FirstClose, an aggregator in mortgage settlement services, announced that it hired Chip Caldwell to manage the company’s Southeast territory. The addition of Caldwell helps satisfy a growing demand for FirstClose’s end-to-end settlement services offering and supporting technology solutions for use by mortgage lenders.
Caldwell is a certified mortgage banker who holds extensive experience in the mortgage industry operating in an executive-level sales capacity. He worked at Freddie Mac for 19 years where he was responsible for varying aspects of sales, business development, customer relations, account management and strategic solutions. Caldwell most recently worked for FNC, a provider of automated appraisal workflow solutions. In addition, Caldwell has experience at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.
“FirstClose has a unique service-centric model and technology solution offering that really sets it apart from the competition,” Caldwell said. “When I evaluated FirstClose’s model, I saw a great deal of opportunity to introduce its services and innovative solutions to lenders, which are proven to effectively manage all settlement services functions. I am very pleased to join the FirstClose team.”
“Recruiting Chip along with other recent additions of senior industry veterans has strategically positioned FirstClose to capture more market share in select regional parts of the county,” stated Doug Beaty, executive vice president and national sales director of FirstClose. “We look forward to the contributions that he will undoubtedly bring to FirstClose to assist in growing our business and servicing new customers.”
FirstClose is an Austin, Texas-based online service, owned and operated by First Lenders Data Inc., a mortgage settlement service solution for lenders looking to improve efficiency and accuracy while lowering costs and turn-around time. FirstClose aggregates nationally recognized vendors and service providers into one easy-to-use online solution. FirstClose products and services include credit reports, flood certifications, AVMs and traditional valuation products, as well as income verification, tax tracking, title insurance, doc prep, closing and recording services. Additionally, FirstClose provides more progressive services, including hybrid and gap valuations and alternative lien reports.