From Our Customers…

As first time homebuyers we were very nervous and had a lot of questions. Erin Buckley was able to answer all of our questions and helped us to better understand the whole process.  She really put us at ease!  We recommed Erin to everyone we know who needs a home loan! – J & K, Schenectady, NY

"Marcia Casimo was very helpful to us in the purchase of our 1st home. For two people who are unfamiliar to this whole process, Ms. Casimo broke down all of our questions into terms we could readily understand. Thank you very much."

"...Our new home is finally finished and we wanted to thank you Maureen Kelly for all the hand-holding, patience, and understanding during the construction. All the hard work was worth the effort just like you promised!" – B & J, Valley Falls

"Kellie McMorris made purchasing our 'perfect' home a reality.  She was with us from prequalification to closing.  I have and will continue to recommend her to our friends and family."

"Thank you, Rich Norelli, for your extraordinary diligence and skill.  I never believed we could close in less than two weeks!  You made our relocation as smooth as possible and my family is very grateful.  I will recommend you to all of my new colleagues and friends." – CH, Loudonville, NY

"Larry Pentak was very helpful, courteous and personable!  I was very pleased with the service I recieved from everyone I worked with." – D. Cooper, Castleton, NY

"For anyone to have such a wonderful, relaxing experience buying a home is a reflection of everyone involved. Phil Reece was certainly top notch! We have heard nightmares others have experienced in purchasing their homes, but not in this case. 45 minutes to close! Thank you to everyone involved. We love our new home!" – James and Michalina Almindo

"Working with Kristine Wood was an absolute pleasure. She combines professionalism with personal attention. She made us feel that we were her top priority... I would definitely recommend Kristine and your mortgage company to anyone buying a home!" – R.R., Ballston Spa, NY

"Thank you, Michelle Young, for being so prompt with my paperwork.  I finally felt as though I hadn´t been thrown into someone´s in-box and forgotten!" – Jennifer J., Albany, NY

“I have applied for several loans before and have never been so satisfied with the level of professionalism and customer service that I received when I applied with David Deluca. He was extremely knowledgeable and made our experience a pleasure. He is a true asset to your company.” – J & A, Troy, NY

"We just want to thank you, Peter Tull, for all of your hard work in getting us into our new home.  For taking our many phone calls when I´m sure you were already busy.  You guys were wonderful and we would recommend you to anyone who is looking.  Thanks Again!"  – J. & S., Ballston Spa, NY

"We just wanted to extend our thanks to you, Cherie Malona, for all your help in acquiring our fantastic new home.  To be honest with you, we never thought anyone would be able to pull that off.  We were sure that our poor credit rating would prevent us from getting out of our rental property and into our very own home.

Through the entire process, you were confident, diligent and very professional.  It amazed us that you could manage that three-inch thick folder, overflowing with the documents needed in order for our deal to go through.  You clearly know the system and guided us through it flawlessly. I truly believe that anyone else considering the purchase of a new home would be in very good hands with you.  I assure you that if we feel the need or desire to purchase another home in the future, you wil certainly be hearing from us." – Chris & Laurie, Bristol, CT

I feel I must write you about the outstanding feedback I got this morning on Peter Troetti from a buyer/client in our office. Peter took a mortgage application with my clients last evening at their home. They listed their home with me and have also purchased another home through me this week. The buyer called me this morning to tell me how impressed he was with Peter's professionalism, attitude and knowledge and how every aspect of buying and selling has been a complete JOY because of the degree of professionalism and service dealing with our company. – T.C.P. Manager

"Lou Sinapi made us understand our financial goals he help us design a plan to clear all our debts and start saving for the future our son's college education.  Thanks Lou I could not have done it with out your help."

Dear Rich Vicinanza,
I just wanted to thank you for the exceptional care you have given to our clients and us.  With your knowledge and perseverance you have made the process of obtaining a mortgage a most pleasant experience for all parties involved.  All of our clients you have assisted in securing mortgage financing have raved about your service. Thanks Again,
– Ralph Frisssora, ARCANNA HOMES, INC., President

After getting myself into some financial troubles – I decided to refinance. Courtney Parish not only completed the refinance quickly but she helped me contact and pay off all my creditors, I received money back and my payments are lower than what they were before. I have to say I now have my financials back on track and I never could have done it without her! My family and I are so grateful for all she did. – DF, Catskill, NY

From Our Employees…

The following comments were made by active Homestead Funding / First Niagara Mortgage employees while providing written responses to questions in the Great Places to Work employee satisfaction survey.  All responses were confidential so no employee names were provided to the employer.

“Thank you for being the kind of company that realizes that people have lives outside these walls.  I have needed to take quite a bit of time off to tend to my ill mother over the past few months.  Most places would have told me to tend to these issues on my own time, but not Homestead.  I just got back from my son’s first grade promotion ceremony.  I had told him I couldn’t make it because I had to work.  The disappointment on his face was more than I could bear—so I came in at 7:30 the past two mornings to enable me the time to be there.  When he saw me there this morning he was elated.  Working someplace that that can allow you to be a good mother and a good employee at the same time is hard to come by ... I really want to give 110% to a company that understands the difficulty of balancing a career and family.”

“Management at Homestead has created a supportive work environment. A culture of fun and recognition is cultivated throughout the year. Events such as the staff appreciation outings and barbecues; the employee of the month awards; and seasonal celebrations such as our annual Employee Halloween costume contest makes our workplace an interesting and rewarding part of our lives - a place we look forward to going to each day.”

“I cannot imagine working anywhere else. My hope is that I will grow old with this company and the wonderful people that I work with. They are funny and smart and maintain an incredible amount of energy and thoughtfulness. I have had the great fortune of beginning my career, having my children and growing with this amazing company; as I said, I cannot imagine being anywhere else.”

“It took me about 4 months to make the move to this company and now looking back I question myself as to why it took me so long. This company is great to work for.”

‘I feel incredibly fortunate to work with and for the people at Homestead Funding Corp.  Not only is this company a leader in the industry, it is a family and I am very proud to member of the family.”

“I’ve been working in the mortgage industry for ten years at many different companies.  This is by far the most enjoyable place to work!  I feel challenged and valued and I plan on being here for a long time.”

“Homestead Funding is a great place to work.  I have been a Homestead employee for seven years.  Homestead embodies a strong sense of family and community. As a company we celebrate joyful occasions such as holidays, and the personal milestones in each other's lives.  I am proud of the company I work for and the people I work with!”

“I have recently rejoined Homestead after a 12 year break.  I should have never left.”

“Our management is not afraid to work along side us to get the job done.  There has never been a time that I haven't received encouragement as well as assistance when I've needed it.”

“I have complete confidence in the owner and upper management that they are honest and looking out for the success of the company.”