William Tuning is a wealth of knowledge. People find him by referral. Their friends or a family member recommend William Tuning for a mortgage loan and after a conversation, they quickly learn that he knows his stuff. He talks eloquently about different loan options suitable for their situation and provides helpful advice that other mortgage bankers may have overlooked.
But, what’s more important is his passion for helping people achieve home ownership. He mentions this goal often and shares stories of how couples started as customers but became friends through the process.
As a mortgage banker for 18 years, Tuning has purposefully chosen this path as his career. “When I was a kid, I only wanted to be a farmer or a banker. My grandfather was a partner in a little bank in a small town. When I was older I used to visit the bank and watch the employees make deals and shake hands with their customers with their word being golden. I apply that same approach to my business dealings,” describes Tuning.
Tuning’s career began in mortgage lending as a mortgage banker serving primarily credit union clients. He then spearhead an effort to create a local credit union mortgage program and later joined a community bank as VP of Mortgage Operations. He was surprised at the difference in lending decisions between not-for-profit organizations (credit unions) and for-profit banking institutions.
His mortgage banking career has progressed through the years, starting as a loan officer, a supervisor within one year of starting his career, and eventually moving up to the Vice President of Mortgage Lending role. “Even as I rose through management and became a VP, I still had customers wanting me to do their loans,” he says with a smile.
“After being in a management role for a number of years, I realized that I wasn’t actively interacting with customers. That’s where my love is – taking an active role in helping people achieve home ownership,” reflects Tuning.
In 2005, he stepped out of the corporate banking role and returned to direct lending, primarily serving credit unions and the community bank marketplace. “My true passion is helping people face-to-face to achieve the dream of home ownership,” he says.
Tuning is now an active member of CU Mortgage Division which is a branch of Nations Lending Corporation, NMLS# 32416. Last year, Nations Lending Corporation funded nearly $3 billion in home loans.
Through Nations Lending Corporation, Tuning is able to offer a personalized service but has the latitude to run his business in the manner that he wishes. Through the larger institution, he has access to programs and capital that he may not otherwise be able to reach in a smaller organization.
Tuning’s loans are processed locally out of his business office in West Olympia. Customers appreciate the timely service. “Turnaround times (on a mortgage loan decision) are significantly shorter than at big banks or a huge credit union that serves 100’s of thousands of members,” notes Tuning.
It’s the small town service and accessibility that Tuning provides to his mortgage loan customers. He welcomes customers to email or text him with questions. “Loan officers at many banks and many of the huge credit unions go home at 5:30 pm. Who will answer your question over the weekend? I carry my phone and communicate with customers so that you don’t have to wait until Monday morning. I know that a quick response can make a difference in a couple’s life over the weekend,” describes Tuning.
“In the middle of a transaction, you want to be able to talk to someone. I call people back within 2 hours and quickly respond to emails,” says Tuning when describing his relationship with his customers. He doesn’t want his customers worrying about the details and wants to be accessible so that he can promptly answer questions or respond to concerns.
Tuning’s mission to get families into a home is coupled with a conservative approach. While reviewing a couple’s financial standing, Tuning also advises customers beyond simply the monthly mortgage payment.
“As a lender, I look at debt ratios related to credit cards, student loans, and car loans. But, then I go further and educate customers on the true cost of home ownership,” explains Tuning.
For example, a couple may be able to qualify for a $250,000 mortgage, but then what happens when the heater breaks or the hot water tank needs to be replaced. “I try to make sure that customers are ready for the unexpected expenses associated with home ownership,” he says.
“I frequently hear comments like ‘thank you for preparing us so that we had a little extra money in the savings account,’” Tuning adds. “Some lenders don’t take the time to tell the customer these things, especially when dealing with young people. These are individuals that are going to be my customers for life, if they are prepared correctly.”
Tuning’s caring nature, coupled with his firm understanding of mortgage loans, makes him an ideal match for Thurston County families looking for a home loan. He continually focuses on helping families make solid decisions so that they achieve their dream home.
“That’s why you get into the business – for the relationships,” Tuning summarizes.
You can reach William Tuning directly at 360.539.4687 or via email at wm@williamatuning.com.
