January 2025
The Sente Special: Quarterly Newsletter
BRANCH NEWS
The Z Team participated in the Greater Tulsa Area Realtors (GTAR) annual Realtor Appreciation event, giving away 150 “birthday gifts” to commemorate the date Oklahoma became a state.
Check out The Golden Team! Making the loan process #golden.
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Accounting
New Year Reminders
Sente mailed 2024 1098 forms to borrowers by the January 31, 2025, IRS deadline. Please have your clients allow until the week of February 10 for USPS mailing time before reaching out to us if they have not received their form in the mail. You may direct inquiries about forms to accounting@sentemortgage.com.
For borrowers with loans originated prior to 2024 and/or currently serviced by DMI, they may view their tax forms online with their account at Your Loan Servicing Center (yourmortgageonline.com).
If servicing was transferred mid-calendar year, the borrower may potentially receive a tax form from each servicer.
IRS Form 1099s for vendors for amounts paid by Sente over $600 were forwarded to vendors by January 31, 2025.
Don’t forget to use the most recent version of the expense report template when you submit expenses for reimbursement this year. The new online Expense Reimbursement policy has the most up-to-date information, including allowed mileage rates.
Questions? Contact accounting@sentemortgage.com. The Accounting Department is here to support you! Please contact us any time, and we are happy to help.
Capital Markets/Secondary
Second-Lien Solutions
A reminder to discuss second-lien options with your clients, when appropriate. With rates remaining stubbornly high, many homeowners would like to tap into their growing equity but do not want to give up their low first mortgage rate and payment. We have a range of second-lien products, from the digital HELOC product we presented in 2024 to a more standard fully amortizing fixed-rate home equity second lien.
Several of our wholesale lender partners have a blended rate calculator that helps quickly assess the payment difference between refinancing with a new first lien or adding a new home equity second lien while retaining their lower rate first mortgage.
Questions? Contact broker@sentemortgage.com with your scenario and/or any questions so we can help you find the best product and rate for your client.
Compliance
It’s Time for HMDA Reporting
The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act was enacted in 1975 and requires financial institutions to collect, record, report, and disclose information about their mortgage lending activity. HMDA refers to this information as data points. The data-related requirements in HMDA and Regulation C serve three primary purposes: (1) to help determine whether financial institutions are serving their communities’ housing needs; (2) to assist public officials in distributing public investment to attract private investment; and (3) to assist in identifying potential discriminatory lending patterns and enforcing anti-discrimination statutes.
During our loan process here at Sente, we collect this information at application, loan processing, and closing. We also collect this information when a loan is denied or withdrawn. Compliance compiles all the information from January 1 to December 31 of the previous year and submits this information to CFPB. Our information is then compiled and compared to other mortgage lenders to make sure we are following requirements.
Questions? Contact compliance@sentemortgage.com.
Concierge
Technology and Pup Patrol
Did you know that the Concierge Team supports many resources that are instrumental in originating day-to-day loans? These services include Appraisals, Encompass, nCino, TRUV, Setup, and all initial ticket submissions, which totaled 21,860 in 2024. Our focus has been on the rollout of Enhanced Conditions, reevaluating milestone movement, building a streamlined appraisal ordering process, and launching new technology (CreditXpert, AI Income, TRUV).
The Concierge Team loves the Sente family, and we are all proud dog owners. Here are photos of our furry friends!
Questions? Contact concierge@sentemortgage.com.
Human Resources
2025 401(k), FSA, and HSA Contribution Limits
What are the 2025 401(k) limit changes?
Source: IRS/WEX/HR Executive research
$23,500: 401(k) pre-tax contribution limits
Employee contribution limits for 401(k) plans have inched up 2.2% to $23,500 in 2025, according to the IRS. That percentage increase is similar to the jump in 2024.
$7,500: 401(k) catch-up contribution limit
Employees age 50 and older can contribute an additional $7,500 toward their 401(k). This brings the total contribution limit to $31,000 for employees in this age group.
Employees aged 60-63 can make significantly higher catch-up contributions under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. Those in this limited age range can contribute up to $11,250 to their 401(k), bringing their total contribution limit to $34,750.
What are the 2025 FSA limits?
In 2025 the contribution limit for flexible spending accounts increased 3.1% to $3,300, compared to the 4.9% increase in 2024 over the previous year.
What are the 2025 HSA limit changes?
Source: IRS/WEX/HR Executive research
$4,300: Annual HSA contribution limit for individuals
Health savings account contribution limits for individuals with self-only coverage increased 3.6% in 2025—roughly half the 7.8% increase in 2024. HSA participants–who must be enrolled in high-deductible healthcare plans–can contribute $4,300 to their HSA account, according to the IRS.
$8,550: HSA contribution limit for family coverage
The contribution limit for HSA family coverage is similar, rising by 3% to $8,550 in 2025. This limit increased by 7.1% in 2024.
$1,000: HSA catch-up contributions
Employees aged 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 to their health savings accounts in 2025, which hasn’t changed in at least four years.
Questions? Contact us at HR@sentemortgage.com
IT Department
Next Steps in the Move to the Microsoft Cloud
The Sente IT Department has completed the migration of our IM and phone system to Microsoft Teams. In addition to the phone migration, Sente laptops have been enrolled and are currently being monitored by Microsoft Azure Cloud Services.
We are working on the migration of data to Microsoft SharePoint and OneDrive. Migrating to the new platform has introduced challenges for us to address and resolve as we continue to move forward, though not at the pace originally anticipated. Each department will be contacted directly when their data is to be migrated.
The IT Department will continue to provide timely updates on this important initiative.
Questions? Contact IT Support, support@sentemortgage.com
Marketing
Defining Your Personal Brand
Everyone has a personal brand.
A personal brand is the public perception of an individual, based on their skills, values, and accomplishments. It's a combination of how others see you and what you want them to know about you. For Mortgage Bankers, developing a personal brand is key to your business—it communicates your professional ethics, approach to the homebuying process, differences from the competition, and overall likeability.
When identifying your personal brand, consider the following:
- Your purpose: Consider your values, goals, and why you do what you do.
- Your strengths: Think about what you're good at and what you want to be known for.
- Your personality: Write down a few words to describe yourself.
- Your motivations: Determine what kind of projects energize you and what subjects pique your interest.
Ultimately, your personal brand is your story. Once you have this narrative, share it!
Questions? Contact communications@sentemortgage.com
Underwriting
Transition to Enhanced Conditions
In Q4 2024 Sente Underwriting fully embraced the transition to Enhanced Conditions. In collaboration with the Processing Department and Encompass Support, we operated in the Enhanced Conditions environment while continuing to work and close the loans in our prior system. This allowed opportunity for active loan feedback and fine tuning to ensure system utilization and efficiency.
A Q1 2025 project includes revamping Sente Underwriting matrices and resource materials. Documents will be organized, restructured, and categorized for ease of use and understanding.
Questions? Contact SenteUnderwriting@sentemortgage.com. We welcome your feedback and suggestions on the materials and topics that matter most to you.
Employee Spotlights
Q: How long have you been at Sente?
A: Five years on January 27.
Q: Where are you located?
A: I live in DFW but work out of the Arkansas Branch.
Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue a career as a Mortgage Banker?
A: I somewhat fell into the mortgage world. I started my career working part-time as a bank teller while I was in college. After I graduated, I worked my way up to be a Branch Manager. Then I hopped into the lending side of the business as a Mortgage Loan Assistant and quickly became a Mortgage Banker. I fell in love with helping people purchase their dream homes and finding financial solutions for first-time homebuyers.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Sente?
A: The people. I love the fact that I can pick up the phone or shoot an email off and there is always someone on the other side who is willing to lend a helping hand!
Q: Which Sente Value do you reflect on as the most important?
A: Care So Much We Make a Difference. Every customer has their own story, and all have a dream of homeownership. It’s great to be with a company where everyone feels like they are on the same team and all parties want to help the customer get into the home.
Q: How would you describe your job to a group of 5-year-olds?
A: I help people get the money to buy a home.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?
A: I love working with first-time homebuyers who need some guidance and help with purchasing.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what type and what are their names?
A: I have two fur babies, Winnie and Moxie. They are goldendoodles and my pride and joy!
Q: Where is your favorite place to vacation?
A: Mexico is always a nice getaway, but recently I have loved going to Europe because I have a baby niece to visit.
Q: What activities or hobbies do you have outside of work?
A: I love to get out of the house and go for a walk and to go to Dallas Stars hockey games. My husband and I love to check out any local art galleries and art museums.
Q: How long have you been at Sente?
A: I have been with Sente five years as of January 6, 2025.
Q: Where are you located?
A: I live in Ottawa, Kansas.
Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue a career as a Loan Processor?
A: Prior to working as a Loan Processor, I worked in the banking industry for close to eight years. I also worked for a year selling home and auto insurance. A close friend of mine at the time–and now my boyfriend–is a loan officer, and he thought with my experience in the banking industry that I would excel in this position. I started processing loans for him in 2012.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Sente?
A: I love working with The Golden Team. We all work together so seamlessly and help each other out, no matter what the task is. I am grateful for the support we give each other and that we know how to work hard and still have fun. Outside of my team, I love working with our Operations staff. We all work so well together and share the same goals.
Q: Which Sente Value do you reflect on as the most important?
A: It is difficult to choose just one, as all the Sente Values are important to our success. From a processing standpoint, I feel that “Improve and Innovate” is the most important. In order to grow and be successful, we must constantly improve our process of getting a file to closing and streamline it more and more over time to provide our customers with a seamless experience.
Q: How would you describe your job to a group of 5-year-olds?
A: I would explain that sometimes people want to buy a house, but they do not always have enough money saved to pay for the house all at once. I help people get money from a bank so they can buy that house. My job is to help get all the paperwork for the bank, so they know it is okay to give the homebuyer the money. Once the bank believes that the homebuyer will be able to pay back the money over time, they will provide the money to buy the house.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?
A: I would say my favorite thing about my job is the people who I get to work with every day. I love being a part of our Sente Team and working so closely with everyone. I also love helping our borrowers achieve their goal of homeownership. It is very rewarding to see how happy and excited they are when we get that clear-to-close.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what type and what are their names?
A: Yes! In fact, I have too many. I have two dogs–Bo is a 16-year-old dachshund and Norman is an 8-year-old chocolate lab. I also have two cats, Chad and Arnold. Chad insists on snuggling all the time.
Q: Where is your favorite place to vacation?
A: I love to travel anywhere in Summit County, Colorado. I love the mountains, cold weather, and snow.
Q: What activities or hobbies do you have outside of work?
A: Outside of work, I love to read murder/mystery novels and spend time with my son, family, and friends. My family likes to get together often and play card games. I also enjoy fishing in the spring, golfing (even though I am awful at it), and going to the movies.
Q: How long have you been at Sente?
A: Two months.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Houston, Texas.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Sente?
A: Sente makes you feel like you’re family from day one.
Q: Which Sente Value do you reflect on as the most important?
A: Embrace Challenges as Opportunities.
Q: How would you describe your job to a group of five-year-olds?
A: A rollercoaster ride.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?
A: I love the feeling of being part of a team that helps customers reach their homeownership dreams.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what type and what are their names?
A: Yes, I have a miniature Schnauzer, Cole.
Q: Where is your favorite place to vacation?
A: New Orleans.
Q: What activities or hobbies do you have outside of work?
A: Gardening and exploring my city like a tourist.
WELCOME TO NEW HIRES
LaShaon Parr, Closing Disclosure Desk Specialist
Robben Moore, Senior Director of Mortgage Operations
FOURTH QUARTER EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES
Kristin Carroll, Mortgage Banker
Sandy De La Fuente, Senior Loan Processor
Chris Holland, Mortgage Banker
Lisa Curry, Strategic Systems Manager
James Racanelli, Branch Manager/MB
Tom Rhodes, CEO
Karen Elliott, Regional Manager/MB
Liz Saenz, Secondary and Post-Closing Support
Laura Comstock, Director of Onboarding, Engagement, and Training
Candice Young, Director of Compliance
Kylie Oaks, Assistant Loan Processor
Joseph Prater, Production Assistant
Brian Zanotelli, Production Partner
Eric Zanotelli, Branch Manager/MB
Samantha Brown, Mortgage Banker
Sara Baggott, Production Assistant
Jenna Baskin, Loan Processor
Corey Deitsch, Mortgage Banker
Megan Deitsch, Mortgage Banker
Cole Hall, Mortgage Banker
Jarrett Hodson, Branch Manager/MB
Eric Housley, BK Department Manager
Travis Howard, Branch Operations Manager
Mick Jewell, Mortgage Banker
Sloan Jordan, Production Partner
Yulia Krumova, Production Assistant
Natalie Moon, Loan Processor
Chris Odiorne, Mortgage Banker
Shelly Powell, Mortgage Banker
Jason Rosenthal, Mortgage Banker
Taylor Francis, Mortgage Banker
Austin Wright, Mortgage Banker