Since the summer of 2025 the quaint but growing suburb of Detroit dubbed as the Downriver area has been served by three driven Ruoff Mortgage loan officers. The women-led Downriver branch has established themselves in their community as a transparent and welcoming group of loan officers who are committed to “delivering a consistent client experience,” as said by the VP Branch Manager, Dawn McCarty-Hoppes.
Hoppes’ crew, made up of 2 other Senior Loan Officers, have made a stake in the area as being a group of reliable and communicative members of the community who put the customers first. Corrie Dye-Hale, one of the aforementioned two, has worked in the mortgage industry for 25+ years, and she prides herself on customer-centric business philosophy. Corrie and her peer at the Downriver branch, Julie Sammons, both hold a 99% customer service rating. Sammons has also served the mortgage industry for a similar amount of time, but she began her time with Ruoff just over a year ago.
When asked how all of the Downriver team keeps their satisfaction scores so high, Hoppes responded by saying, “We set clear expectations, respond quickly, and treat every client with the level of care and attention we would want for our own family. By combining decades of experience with a genuine commitment to service, we have been able to maintain a customer satisfaction rating of over 99%.”
The Downriver branch has been committed to serving the people of their area fully. Hoppes highlighted people of the Downriver area as “people who show up for one another, creating a close-knit atmosphere that makes Downriver a special place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The Downriver area is geographically enticing for many because of its proximity to Detroit. It makes the area a hotspot for young families who primarily work in Detroit. Hoppes notes the “regular support for local businesses, schools, charities, and community events throughout the entire area”, shaping the Downriver area into what it is today.
As for the day-to-day at the Downriver branch, Hoppes’ favorite part is “helping individuals and families achieve homeownership…it's rewarding to build lasting relationships and know you've helped clients create opportunities for their future. Combining problem-solving with the ability to make a meaningful impact on people's lives is what makes this career so satisfying.” The problem solvers at the Downriver branch have a fire lit underneath them that not many branches have. Their branch being newer means they have nothing but results to produce, especially in such a promising area full of people who have a strong sense of community.
In order to become familiar with the people of the Downriver branch, they were asked the following: What’s one thing you wish every homebuyer knew and what their favorite summer activity is.
1. I would say that I wish they all understood what a monthly payment consisted of. Its more an the principle an interest and that when things change the following year the payment will increase
2. My favorite part of the summer is RODEO Season here in Michigan
1. You do not need to find your dream home before talking to a lender! Getting preapproval first gives you a clear budget and helps move you quickly when you do find the right home!!
2. Hiking is my jam. I hope to hike the El Camino between Spain and Portugal next year!
1. The right Lender and Agent do matter; it can make the process far less stressful than you think
2. Favorite part of summer is Golf & Pickleball
1. So much has changed over the years, so if you do not know…GET PRE-APPROVED! It’s free and the most important first step to homebuying!
2. Being on the lake or any body of water with family and friends!
Still, they’re gradually blooming into their community. The Downriver area is charged full of potential for success and comfortability. The area is perfect for new and aspiring homebuyers alike, so if you’ve ever thought of living in Detroit, or live there now, get in contact with the Downriver branch to start your journey!