Spotlight On Erica Dose – Mortgage Sales Manager At Homeowners Financial Group

I was fortunate enough to meet this month’s Spotlight, mortgage sales manager Erica Dose, at a Rise 2 Shine Collective event earlier this summer, and we immediately clicked—first bonding over the frustrations of technology as we attempted, rather unsuccessfully, to navigate her brand-new phone, and later over our shared love for this desert, local boutique Songbird & Sage, and, perhaps most importantly, a good cup of coffee.

Not long after we met, I opened escrow on one of my first real estate transactions. Admittedly still learning the ins and outs of lending, I was quick to pick Erica’s brain over coffee. She was a wealth of knowledge and incredibly generous with it, despite having absolutely no involvement in the transaction. And that generosity has continued ever since.

Erica has become one of those people I know I can call when I have a question. Just recently, my real estate partner and I met her for coffee and, within the span of an hour, she had taught us about everything from the unexpected intricacies of condo financing to creative ways to structure a deal. She even offered to research an upcoming listing for us to help identify any potential lending issues ahead of time—with absolutely nothing in it for her. That’s just Erica.

She’s also very much my kind of person: organized, proactive and determined to get things done accurately and on time. She once told me that if a Realtor has to chase her down for a loan update, then she isn’t doing her job. And closing late? Not in her vocabulary. As a fellow Type A, Erica definitely speaks my language!

She has quickly become someone I trust, both as a friend and resource as I continue to learn the real estate business. She’s knowledgeable, kind, always willing to answer a question or lend an ear—preferably over a cup of coffee—and I’m so grateful our paths crossed when they did.

So, whether you’re thinking about purchasing a property, wondering what you can be doing now to prepare to buy someday, or simply want to meet another wonderful person who calls the Coachella Valley home, read on to get to know Erica—and perhaps learn a thing or two about lending along the way.

XO, Lindsay

Tell us a little about your background and how you got to where you are today.

I grew up in Madison, WI, went to college there, graduated with a degree in marketing, and was a collegiate gymnast. I built my career in Madison, but 13 years ago we moved to CA in search of better weather, so I had to start my business from scratch. I am full of grit and tenacity that I learned from my gymnastics career, and that has been a huge part of my success in the mortgage industry.

What brought you to the desert?

We purchased a second home here while living in Orange County, and fell in love. We just felt more at home here than we did in the OC. A small-town feel in a big space, very similar to Madison, WI (with much better weather).

Have you always been interested in finance, or did your career take you there unexpectedly?

I have always been interested in real estate. I just loved this industry from a very young age. My first job offer out of college was from a real estate agency, and I was so excited . . . until I told my mom about the opportunity, and she quickly squashed it, saying I needed a job with benefits and a steadier income. I went in the mortgage direction instead and quickly realized I have a knack for numbers and love putting them together like a giant puzzle.

You and your husband work together. What do you each bring to the partnership?

I am very strategic and relationship-minded. I love putting processes together, meeting new people, and creating long-lasting relationships. My husband enjoys being more behind the scenes, keeping everything organized and moving forward as needed to ensure a great experience for everyone involved.

What has been the most rewarding or surprising part of building your business here in the desert?

The people by far! We are so blessed to be in such a supportive community where people and relationships matter. The business here is much busier than I was expecting. I was hoping to have some more downtime to enjoy my pool and golf course, but I was wrong—we are very busy!

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received – or the advice you find yourself giving most often?

Never, ever give up. You have to learn to pivot—and pivot often. Change is inevitable, and you have to learn and grow through it if you want to succeed.

For someone hoping to buy a home in the next year, what can they do now to put themselves in the best financial position?

Get pre-approved now! That way, if there are any unexpected hurdles, you can take care of them in advance, so when you are ready to move forward, the process will be a lot less stressful.

At what point in the home buying process should someone start talking to a lender?

As soon as possible. One in five people have inaccurate information reflected on their credit report, which can often impact your ability to qualify. This can take some time to correct. Sometimes you also need a little time to save up for more of a down payment or pay off some debt. The sooner you know this, the better.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about getting a mortgage?

That there is a process involved when you are borrowing a large amount of money. It is very important that we have accurate information from the beginning to ensure your approval is completed correctly. A lot of people treat a mortgage like buying and financing a car. It is very different.

Is there anything buyers sometimes do while they’re under contract that can unintentionally jeopardize their loan?

It is very common for buyers to provide incorrect information on their application. This gets caught in the underwriting process, which can result in terms changing and delays.

What do you love most about working with people who are buying a home here in the desert?

I love how excited buyers are to become homeowners here. It is a huge dream that most families do not get to experience, so when we get to closing, the excitement and pride are just amazing to experience. If we are working with a buyer purchasing a second home, they are equally as excited to own a little piece of heaven here in the desert.

What’s something about the desert that surprised you after moving here?

I really like the heat, but by about August or September I am over it. That is something I never thought I would say.

What part of desert living brings you the most joy?

The mountains and the scenery. It is just so majestic and peaceful. I also love the buzz everyone brings by always doing what they love.

When you’re not working, where might we find you on a perfect desert day?

Golf followed by a little pool time while watching football.

Best meal in the Valley?

There are so many. We love traveling all over the desert trying new places. I would say my favorite is a seafood enchilada and a margarita at Blue Coyote Bar & Grill in Palm Springs.

Any other desert favorites?

My favorite way to spend a day is on El Paseo. Hair at Thairapy Salon, followed by a frozen mai tai at Tommy Bahama, and then some retail therapy, which involves a must-stop at Songbird & Sage (pictured)! During Football season, we are often found at the 19^th Hole!

Thank you, Erica…

. . . for letting me pick your brain on all things lending and the desert! If you’re thinking about buying a home and looking for a knowledgeable local lender to have in your corner, be sure to reach out to Erica and The Dose Team.