Starting a career as a real estate appraiser before becoming a mortgage loan officer, Rick Elmendorf made it a priority to focus on building a strong rapport with the U.S. armed forces. “Growing up in a military home, I’ve always had a strong sense of patriotism and admiration for our military,” Elmendorf says. “My absolute passion in serving them has allowed me to help thousands of military personnel, both active and veterans alike.”

He and his team are known for their specialization in VA loans. Along with their fast time to close and low rates, they believe their most important attribute to be their high level of experience in VA lending. “I teach my team that the client has to like us, trust us and, most importantly, know we are capable,” he explains. “At the end of the day, clients want results, and I give that to them.”

After 30 years in mortgage lending, Elmendorf knows how to handle each client differently. While some military members want it all business and matter-of-fact, many enjoy chatting, planning and strategizing, while others just want to know every detail about everything. “I just bend to what they need,” he says.

Crediting his success to his creativity, Elmendorf understands that there is always a way to get things done. “I think outside the box. I push the envelope,” he remarks. “I do what it takes to get the deal closed and have a happy client.”

Spending his free time practicing piano or playing pickleball, he loves throwing a football with his son.

Rate, Inc. is a private corporation organized under the laws of the state of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any other government agency.