“The relationships we have built with our referral partners and clients is something I am very proud of,” says Emma Butler, senior vice president of mortgage lending with the Emma Butler Group at Neighborhood Loans in Chicago. “There is not one person I work with that I wouldn't love to enjoy a meal with. When you have accomplished that in your business, it’s no longer work. It's just what you do.”    

When Emma moved to Chicago from Ireland in 2003, she was searching for adventure. She was drawn to Chicago for the excitement and possibilities it offered. Early on she worked in both the computer science and hospitality industries. A few years later, she was introduced to the mortgage industry, and this unexpected career change would prove pivotal in her career.

“I was introduced to a top-producing lending officer and thought, ‘This might be a way to merge my two interests, numbers and personal relationships, into a career,’” she explains. “This industry found me more than I found it. I think that’s true for most people who end up getting into the mortgage industry—it's not really planned. Then, if they are like me, they get hooked and can never leave,” she says with a smile.

In the nearly twenty years since she began her career, Emma has seen the many changes that have occurred in the industry. Improvements in technology and tactics have certainly made processes easier and more efficient, but online banking has made getting a mortgage feel more like a cold transaction that’s only about comparing numbers. Yet one thing has remained the same: to be successful, a mortgage broker must build and maintain strong personal relationships.

“People work with people who they like and who they trust will do a good job,” says Emma. “I have been told by clients that I am easygoing and approachable. Making clients feel more relaxed and open helps greatly, especially when dealing with first-time home buyers.”

Emma’s strong and honed business skillset has long-proved why she’s a perfect fit for her role, too. With her innate talent for numbers, problem-solving, and ability to retain details, it probably isn’t surprising to learn that Emma enjoys structuring complex loans. These skills, combined with her warm personality, ability to connect with people, and trustworthiness, are some of the reasons why her clients love working with her. 

“If you love what you do and have a passion for it, it shines through and is evident in your interactions with clients and business partners,” says Emma. And she says of the market and industry, “There remains a significant segment of clients who appreciate the value of a loan officer beyond the bottom line.”

Since joining Neighborhood Loans in 2018, Emma has seen her business grow significantly “and for the better,” she says. “Thanks to the support and guidance from the owners, Tony Ameti and Reno Manuele, and my manager, Dwight Marroquin, I was able to lay a new foundation for my business and see real growth. They are amazing.”

Like other brokerages, Neighborhood Loans provides residential mortgage financing for the purchase of primary homes, second homes, and investment properties. But Emma was drawn to them because of their intentional focus on fostering meaningful, long-term relationships with their clients. In an industry where many, what should be personal interactions become merely financial transactions, their approach is a breath of fresh air.

“Unlike a transaction-based model where the focus is solely on completing deals, our approach is centered on understanding and addressing the unique financial needs of our clients and collaborating seamlessly with our valued business partners,” states Emma. “Our focus on relationships means that we are not just here for a single transaction, but for the entirety of a client’s real estate journey.”

Beyond their one-to-one client relationships with clients and colleagues, the Emma Butler Group prioritizes supporting REALTORSⓇ and helping them grow their businesses. 

“In our collaboration with our REALTORSⓇ we want them to know that we are more than just a service provider: we are a strategic ally invested in their success,” she says. “By choosing us, REALTORSⓇ gain a reliable partner who is committed to streamlining the financing process, ensuring smooth transactions, and ultimately, enhancing the overall home-buying experience for their clients.”        

In her downtime, Emma enjoys cooking and hosting parties, but she loves to travel and does so frequently, especially to her native Ireland where her family still reside. Emma has found great fulfillment in her life and in her chosen profession thanks to her dedication and love of establishing great, lasting relationships.

“My team and I believe that success is not just measured in numbers but in the strength of the connections we build,” says Emma. “By intentionally choosing a relationship-driven approach, we create a synergy that goes beyond business. We foster trust and collaboration that extends far beyond the closing table.”