Are you looking for a local mortgage lender in Salem, New Hampshire?
We’ve got you covered here at NewFed Mortgage. Get to know our Salem team below and reach out anytime! We’re here to help with mortgages for every stage of your life.™
James began his career in mortgage in 2005 and has been with NewFed Mortgage for over 10 years. James was October 2023’s Employee of the Month – check out his full article here.
What’s something we should know about James?
I will always fight for my clients. If it makes sense, I will go to bat until the end.
How, when & why did you get started in the mortgage industry?
I’ve been in the business for over 42 years. While I was in high school, I did a co-op program that brought me to the mortgage business. I was a processor, closer and then started to be a loan coordinator. That coordinator role then became an outside sales consultant, then a loan officer. I have been a loan officer for 30 years.
Why NewFed? How long have you been here?
I’ve been here for 8 years! James Khoury was the reason I came to NewFed, and the reason I have stayed. I would trust him with my life.
What has been your most rewarding experience working with a client?
Recently I was working with a first time buyer, they were becoming frustrated with their lender (who they had been working with for over 2 years), came over to me, we found them a home and got FHA financing accepted, due to the fact that I knew the realtor selling and he trusted NewFed and we closed the loan in less than 30 days.
What continues to motivate you? What do you like about what you do best?
I enjoy working with my buyers, Realtors, and other professionals in the field.
Describe an interesting hobby or pastime that you have.
Camping and golf, spending time with my family, and traveling.
What are some of your favorite local spots to visit in/around Salem, NH?
Top of Roof, Luna, CopperDoors, Ralphies, & Tuscan Market
John has been in the mortgage industry for over thirty years. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire / Business Degree and has a Masters / Business Degree from Southern New Hampshire University. His knowledge of the mortgage business comes from holding various positions including processor, underwriter, loan officer and head of operations. Being a Loan Officer is the position John enjoys most of all. He gets great satisfaction in helping people achieve their dream of owning a home.
Alan brings many years of experience to our team and prides himself on being thorough with each of his clients.
How, when & why did you get started in the mortgage industry?
I started back in early 2011 for a broker in a part time sales position doing lead generation, while training to become a Loan officer. I went full time time in 2012 and been at it ever since.
Why NewFed? How long have you been here?
I have been with NewFed for 10 years now. I met Brian through our then-girlfriends, and we hit it off. But, what really sold me was coming to see the office and meeting everyone. I spent a couple of hours there and saw how everyone worked and supported each other; I got a really good vibe! So, I started right before Christmas 2013.
What continues to motivate you? What do you like about what you do best?
This may sound cheesy, but I enjoy helping clients accomplish their goals. I like sharing the experience! Whether it’s the client’s 1st home or their 10th, they’re always so appreciative when they get the keys to their new house. We all do our best to ensure the client receives the best service, products, and rates as possible. So, in an industry that is this competitive, I really appreciate when they choose/trust me to get them to closing.
How, when & why did you get started in the mortgage industry?
I started in the mortgage industry back in February 2020, right before COVID. Before being a loan officer, I was a buyer’s agent with my real estate salesperson license. At the same time, I also worked as a property manager. Still, I decided to make a career switch once I met James and Brian at a networking event, learned more about the mortgage industry, and became interested in being a part of a team and company that focuses on the success of its customers. This team works together to become better, exceed expectations, and accomplish goals.
What continues to motivate you? What do you like about what you do best?
What continues to motivate me is the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction once a loan is closed. Being able to assist an individual or a family from beginning to end in achieving their home-buying goals and being part of the entire process.
Describe an interesting hobby or pastime that you have.
It’s not an interesting hobby, but one of my favorites is working out (going to the gym). I enjoy living an active lifestyle and feeling and looking good. Working out helps to improve my mood, clears stress from my mind, and gives me more overall energy.
How, when & why did you get started in the mortgage industry?
I started in the mortgage industry in the summer of 2018. I had gone through the mortgage process myself a couple of times at that point and remember it being so stressful. I wanted to understand the ins and outs and make it easier for people to achieve their homebuying dreams. I first started as a loan officer assistant to learn the business, then became a processor, and now a loan officer.
What’s the last book you read or podcast you listened to?
The last podcast I listened to was New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce. I swear I listened to it before Taylor Swift came into the picture. I really started to tune in when they were both in the Super Bowl last year, and I like how they give you some inside intel of the NFL.
What (if any) local community organizations are you affiliated with?
I am passionate about the Susan G Komen Foundation and breast cancer awareness. I have done the Susan G Komen 3-day walk, and I have a sister that is currently battling the disease.
How, when & why did you get started in the mortgage industry?
I started in the mortgage industry in November 2023 with the aspirations of helping people accomplish their goals of buying a home. I am very passionate about helping people grow in life and there is nothing more satisfying to me than owning your own piece of America.
Why NewFed? How long have you been here?
My experience with purchasing my first home with NewFed was AMAZING. James Khoury was awesome to work with. I appreciated his transparency, professionalism, and willingness to find a way to make it happen. It was reassuring and inspiring to say the least. Therefore, it was a no-brainer regarding who I wanted to work with, and it truly is a blessing to be a part of the Khoury Team at NewFed. The future is bright!
What continues to motivate you? What do you like about what you do best?
My family is the core factor that motivates me to be the best possible person I can be in all facets of life. A combination of our roots, upbringing and experiences motivates me to learn and grow from the failures and obstacles bestowed upon us. I love how I am currently in a situation to be able to help people achieve their goals in real estate, whether it’s a short or long-term goal.
What’s the last book you read or podcast you listened to?
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Describe an interesting hobby or pastime that you have.
I grew up playing sports my entire life so it’s safe to say I enjoy competition, overcoming adversity and any challenge that presents itself. I played professional baseball for the Baltimore Orioles for 6 years. I also currently officiate football as well.
What (if any) local community organizations are you affiliated with?
The Lawrence Boys and Girls Club
Stephany Cedeno, Loan Officer Assistant, NMLS #1403705
What continues to motivate you? What do you like about what you do best?
The best motivation is the relationships you build with people. It’s always nice to see them continue to grow and see them come back to you because of the trust you’ve built with them. What I like best is seeing the excitement and genuine joy felt when someone is able to close on their dream home.
What’s the last book you read or podcast you listened to?
The last book I read was Finally Getting Prequalified: The 5 keys to Opening The Door to Your New Home by a very local author you all might know named James Khoury, followed by Suffer the Children and the last podcast was one of my favorites, Crime Junkie.
What are some of your favorite local spots to visit?
Some of my favorite local spots are Pica’s they have the best stuffed pepper soup, Wasabi’s in Salem and Pressed as well.
Paula Ventura, Loan Officer Assistant
Why NewFed? How long have you been here?
Opportunity for growth! I worked at a different mortgage company for years before NewFed and was never given the opportunities I’ve had here. I’ve been with NewFed for 8 years.
What continues to motivate you? What do you like about what you do best?
I would say my daughter is number one motivation – she keeps me going. And clients are the other motivation. Being able to take them to the finish line, after a 30-day process and, prior to that, months of searching and submitting updated documents, hoping to find the right home to put an offer in. It’s the feeling of accomplishment of helping others complete their lifelong goals.
Describe an interesting hobby or pastime that you have.
I like to travel, spend time with my daughter, sit on the couch on Sunday mornings with my grandmother, and talk about everything in life while drinking her ginger tea.
Kevin Cueto, Business Development/Marketing
Kevin has been with NewFed Mortgage since 2022. Kevin was a Realtor before pivoting to the lending side of the business. He helps the Khoury team with their marketing initiatives.
What’s something we should know about Kevin?
He loves Chick-fil-A and his dog Cado (check out the picture below)!
More Pictures of The Salem, NH Team
NewFed Mortgage Corp’s Salem Branch NMLS #1427768
