July 2025
The Sente Special: Quarterly Newsletter
Concierge
Have a question?
If you have questions on any of the Department Updates in this issue, please contact Concierge@SenteMortgage.com.
Important Dates
VOIE and VOA Encompass Training
Friday, August 8, 9:30-10 a.m. Zoom Meeting Link
Annual Compliance Training Deadline for ALL Employees
November 30. To access the training, sign into OnCourse using the personalized link you received and your login credentials. Your username is your email.
BRANCH NEWS
Regional Manager Karen Elliott hosted a Lunch and Learn for the Austin, New Braunfels, and Killeen Teams at the corporate office on Thursday, July 24. A few corporate team members snuck in for pizza, too. Lots of great ideas and good times were shared.
Our team in Charleston enjoyed a fun family beach day on Thursday, May 29.
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Accounting
We sure know how to have fun!
The third quarter of the year brings our annual financial audit. The company's financial statements are audited annually, and the audit takes about three months from start to finish. What this means for Accounting is that we spend a lot of time each day complying with requests from auditors to review financial information including contracts, invoices, bank statements, check registers, and more. The auditors review the submissions and confirm that the information presented in our financial statements is accurate and correct.
Random reminders:
- Expense reimbursements: Check Ask Sente or the ADP Forms Library under the Resources menu when filing an expense report. The current Expense Reimbursement Policy is online, and the most current version of the template to be completed is also there.
- Commission on brokered loans cannot be paid until the broker's payment has been received and the loan is completed in Encompass.
Capital Markets/Secondary
Ginnie Mae Approval!
This quarter Sente achieved a long-time goal of becoming an approved Ginnie Mae issuer! Much like working directly with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on Conventional loans, this will allow Sente to deliver government loans (FHA, VA, and USDA) directly to the government agency (as opposed to an aggregator) while also giving us the opportunity to retain the servicing. There are many aspects of the Ginnie Mae program that differ from Fannie/Freddie and other investors, and we have been working diligently to ensure everything is in place. We are also working across the organization to determine the most effective ways to capitalize on this direct relationship in all aspects—from underwriting to servicing and everything in between.
Don’t miss Tom Rhodes and Brent Berry’s video discussion about this exciting announcement in this issue of the newsletter!
Closing
Important reminders
Lowercase names and addresses: We’re seeing files with buyers’/sellers’ names and property addresses in upper case. Names and addresses should be input in lower case to save time on corrections and maintain consistency across files.
eConsent: Please make sure the eConsent has been sent to the NPS prior to marking the files CD ready.
Compliance
It’s that time of the year again!
Did you know training is a core requirement of a satisfactory Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) compliance program, CFPB, and various state and federal programs? Sente Mortgage is required to complete annual Compliance training to conduct business and remain compliant. All Sente employees who have not been hired within the last 90 days must complete this yearly training and have been enrolled in our annual Compliance training.
To access the training, sign into OnCourse using the personalized link you received and your login credentials. As a reminder, your username is your email. Best practice is to complete as soon as you can, but we understand that is not always possible. Please complete the required training by November 30, 2025. If the training is not completed by this deadline, access to our systems will be disabled until completed. Compliance will follow up with all employees monthly who have not completed the required training.
Thanks for leading the way, Eric Zanotelli–first person to complete this year’s Compliance training!
Concierge
Exciting enhancements, new efficiencies!
Effective July 15, any new nCino loan applications auto-import into Encompass. No more waiting for the upload of the Mobile Mailbox. Loans automatically import into the Leads folder in Encompass. Remember to apply the Loan Template when you first open the loan. This is one of the great improvements to the nCino workflow, and there are more to come in the upcoming months.
We launched Argyle as the new VOIE provider with an easy-to-use integration in Encompass. Argyle is one of the leaders in the industry. Argyle's coverage includes over 500,000 U.S. employers. The borrower experience is quick and easy to connect to their payroll provider for W-2s and paystubs. This feature will allow the borrower to connect to their payroll provider and authorize Sente to receive verification of their employment and income. This streamlines the documentation requirements and aligns with the potential for Day #1 Certainty when running AUS.
Dual AUS was launched, enabling you to run them simultaneously for conventional loans. This feature allows you to review which AUS you prefer to use based on Day #1 Certainty, including potential validation of income. With this feature, you choose which GSE you prefer for the loan. It is quick and easy to run for efficiency.
During the second quarter, we offered requested custom training sessions on:
- How to set up the VA IRRRL loan
- nCino tips, tricks, and best practices
- AI Income with the new rental Income enhancement
We had great participation, and we encourage you to submit your requests for custom training to Concierge.
Human Resources
Questions about Medicare?
Our benefits broker, Gallagher, recently partnered with LIG Solutions to provide helpful benefits-related resources, including free Medicare consulting services. LIG has an experienced team of licensed advisors across all 50 states and offers hands-on advisory solutions and educational materials on Medicare Advantage and Supplements. Find more information in this flyer.
IT Department
Data access for the international traveler
Earlier this year, Sente successfully completed the migration of its locally stored data to the Microsoft Cloud. To safeguard this data from unauthorized access—particularly from outside the United States—the IT Department has implemented security policies that restrict international access.
If you plan to travel internationally and require access to your email or other data stored in Sente's Microsoft Cloud tenant, you must submit a ticket to Concierge before your departure, including details of your trip.
For full guidelines, please download the Sente IT Travel Access Policy available on Ask Sente.
Marketing
Three and a half hours of texting pays off for Jennifer Rodriguez
Mortgage Banker Jennifer Rodriguez didn't think she had a chance in the Herald-Zeitung’s BEST of New Braunfels competition, but she decided to give it absolute best shot. Her all-out effort included spending three and a half hours sending personalized texts to EVERY contact in her phone, using Usherpa's Launchpad to email her referral partner and customer database, and posting an eye-catching graphic on her social media.
Jennifer went even further, purchasing a banner ad on the Herald-Zeitung website and following up with everyone she encountered in her community. Her relentless outreach paid off as she was named Best Mortgage Lender for 2025, earning her a coveted logo to feature on all her marketing materials for the next year–another marketing win.
The Marketing Team was excited to partner with Jennifer in helping her get out the vote and receive this well-deserved honor!
Employee Spotlights
Q: Where are you located? A: Marietta, GA
Q: How long have you been in the mortgage industry? A: Over 25 years
Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue an underwriting career? A: I entered the industry as a mortgage processor almost by chance. About 10 years later, I had a great manager who encouraged me to apply for one of two positions the company was opening to train underwriters from within the company. I've been on this crazy ride ever since.
Q: Which Sente Value most resonates with you and why? A: Embrace Challenges as Opportunities, because I think that this is a mindset that can require a shift in perspective and one that is so valuable in every area and stage of life.
Q: How would you describe your job to a group of 5-year-olds? A: I work as part of a team to help people buy homes or get loans on homes they already have. My part is to review documents and make the decision on whether the loan is approved.
Q: Favorite thing about your job? A: As much as I enjoy helping people with their homeownership and financial goals, my very favorite thing about my job and career has been the people who I have met and worked with.
Q: List a few personal fun facts about you. A: I have two cats that I adopted as a bonded pair from a shelter, but I love all animals. I like to read, watch movies, take long walks when the weather is cool, and just hang out with family. If I am taking a trip, I prefer driving over flying whenever possible. I would always rather be too cold than too hot.
Q: How long have you been at Sente? A: 5 years
Q: Where are you located? A: I've always been in Houston. When I first started with Sente, I worked remotely for the corporate office in Austin. Now, I work in the Upper Kirby Branch.
Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in [current role] A: When I first started working with Sente, I was part of the Lock Desk. As I gained a deeper understanding of the mortgage industry, I began to appreciate the excitement and impact behind each rate I locked in. That experience sparked my interest in becoming a mortgage banker. I spoke with Brent Berry, my manager at the time, and Milton Birdwell, my current manager, and both were incredibly supportive and instrumental in helping me transition into my current role.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Sente? A: What I've appreciated most is the people and the strong sense of community. I've had the opportunity to work on both the corporate and branch sides, and the camaraderie has remained consistent throughout. Accomplishments are genuinely celebrated, and everyone is given the chance to succeed.
Q: Which Sente Value do you reflect on as the most important? A: Learn, Stretch, and Grow. Before entering the mortgage industry, I was a classical pianist. This value was essential in shaping me as a well-rounded musician—no matter how skilled you become, there's always more to learn. Art constantly offers new layers to explore. I feel the same way about the mortgage industry. There's always a new challenge to tackle or a fresh perspective to gain, and that continuous growth is what makes it so exciting.
Q: How would you describe your job to a group of five-year-olds? A: I help people buy their dream home.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job? A: I love the process of structuring a deal. Exploring different strategies to help my customers make the best decision for their unique situation is both rewarding and fulfilling.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what type and what are their names? A: I do! I have a 13-year-old dog named Ashes.
Q: Where is your favorite place to vacation? A: I'm torn between Italy and the UK. I lived in the UK while earning my master's degree, so it truly feels like a second home. But Italy is something else entirely—the culture, the food, the scenery—it's all just incredible.
Q: What activities or hobbies do you have outside of work? A: My fiancé and I love exploring the food scene around Houston. I might be biased, but I think Houston has the best food—there's always a new spot or special to try!
WELCOME TO NEW HIRES
Jenna Scherer, Marketing Coordinator
Tracy Dietz, Senior Underwriter
Carl Clark, Mortgage Banker
ANNIVERSARIES
By request, we are now listing the upcoming quarter's anniversaries in the newsletter so you know when to wish your team members a Happy Sente-versary!
Q2 ANNIVERSARIES
Brent Berry, Director of Capital Markets
Jim Browarski, IT Manager
Richard Burt, Production Partner
John Hathcote, Branch Manager/Mortgage Banker
Elizabeth Rejsek, Mortgage Banker
Debra Riopelle, Mortgage Banker
Milton Birdwell, Branch Manager/Mortgage Banker
Jennifer Lack, Mortgage Banker
Jennifer Lourence, Production Partner
Heike Harviel, Loan Processor
Les Odom, COO
Laura Clayton, Controller
Stefanie Lyles, Branch Manager/Mortgage Banker
Blake Lyles, Production Partner
Dana Place, Loan Processor
Krista Sansom, Senior Loan Processor
Tracy Angeli, Production Partner
James Vanya, Mortgage Banker
Rachel Robinson, Appraisal Desk Coordinator
Nancy McAlpine, Product Specialist/Lock Desk Analyst
Cara Welch, Business Development Specialist
Krystal Wakem, Accounting Specialist
Q3 ANNIVERSARIES
Andrea Miller, Underwriting Manager, Aug. 2
Niki Laningham, Closing Disclosure Desk Specialist: Aug. 25
Debbie Ratliff, Mortgage Banker: Aug. 1
Christian Peter Chacon, Branch Manager/Mortgage Banker: July 15
Natalie (fka Welch) Mosse, Loan Processor: July 15
Mary Chacon, Business Development Specialist: Aug. 29
Lucas Arcizo, Mortgage Banker/Production Partner: July 23
Amy Clopton, HR Manager: Aug. 2
Ana Martinez, Mortgage Banker: Aug. 8
Jerry Lopez, Mortgage Banker: July 17
Brandi McIntyre, Administrative Assistant: Aug. 12
Ashley Moran, Production Assistant: Aug. 19
Kristi Murakami, Senior Underwriter: Sept. 23