Washington D.C. – June 12th, 2024 – Flat Branch Home Loans, also known as Flat Branch Mortgage Inc., made an appearance in Washington D.C. last week for a few special events, including a hearing with the Committee of Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and an award ceremony with the United States Department of Agriculture.
June 12th, 2024
Karen Kreutziger Powell, Chief Executive Officer of Flat Branch Home Loans and member of the national Mortgage Bankers Association board, testified at a hearing before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. During the hearing, Kreutziger Powell commented specifically on housing and servicing benefits for veterans.
"The VA Home Loan Program is a significant benefit earned by Veterans through their sacrifice and service. MBA recognizes the need to make this program more accessible, operationally efficient, flexible, and competitive," said Kreutziger Powell.
June 13th, 2024
Flat Branchers, Kelle Walters and Heather Kupferschmid, attended the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, 2024 National Lender of the Year Awards Ceremony with CEO, Karen Kreutziger Powell. The ceremony recognizes top national lending partners who support rural homeownership and continued access to this program.
During the award ceremony, Flat Branch Home Loans was named the #2 Largest USDA Lender in the United States. This was a substantial increase from last year, in which Flat Branch Home Loans was named #5 in the nation in 2023.
“We’re incredibly humbled and encouraged to keep spreading this important program that serves so many of our families in rural communities,” said Kreutziger Powell.
This year, Flat Branch Home Loans created a lottery for all employee-owners interested in attending the USDA awards ceremony with a chance to go to Washington D.C. to accept the award. Kelle Walters, Senior Mortgage Banker, and Heather Kupferschmid, Loan Closer, were anonymously selected to attend and accept the award on behalf of their fellow Flat Branchers.
“As an originator, my goal is simple – to help my clients get the home of their dreams in the communities they want to live in, and the USDA directly supports that with my rural borrowers. It’s been an honor to witness the impact that homeownership has on the lives of families, and I’m excited to see future program developments at the USDA,” said Walters.
Walters, based in the mid-Missouri region, is a 15-year veteran of Flat Branch Home Loans, serving 23 years total in the industry.
“Being here in Washington D.C. has proven that the work we do every day as an organization is impactful on a national level. I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel on behalf of my fellow Flat Branchers to accept such a monumental award,” said Kupferschmid.
Kupferschmid, based in the central Illinois region, is a 3-year veteran of Flat Branch Home Loans, serving 5 years total in the industry.
Flat Branch Home Loans would like to extend gratitude and thanks to the USDA for the recognition and the partnership in providing accessible loan programs to reach more communities for our borrowers.
Media Contact: Elena Steinmetz, Director of Marketing
