concern at 9 p.m. on a Friday, I make sure they feel comfortable to reach out to me. I also have this same policy when it comes to keeping realtors informed and being available when they need me.
Number two is listening. Every client is different, and every client’s needs are different. There are so many mortgage products available, with very different guidelines and parameters. The only way to make sure I am getting my client into the right mortgage product is to listen to their goals, concerns, and overall financial picture. I also like to get to know my clients.
Number three is truly enjoying the profession. Being a mortgage loan officer is a very hard and stressful career. You have to love what you do to survive. When I am at a closing with that single mom that finally was able to buy her first house, or the recently divorced client that is crying because they are moving into the next stage of their life, I am right there with them.
And I am grateful that I was even a little part of helping them.
What do your children enjoy most when it comes to back-to-school?
My son is Autistic and extremely intelligent. He enjoys getting back to the normal school routine and education. He enjoys being in the chess club and robotics. He, however, has already expressed he is not looking forward to wearing his uniform again or getting his hair cut.
Momma loves the easy everyday uniform! and I shocked him by telling him he did not have to get his hair cut. We are going to live on the edge and see if we can get away with his hair the way he likes it … shhhhhh!
My daughter is little “Miss Social.” She is focused on being with her friends every day. She also tries to shop on Amazon every day for the perfect backpack and accessories. I am not even allowed to pick out pencils without her being with me.
What would you tell a teenager today to do to best prepare to purchase their first home or commercial property?
Build credit and budget. One of the most important guidelines when it comes to getting a mortgage are credit score minimums and credit history. Teenagers under the age of 18 can be added to their parent’s credit cards as authorized users to help build credit history. They can also open up checking and savings accounts with attached student debit cards. This will start the foundation of financial responsibility and encourage them to save money.
Once they reach the legal age to have their own credit card, I suggest opening up at least one. I always recommend starting out by just using that card for gas and then paying it off in full every month. This will help build credit and start the habit of not carrying a large credit card balance.
What is your favorite TV channel what do you watch the most?
I honestly do not watch much TV anymore. When I am home and have downtime, I like to listen to music. I have an Alexa in almost every room of my house and there is typically music playing on at least one at all times. My daughter now does the same thing. She has a kids’ E cho in her room, and she is always playing music. My son will listen to music on his Airpods while he is gaming or watching YouTube gaming channels.
I will occasionally get hooked on a Netflix series or comedian when I need a good laugh.
