Today we’d like to introduce you to Cenaca Cyprian.
Hi Cenaca, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story began to come full circle when I purchased my first home at the age of 23. Only a year after recently graduating from college, I achieved what I thought as a child was a nearly impossible feat: homeownership. Growing up, my mom thought the same… and understandably. She was a Black single mom who struggled to keep a roof over our heads, let alone own it. This was and still is a common story. Today roughly 60% of Black Americans are renters compared to approximately 30% of Whites due systemic racism and the wage gap. (https://www.nar.realtor/
In fact, when I stumbled into the industry just before the 2008 housing crash, I saw firsthand Black women becoming the top victims of the subprime loans that caused the housing bubble, seeing loan officers take advantage of desperate mothers looking to provide a loving, safe and spacious home for their children.
Young and new to the industry, I clung to my managing broker for guidance, only to find out he, too was in on it. He was found guilty of predatory lending practices and went to prison.
I saw this dark side of the industry and became intimidated and scared. I immediately got out of the business.
However, the passion for real estate had already been planted. I returned back to the industry in 2017 and became licensed as a Broker soon after, which allowed me to own my own lending firm. Quality Lending Group was established with a mission to provide quality customer service – putting the people we serve first. We offer “Mortgages done right!”. Strategically. Seamlessly… Ethically.
Today, our company has grown to 13 loan officing serving Texas, Mississippi, and Georgia, with about 95% of our clientele being Black and Hispanic, organically. We work with many people who also thought they would never be able to buy a home. I’m very proud to have been named a Top 100 Producing Female Broker and Best Mortgage Refinance Company for Pasadena by Expertise.com.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge for me was simply starting. I saw such an ugly side of the industry and was afraid to jump in again. I seriously considered becoming a loan officer again for about a year before actually taking my first steps.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Quality Lending Group is a mortgage brokerage firm. We have 50+ lending banks we partner with to have access to every type of loan for every type of client looking to buy a residential home, investment property, or commercial property.
Our flexibility is unmatched and by far the biggest value to our clients as we’re able to shop around for the best rates and terms.
As a boutique firm, we’re very proud of providing a personal concierge experience, empowering and guiding clients at every step of the mortgage lending process. We excel where many other mortgage companies fail – being easily accessible to clients with top-tier communication from consultation to closing!
We offer traditional loan products such as Conventional and FHA loans and specialize in serving unique clients such as Veterans, self-employed business owners, real estate investors, etc.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Follow us for mortgage tips, and look out for our homebuyer workshops to learn more!
Pricing:
- 3.5% Down FHA Loans – 580 Min FICO
- 0% VA Loans – 500 Min FICO
- 10% Down Bank Statement Loans
- 15% Down Fix & Flip Loans
- One-Time-Close Construction Loans & more
Contact Info:
- Website: qualitylendinggroup.com
- Instagram: qualitylendinggroup
Image Credits
Edwin Rose
