Branch Spotlight: Worthington’s experienced loan officers make homeownership a reality for clients throughout Central Ohio.

The Ruoff Mortgage Worthington branch, located in Columbus and serving the Central Ohio region, is unique when it comes to the longevity of their loan officers. VP, Branch Manager Eileen Howard shared that most of the loan officers at this branch have 20-35 years’ experience. That’s a lot of mortgage knowledge!

“Central Ohio still has some areas that are affordable which makes homeownership attainable for many,” Eileen said. “Columbus has so many beautiful suburbs that have so much to offer for first-time homebuyers, growing families, and retirees.”

With fast closings (average 15 days* or less clear-to-close), high customer satisfaction, and community ties, the team handles a wide range of mortgage loans: purchase, refinance, construction, renovation, and more, with a “hometown bank feeling” plus the scale of a larger lender.

“We work with all clients which includes first-time homebuyers all the way to people searching for their forever home,” Eileen said.

Central Ohio offers homebuyers a strong combination of career opportunities, diverse communities, entertainment, and access to both urban amenities and suburban living. With Columbus serving as the region’s economic and cultural hub, communities like Worthington provide residents with convenient access to major employers, shopping, dining, parks, and activities throughout the metro area.

The Worthington area is especially attractive to homebuyers looking for an established community close to Columbus. Known for its charming downtown, community events, parks, and convenient location, Worthington offers a suburban atmosphere while keeping residents connected to everything the Columbus area has to offer. Central Ohio also features a wide variety of housing options, from established neighborhoods with plenty of character to growing communities and new construction throughout the region.

“Columbus is a fast-growing, dynamic region that blends a major state capital with vibrant surrounding communities,” Eileen said.

One thing that sets Central Ohio apart is its food scene. Columbus has a long history as a test market for national restaurant brands, thanks in part to the region’s diverse and representative consumer base. Today, residents can choose from everything from local neighborhood favorites and international cuisine to breweries, coffee shops, food halls, and upscale dining destinations.

“Central Ohio is one of the longest standing test markets for restaurants in the U.S.,” Eileen said. “We have so many fantastic dining options all over the city.”

There is also no shortage of things to do. Residents can explore the shops and restaurants of Downtown Worthington, spend a day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens or the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), catch a Columbus Crew match or Columbus Blue Jackets game, or enjoy the restaurants, shops, and nightlife of areas like the Short North and Easton Town Center. With parks, trails, museums, sports, festivals, and entertainment throughout the region, Central Ohio offers something for nearly every lifestyle.

“Easton Town Center is still a shopping favorite with everything from luxury shopping to a few big box stores.” Eileen said. “During football season, our OSU (Ohio State University) Buckeyes bring this town so much excitement!”

Besides processing mortgages, the Worthington branch stays involved in the community by educating and donating.

“We love to spread the joy of homeownership through education through workshops, seminars, and much more,” Eileen said. “We also adopt a family each year for the holidays to give back to our community.”

To get to know some of the team members of the Worthington branch better, we asked them to share the most common question they get from homebuyers and their most-used emoji. Read their responses, below.

Jack Hammons – SVP | Area Manager

What’s the most common question you get from homebuyers? Do you think rates will go down?

What’s your most-used emoji? 🤣

Eileen Hoard – VP | Branch Manager

What’s the most common question you get from homebuyers? The most common question is “What does my credit score have to be to purchase a home?” Answering that question gives me the opportunity to discuss the wide array of products that we have to help people obtain homeownership.

What’s your most-used emoji? Most used emoji is definitely a 💖 or 👏👏 because I love to congratulate people and cheer them on!

Chris Beal – Senior Loan Officer

What’s the most common question you get from homebuyers? What is the payment and cash to close for (x) property

What’s your most-used emoji? 🙌🏾 is probably my most used emoji

Jeff Lichtenstein – Senior Loan Officer

What’s the most common question you get from homebuyers? Is this Jeff Lichtenstein?

What’s your most-used emoji? Red heart

Lori Love

What’s the most common question you get from homebuyers? The question I get asked the most is how much will my payment be…
 What’s your most-used emoji? And the emoji I use is smiling face!

Ryan Miracle – Loan Officer

What’s the most common question you get from homebuyers? How fast can I make an offer? Do you offer first-time homebuyer programs?

What’s your most-used emoji? 🤦‍♂️ - I have daughters

Trey Howard – Loan Officer

What’s the most common question you get from homebuyers? How long does a pre-approval last? Usually 120 days since that’s how long credit reports are good for. However, we’ll need to keep up to date pay stubs and bank statements throughout the process to monitor income and assets as well.

What’s your most-used emoji? 🙌🏻

Here are more members of the Worthington branch!

• Gail Legg – Senior Loan Officer

• Dawn Nijak – Loan Officer
  

For more information on Ruoff Mortgage’s Worthington branch, click here. Let them help you get started with your homeownership journey today!

* The average Clear to Close time is dependent on loan type, proper documentation, and other qualifying factors. Loan decision is subject to satisfactory appraisal, title review, and no change to financial condition. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Some restrictions may apply. Ruoff Mortgage NMLS #141868. Equal Housing Lender. Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc. d/b/a Ruoff Mortgage is an Indiana corporation. For complete licensing information visit: http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/141868