Meet Fred Gallegos
Your Guide Through the Mortgage Journey
Welcome! If you're here, it means you're keen on knowing more about the person who's going to guide you through the mortgage process.
Let me share a bit more about my journey.
The Pivot That Shaped My Path
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One afternoon over lunch, my wife and I were deep in conversation about my next career move. After five fulfilling years of managing a financial wellness program at a prominent state university, I knew I wasn't ready to step into retirement, but I wasn't sure where to pivot next.
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My wife casually threw an idea into the mix, "What about doing mortgages again?"
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With three decades under my belt in the mortgage world, much of which I spent directly crafting dreams as a mortgage originator, my passion has always been guiding individuals toward their homeownership aspirations. Yet, I've witnessed the shadows of this industry – moments where first-timers, those seeking to refinance, and our dedicated military personnel have faced challenges or encountered lenders lacking true expertise. Such experiences have unfairly painted home loans as complex and lengthy endeavors.
I decided that if I was going to get back into mortgages, I was going to do it my way. I was going to focus on helping my clients get the best possible mortgage terms, and I was going to make sure that they understood the mortgage process from start to finish.
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Climbing to the Top: My Early Years in Mortgage Origination
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My first venture into originating loans was more successful than I could have imagined. In a short time, I found myself amongst the top 1% of loan originators in the industry, garnering recognition for my unique approach to the process.
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From there, I spearheaded a startup operation that funded over $2 billion in mortgage loans—a feat that made headlines in publications like the Denver Post and Hispanic Business Magazine.
Fred's Early Years
The Corporate Leap: Leading the Giants
Seeking new challenges, I transitioned into the corporate world. I served in various senior and executive roles for the then-largest mortgage lender in the country. One of the most rewarding roles I held was managing a project that saw our FHA/VA/USDA loan production leap from $6 billion to over $32 billion.
From fast-paced startups to the disciplined structures of corporations, I developed a deep understanding of the mortgage industry's intricacies, gaining a unique perspective into the mortgage world's heartbeat.
Pressing Pause: An Unexpected Turn
By 2017, I had been in the mortgage industry for nearly 30 years, and it felt like the right time to slow down. My wife received a fantastic opportunity at the University of Idaho, and we decided to shift gears...I retired.
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I thought I was ready for retirement, but it quickly became evident that the thrill of problem-solving, the sense of accomplishment, and the bustling world of work were too intertwined with my identity. I missed it all.
Opportunity Presented Itself Once Again
The University of Idaho's Financial Wellness program became my new home. Managing the program, I was able to use my extensive industry knowledge to guide students, alumni, and staff towards financial stability. The positive impact that our program had on the financial lives of thousands of individuals was immeasurable—it brought a whole new perspective to my understanding of the financial world.
The Comeback: Returning to My Roots
As fate would have it, my wife Cher received an offer for a senior leadership role at Colorado Mesa University. We were excited to return to Colorado—a place very close to my heart, given that I'm a 5th generation Coloradan. The move prompted another round of soul-searching, another lunchtime conversation about what was next for me.
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After much contemplation, it became clear—the world of mortgages was calling me back. Given my extensive background in financial literacy education and the mortgage banking industry, returning to the role of a loan originator was like coming home.
My Philosophy: Simplifying the Complex
I'm a firm believer in the adage, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." In an industry often clouded by complexity and jargon, my mission is to simplify and demystify the mortgage process, making it an understandable journey for you, not a confusing maze.
Work Is More Than A Paycheck
For me, work isn't just about making a living—it's a means to help others achieve their financial goals and secure responsible homeownership. It's about making a real, tangible difference in people's lives, one mortgage at a time.
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Your Trusted Mortgage Guide
Clients, peers, and referral partners appreciate my friendly nature, tact, and laser focus on communication. I prioritize being readily available to answer any questions and helping you understand your best mortgage options.
Oh, yes, I'm an alumnus of the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the University of California, Berkeley.
Beyond Mortgages
I've got a few interesting talents:
I'm an expert enchilada maker, a passable trout fisher, and a less-than-stellar keyboard player.
I have a diverse range of hobbies:
Football (Go Buffs and Broncos), composing music, mountain biking, whipping up spicy fusion cuisine, indulging in books, and traveling keep me busy when I'm not guiding clients through mortgages.
My Family:
They're my life force, my motivation, and my greatest joy.