In a career spanning 19 years, James Khoury, branch manager of NewFed Mortgage Corp., has much to be proud of, most notably finishing first in volume for the past two years in a company licensed in 22 states. “I’m overwhelmingly proud to have accomplished that,” he notes. Yet Khoury is also proud of his ability to empathize with his clients. “I always put myself in the consumer’s shoes,” he says. “That way I can empathize with them and work through their concerns.”
Khoury’s journey into the lending business was somewhat unconventional. “I left law school and did not know what I wanted to do,” he reflects. “A cousin of mine owned a mortgage company and offered me a position as a loan officer.” What started as a leap of faith turned into a lifelong passion fueled by his innate ability to connect with people. Prior to entering the lending field, Khoury flirted with the idea of a career in sports broadcasting and even worked as an executive producer on morning radio in Boston. However, fate led him down the path of mortgage lending, where he found his true calling.
In a world where client testimonials often speak volumes, Khoury’s clients consistently rave about his exceptional service. “The most common comments are from clients who are happy with my communication, accessibility and transparency,” he shares. Describing his business style as “process-driven and fun,” Khoury strikes a delicate balance between professionalism and approachability. “I want borrowers to know what to expect along the way, but also feel that they can reach out any time with questions,” he adds.
For Khoury, the most rewarding aspect of his job is the opportunity to guide first-time buyers through the complexities of the home-buying process. The key to the process is “handholding,” he says. “I am a big hand holder with first-time buyers.” In fact, he has authored a book about the home-buying process entitled, “Finally! Getting Qualified: The 5 Keys to Opening the Door to Your New Home.”
Beyond his professional endeavors, he remains deeply involved in philanthropic activities, particularly in the Lawrence and Merrimack Valley area.
