Celebrating Mortgage Professionals Month

September 18, 2026 at 8:00am in Community, Homeownership
Lender Stories

September is National Mortgage Professionals Month!

A whole network of knowledgeable professionals work directly with buyers and behind the scenes to make homebuying dreams a reality. From mortgage lenders to loan servicers, underwriters and more, these mortgage professionals make it possible for Alaskans to experience that “keys in hand” moment as they walk through the door of their own home for the first time.

Learn about the careers of a few AHFC partners, and what it means to them to help Alaskans achieve homeownership: 

A Legacy Helping Alaskans Find Their Path Home 

Second-generation Alaska lender Lindsay Schram says her mom taught her how to navigate the financials and product guidelines of each loan in order to find solutions for each client. Beyond these logistics, Lindsay says she was taught a philosophy that has guided her throughout her career:

“Every person has a story. Being able to witness it, to value it as important and to figure out how I can support my client through it – that’s a gift.”

Working Together Toward Homeownership

“Some people fear that they won’t qualify for a loan or feel embarrassed about their credit, but pretty much everyone has been where you are – there’s no judgment,” says Mark Gust, an Anchorage-based lender.

“There are people in this industry who want to be part of someone else’s success.”

Helping Homebuyers Put Down Roots

Skyleen Bottani says that contributing to her community is a core value that guides her. Working as a mortgage loan originator at First Bank in Sitka has allowed her to combine her interest in real estate with her passion for helping her community.

"Hearing that I help to make the homebuying process easier for people is the biggest compliment I can receive. Part of how I do that is by connecting Alaskans to resources that can give them hope and help them going forward.”

Finding Solutions to Unique Challenges

“I always ask ‘What’s the best thing for my clients?’” says Soldotna-based Mortgage Loan Originator Aaron Swanson.

Working to find the best solution to each homebuyer's unique situation is part of why Aaron says he has remained passionate about the mortgage lending industry for decades.

View a list of all AHFC Featured Lenders. 

Get an introduction to the members of the homebuying team

Ready to start your own homeownership journey? Take the first step with free homebuyer education and sign up for HomeChoice™ – Steps to Homeownership.