Rams Team
> Nearly 30 years of Experience in Mortgage Banking.
> Local “in house” processing, underwriting and closing that is dedicated to providing a quick and pleasant financing experience.
> Skilled in the intricacies of self employed, high net worth clients with complicated income streams.
> Strategically Aligned with Select Financial Professionals, Wealth Managers, Select Real Estate Agents and Builders
> Originated and Closed over $1.5 Billion in mortgages
> Expert in understanding and managing the needs of First Time Buyers.
> Veteran US Air Force. Native proficiency in Spanish.
“A home is one of life’s most important purchases. Although intricate, the mortgage process does not need to be cumbersome or complicated. If handled properly by a seasoned professional, it can be the enjoyable and rewarding event it is meant to be. I am that seasoned professional!!” Our team believes that Customer Service is an attitude not a department
Achievements
2021
Chairman’s Club Award recipient
Top 25 volume producer PRMI nationally
2019 – 2020
Presidents Club Award recipient
Top volume producer PRMI nationally
2016 – 2018
Elite Club Award recipient
Top Volume producer PRMI nationally
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Client Testimonials
5 Stars – Post Closing Survey
Armando and his team were always available to answer any questions that I had regarding the home buying process. Armando’s professionalism and knowledge were wonderful and I would gladly recommend him and his team to anyone looking to purchase a home.Stephanie F. – East Hartford, CT – 2017
5 Stars – Post Closing Survey
Armando made the process so easy for us. I would highly recommended his staff and team. They made our dream come true and I can’t thank them enough ☺Jennifer S. – Bristol, CT – 2017
5 Stars – Post Closing Survey
We absolutely loved working with Armando! He made the whole process easy. Armando calculated both conventional and FHA for us to have options. We are extremely satisfied with the loan rate we got. Armando was the best when it came to communication and keeping us updated. He took the time to answer our questions by emails, text messages and on the phone. He worked really hard for us and had no problem repeating the concepts and explaining everything. He also met the deadlines!Brandon and Jade D. Newington, CT – 2017
I just wanted to send you a quick note thanking you for helping me with the mortgage and making the closing of the house happen on schedule. I know it was a stretch at times, but you made it work which I am grateful for. Thank you once again
Belinda and Matt L. – Woodbridge, CT – 2016
The best! I went through two other mortgage companies who did not and would not help me! Armando ran my numbers, checked my credit and in three weeks we were cleared to close. Love this guy!
Reggie and Carmen C. – East Haven, CT – 2016
Armando is the consummate professional, and was instrumental in helping us achieve our home ownership dreams. Our situation was complex, as we lived overseas for 14 years, which means I had very little credit history in the eyes of the US banking system.
With the expert guidance from Armando, we were able to secure mortgage financing, at incredibly competitive rates, and buy our first home. He was helpful and accessible throughout the entire process, which can be daunting for first-time home buyers.
I would recommend Armando without hesitation for anyone looking to buy or refinance your house.
Will S. – Madison, CT – 2016
Armando, I have been a fairly active home buyer and investor in Real Estate for close to 20 years and have been incredibly pleased with the support that you and your team have provided on numerous financing efforts during that time. You and your team are a pleasure to do business with and make the loan process a very efficient process for your customers.
Andy D. – Wilton, CT – 2016
Armando was a fantastic resource and partner as he guided me through the mortgage process. Whatever the circumstance, I trusted Armando’s expertise, knowledge, and ability to dig deep to find the best mortgage solution. Within two weeks of our first meeting, we were closed and in our new home creating new family memories!
Allison O. – Madison, CT – 2016
Armando Rams and Primary Residential Mortgage were terrific to work with. From the first phone call to the day after closing on our mortgage, the service was first rate. Responsiveness, honesty, efficiency, and ease all accurately describe our experience with PRMI and especially Armando. We are very happy to have been led to PRMI, and are very pleased with Armando as our loan officer! We have recommended his services already to friends in the house hunt, and will do it again! We give PRMI a “10” and Armando an “11”!
Marc R. – North Haven, CT – 2016
I was introduced to Armando Rams late in March 2016. Although I have done dozens of commercial loans in the past, I have limited experience in residential financing. Armando was very informative in explaining the whole loan process. The seller put time restrictions on the closing date and Armando knew he had to work fast. This was not going to be an easy task as I am involved in over 25 LLC’s and corporations. The amount of documents (tax returns and business P&L’s) Armando would have to examine was never ending. Also it was a jumbo mortgage at 1.6 million dollars which also had to be approved by two levels of underwriters. Armando worked many long days to get the loan approval by the deadline. He worked diligently with myself and two of my office staff on a daily bases until the loan was approved. He made me feel confident the whole way. He was actually able to close on the property while I was away on a trip I had planned last year. I consider Armando a friend and a man of integrity. I would recommend Armando to anyone considering a residential mortgage.
Dominick D. – Owner Personal Touch Car Washes and Lubes – 2016
I have worked with Armando Rams over many years and he has helped me finance and refinance our primary and vacation homes on several occasions. He is the most creative and helpful person that I have worked with when it comes to finding ways to finance real estate. He is a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to obtain a mortgage on their home.
Ambassador (ret) Barry B. W. – 2016
Armando gets 5 stars.
I am amazed at the speed in which he gets things done.
I always recommend Armando to my friends.Fred L. – Madison, CT – 2016
I met Armando when I was on the opposite side of a transaction he was processing. Although he was working with the buyer and I represented the seller, Armando provided top notch communication. The constant flow of information enabled me to help keep my client at ease through the entire process. I gained a good deal of confidence with his communication style and began recommending Armando to my own clients. My clients have been equally confident with Armando and he gets rave reviews. You can always count on Armando to take the time to understand the dynamics of each situation and act accordingly. Armando gets the job done, all with a warm, fun personality!
Vicki S. – REALTOR® – 2016
Working with Armando was great! From start to finish the process was very smooth and we were actually able close earlier than expected! There was communication every step of the way which made it a lot easier to get the job done. If you want someone that is experienced and great to work with Armando is your guy. I would highly recommend Armando to future clients!
Edward L. – Realtor – 2016
I have utilized Armando’s services for myself and referred him to numerous clients. He does an exceptional job of listening to his clients’ needs and, then recommending and delivering the most appropriate product for them, with competitive pricing.
Edward R., CPA – Fairfield, CT – 2016
Armando Rams is one of the best mortgage bankers I have ever worked with. I was referred to Armando from another Realtor after a deal I had started falling apart. The buyer was using a lender who could not get the deal done and denied her. We had the buyer speak to a couple of different lenders and we kept hearing the same thing, the loan could not be done and we were advised to just give up. Armando was our last shot and not only did he get the loan done, he got it done it two weeks’ time, from start to finish!!!! I was sold. I have been using Armando ever since and I have yet to be disappointed. My clients love him and he is extremely easy to get in touch with (weekends, nights, holidays, you name it, he responds!). I would highly recommend Armando to all clients and co-workers (which I do all the time). I promise you will not be disappointed!
Betsy P. – Realtor – 2016
Working with Armando has been fantastic. He is on top of his business and gets the job done! He is detailed and extremely thorough. My clients have raved about their experiences with Armando and that is a great thing! I do not hesitate to recommend Armando to my clients to help them with all of their mortgage needs. Thank you Armando!
Tracey K. – REALTOR® – 2016
Armando, you are the best.
The last time I applied for a mortgage was in 2001. The process was simple. I made a phone call to the bank and they gave me a loan. I did have to sign a paper or two but not much else.
Well, today’s mortgage world is understandably a lot different. With the advent of strict mortgage rules, Patriot Act regulations, and fraud prevention protocols, a professional expert is essential to guide one through the complexity of the application and securing of the mortgage. Armando, you did that with kindness, compassion, humility and service that is rare in American business. In seeking a mortgage I was fortunate to find you. You were available all day and even after hours as well as weekends. Thank you for the help.If anyone reading this is seeking a mortgage, Armando Rams is the BEST person to help.
Anthony I. – Fairfield, CT – 2016
Armando, I wanted to thank you for all your help and hard work with our mortgage loan and for pushing everything through as fast as you did at the end. Ivy and I are very happy with our home.
Mike F. – Bristol, CT – 2016
“Now that we are finally all moved into our new house, I wanted to say THANK YOU for all your help in the process. I couldn’t have have expected it to go so smoothly, so thank you for all the work you did to get us finalized so we could close early. We LOVE our new house!”
Kristin A. – Hamden, CT – 2016
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What is your mission?
I provide home financing that meets the client’s needs. It is my duty to ensure that the mortgage fits the client. My specialty is helping home buyers find mortgage solutions that meet their current situation while complementing their long-term financial goals. I will assist in determining which mortgage options work best, guide the client through the loan process, and answer any questions. Basically, provide excellent service from start to finish. I believe that Customer Service is an attitude, not a department.
Who is your typical customer and what questions do they typically have?I am equally comfortable with First-Time buyers as with experienced borrowers purchasing High End Luxury homes. I find that all clients have the same basic needs; they want honesty, accountability and communication. I pride myself on providing all three. Excellent customer service has been the key to my longevity in this industry. Many mortgage professionals become desensitized and lose track of the importance of caring for the client’s needs during the mortgage process. To us, providing mortgage financing for a new home may be our job, but to the client it is the realization of their dreams. It is their home.
The initial conversation with a client usually begins with “What’s the rate and what are your fees?” Although these are important questions, and as a correspondent mortgage banker, I have very competitive pricing and closing fees, I try to explain to the borrower that they must go beyond the rate and look at the whole picture. Sometimes the best rate is not the best deal. I discuss their short- and long-term financial needs and come up with options that best suit their plans.
How long have you been in the mortgage business?
I started in this industry in 1994. I was much younger, recently married and ready to take on the world!! I was lucky to work with and learn from one of the best managers in the industry. She ran an intensive training program and I was thoroughly educated in the vital components of the business. Throughout my years of experience, I have been fortunate to have been consistently ranked as one of the top mortgage originators in the industry and have received many awards during my career including Chairman’s Circle, President’s Club and Leader’s Club. I have personally originated and closed in excess of $1 Billion in residential mortgages. However, the achievement of which i am most proud is reaching the highest levels in customer satisfaction every year since the start of my career. I have proudly built my business on trust, integrity and excellent customer service.
What should I look for in a mortgage lender?
For most people, the first answer is “The one with the best rate”!!!
Truth is; most lenders operate using the same pricing structure and rates are pretty standard throughout the industry. If you call 15 lenders, you will find that we are all within 1/8 of a percent from each other. If I told you I always have the best rate, I would be lying. Here are the factors I feel you should consider when choosing a lender:
1 – Experience – Not necessarily how long they have been in the mortgage business (I was once new too!!) but how well they were trained. What resources are available to them? A knowledgeable loan officer can custom fit a finance package to perfectly suit your individual needs and insure that the process is easy and painless.
2 – Resources – Where is their office? Where do they process the loans? Where do they underwrite their loans? Using a lender that has to ship a file to multiple places in various locations frequently results in lost documents and delays. In-House processing and underwriting dramatically decreases the chances of this happening. Having everyone involved under the same roof allows better communication regarding your loan, quicker turn around and less hassles.
3 – Do you have references? – If you were referred to a lender by a relative, a friend, a realtor, an attorney or any other trusted party, you are headed in the right direction. In my opinion, trusting your personal information to an online entity in an undisclosed location that has no connection to you or yours is not an intelligent manner in which to proceed with one of the largest financial transactions in your life. As I discussed earlier, you are not going to save enough to make a difference. Please take a moment to read my client’s testimonials on this page.
4 – Communication – I believe that first impressions are important in all aspects of life. The initial conversation with a lender is key. It will set the pace for the rest of your relationship. Did they respond in a timely manner? Did they take the time to find out what is important to you? Did you feel comfortable speaking with them? A loan officer that does not return your initial call in a timely manner and when they do, just spews rates and figures at you without trying to discover your needs is the wrong person with which to proceed. If they are not responsive to your needs during the “courting stage” imagine how the rest of your relationship will go!!Tell us a few things about you? What makes you tick?
I was born in Cuba. Came to the US with my family in 1972. My parents are my heroes, the sacrifices they made to ensure their children grew up in a free country I could never repay. I am a veteran of the US Air Force and consider myself a patriot. I love this country! One of my favorite quotes in history is “There is nothing wrong with America that what’s right with America can’t fix.”
I have been married to an unbelievable woman since 1992 and attribute most of my success to her trust, perseverance, understanding and patience. I have two incredible children, both college students, both brilliant, great athletes and amazing students. Nearly all of the wonderful memories in my life involve my family, that’s what makes me “tick”.
What makes me “tick” in business is helping people reach their goals and achieve their dreams. Whether its a first time buyer (of any age!), someone purchasing their retirement home or anything in between, the joy of helping my clients put it all together is richly rewarding. Not to sound corny; but I feel I help realize the American Dream one mortgage at a time!!Any closing thoughts?
A home is one of life’s most important purchases. Although intricate, the mortgage process does not need to be cumbersome or complicated. If handled properly by a seasoned professional, it can be the enjoyable and rewarding event it is meant to be. I am that seasoned professional!!
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So………….
‘I found a house, came to you for a mortgage, trusted you to help me with the financing, gave you all my papers and signed all the documents, now what?”
In 20+ years of helping home buyers realize their home ownership goals, I have found that communication and being prepared makes the whole experience painless and enjoyable. Securing a mortgage does not have to be confusing or complicated. I will work with you and all involved to make sure everything goes smoothly. The purchase of a new home is a joyous occasion and my goal is to ensure it is exactly that!
I have listed a few of the most commonly asked questions as well as a brief description of the process. Hopefully, this will help:Where does my loan go next?
I compile and arrange the application using all of the information you have provided, the signed disclosures and my analysis and give it to my processor. She orders the appraisal, verifies all information (bank accounts, employment, taxes, etc.…) and completes the file. Everything is then given to the underwriter for final approval. She will review the whole file, make sure we all did our jobs correctly and issue a commitment. She may be satisfied with all the data I provided or she may ask for additional information. If additional information is required, I will communicate this to you and assist in handling it. I try to get everything up front so this list is normally minimal.Who takes care of the appraisal?
We order the appraisal from an appraisal management company who then assigns the order to a local appraiser. Once they receive the order, the appraiser contacts the listing agent and schedules an appointment. Only the appraiser and the agent are present at this visit. Using local marketing data and recent comparable sales, the appraiser determines the current value of the home and creates a report. This report is delivered to us. Our office will send you a copy to review.What about my rate?
If we have not locked the loan at application, I will be in constant contact with you regarding the current rate climate and will suggest the best time to lock. It is extremely important to me to secure the best possible rate for my clients so I constantly monitor the economic news that affect the markets and will keep you up to date.What should I be doing during the process?
There are services required or suggested for which you need to shop. These services are provided by professionals in each detailed field and you can choose whomever you choose to complete the service. If you are not familiar or have worked with any agents in these fields, I can recommend providers with whom I have worked and are acquainted with our process.
Home Inspections – It is recommended but not required to hire a home inspector. There are various agencies that perform this service. They offer general home inspections including mechanical, structural, water, termite, Radon, well, septic, etc… It is up to you which of these items you wish to have examined.
Home Owner’s Insurance – You will need to secure home owner’s property and casualty insurance prior to closing. The terms of your mortgage require enough insurance to cover at least 100% of the estimated replacement cost for your home and any improvements to your property. However, that may not be enough to protect you financially. I recommend you ask your insurance agent if you also have enough coverage to protect you from personal liability for accidents that occur on your property, and to replace your personal property if it’s damaged, destroyed, or stolen.
Closing Attorney/Settlement Agent – Generally in Connecticut the attorney handling the closing will be responsible for ordering the title search (which will show who owns the property and what mortgages or liens are on it); preparing the title commitment (which tells the new lender the status of title); preparing the closing documents, including the Settlement Statement which shows all the costs, expenses and disbursements for the new loan; meeting with the borrowers to explain their loan documents; overseeing the signing of the loan documents; recording the new mortgage on the land records; and handling all the funds from the new mortgage (including distributing funds to the seller, agents, etc.…) and issuing the policy of title insurance required. The closing attorney works closely with us in performing these tasks. The closing attorney may also work to clear any title issues, such as improperly released mortgages or ownership issues. You can use an attorney with which you are familiar, who is accustomed to handling real estate transactions, or I can recommend some that have worked with our company, are acquainted with our paperwork and have reasonable fees. -
Don’t you deserve to be 100% satisfied with the level of service you receive from your current mortgage partner?”
Every mortgage company tells you they have…
Great Rates!
Great Service!
Great Bagels!?WE ALL CLAIM TO HAVE THOSE THINGS!!!
THIS IS WHAT SETS US APART:PRMI:
“In House” local opening, processing and underwriting.
Here’s what that means:
– They’re all right in my office!!
– No mailing away applications so they sit in regional black holes.
– No waiting for the underwriter to call back on deals, (I walk 8 feet and I’m in her office!!)
– These points allow us to control the file from beginning to close. Providing much quicker turnaround times, on time closings and happy customers!!
– At PRMI, our mission is to be a nationally respected, locally known home loan company whose purpose is to finance homeownership goals through a positive and personal experience.MY PERSONAL PROMISE:
– I will return all communication on a timely basis and will keep close contact with all parties involved. I have learned over the past 20+ years in this industry that constant contact is key to our success.
– I will accurately disclose rates, fees and costs. No closing table surprises!
– I will be there after you close to help with any questions or issues that arise.“SURE I CAN BRING YOU BAGELS, BUY YOU LUNCH OR TAKE YOU GOLFING BUT WOULDN’T YOU RATHER HAVE A QUICK PAINLESS, CLOSING AND A HAPPY CUSTOMER?”
Armando I Rams Jr.
Sr. Loan Officer
Office: (203) 453-5555 Ext. 408
Mobile: (203) 605-7863
Email: arams@primeres.com
NMLS #:460024
Barbara Lucibello
Senior Loan Officer Assistant
203.453.5555 x 410
NMLS 1616252
M 203.988.0725
F 877.631.5660