Mortgage Loan Specialists

Say "Yes" to the right home at the right price!
House hunting? Make Blackhawk Bank your first stop. Talk to a Mortgage Specialist to become pre-qualified for your Mortgage Loan amount. It's fast, it's easy! Pre-qualification allows you to shop with confidence, and gives you added bargaining power with your Realtor and the seller.

Blackhawk Bank has numerous mortgage options for you. Your Mortgage Specialist will work with you to tailor the loan that's perfect for your lifestyle.

-Fixed Rate Loans with varying maturities
-First-time Homebuyers Loans - Interest rates below market in Wisconsin & Illinois
-Adjustable Rate Loans
-Jumbo Mortgage Loans
-VA Full Amount Financing - no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
-FHA Low Down Payment Loans
-No Down Payment Loans - some without PMI
-Interest Only Loans
-Lot & Constructions Loans
-Condo Loans
-Builder & Developer Packages

Contact a Mortgage Specialist today!

In Beloit Call:

Debbie Ovist, 608.364.8911
"I absolutely love my job!"
Helping people finance a new home or re-finance their current mortgage to improve their financial well-being is the most rewarding career I can imagine!

I’ve specialized in Mortgage lending for 15 years, primarily in Rock County, WI as well as Roscoe and South Beloit, IL. Many of my clients have worked with me to buy second homes in Florida, Arizona and Colorado.

I’m the Treasurer of Beloit Northeast Business Association, President-Elect of the Noon Kiwanis and I deliver Meals on Wheels. I’m a member of the Beloit Country Club, where I love a good round of golf. As a true motorcycle enthusiast, I own and ride my own Harley! Jim and I have been married for 34 years, have 2 sons and daughters-in-law, 4 irresistible grandchildren, and 2 ‘grand-dogs’.

What others say:
“Debby Ovist was extremely knowledgeable, patient and helpful with us during the purchase of our new home. She went above and beyond our expectations. We would recommend her services and Blackhawk Bank to anyone for their banking needs.”

“Debby was a pleasure to work with. She was very helpful and provided excellent service. I would work with her again.” “I feel Deb Ovist was the greatest loan officer I could have worked with to purchase my home. She made every step of the process very enjoyable. She went far beyond what was expected to help me close my first home. I will definitely see her for any of my future mortgage needs.”

Francisca Amador, Servicio en Español, 608.299.3437
“I’ll tailor a mortgage program to fit your special needs.”
I bring a wealth of knowledge to the Hispanic Community, and strive to help people achieve their dreams. I’m proud to serve Hispanic customers, and with Blackhawk Bank, I’m able to tailor services to meet their specific needs. My goal is to inform and educate customers to help them obtain the best mortgage rates and loans available.

I’ve been a mortgage lender for 5 years with a prior sales background of 13 years. I’ve earned the respect of real estate professionals in the area and I’m experienced in all types of lending, including: construction, bridge, lot loans, conventional fixed loans, first time home buyer government loans, FHA/VA and alternative financing.

What others say:
“We used to bank at a different institution and their staff did not speak Spanish. With Francisca we are able to understand all the products available to us in order to make an informed decision. We obtained a construction loan to build our primary residence and have refinanced two other investment properties. It is easy to work with her, and we appreciate her knowledge and guidance. We recommended our friends and family to her.”

“I did comparisons among 12 institutions in the area. Francisca was willing to answer my questions completely. If she didn’t know the answer, she received assistance from others. Excellent team work! Francisca is a huge asset to your bank. I would definitely recommend her to friends and family.”

“We were very pleased with the loan process. In addition, we were also very surprised at how quickly everything was taken care of. Francisca’s willingness to help in any way possible was outstanding! She was able to provide me with answers for all of my questions.”

In Roscoe Call:
 

 Joylyn Weibel, 815.986.7106
“Educating clients is what I enjoy most.”

With more than six years of mortgage experience and a Master’s degree in education, I’m dedicated to guiding you to a home loan that will fit your needs. We’ll discuss your specific situation, and I’ll tailor a mortgage package that you can be confident with for years to come. It’s important to me that you fully understand why the mortgage program I recommend is truly the best. 

I’m the Treasurer of the Women’s Council of Realtors and have been active on committees at my church. I live in Rockton with my husband Randy and our three college age children. I stay active by riding horses, walking our dogs, and downhill skiing.

I‘ve built my business on satisfied customers that refer other clients to me. I also work with many Realtors in Roscoe, Rockton, and Rockford. I’ve developed a reputation within the real estate community of providing trustworthy service and being able to ‘get the job done’. Because of this, I’m honored to say that clients come back to me for their next purchase or to refinance their loan when the time is right.

What others say:
“Thanks so much for all of your patience and assistance throughout this process. You have helped make a very confusing process much easier.”

“I just want to thank you so much for everything that you have done for me. I really don’t think I would have been able to make this happen without you.”

“The closing went without a hitch. Thank you so much for all of your help throughout the process.”

“Joylyn was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was very professional yet personable.

In Machesney Park Call:

Laura Peña, 815.877.2171
“I’ll show you how home ownership is more affordable than rent!”
I’m a Bilingual Mortgage Specialist, and especially like working with first-time homebuyers. I enjoy educating people about just how affordable home-buying can be. There’s no better investment than taking that monthly rent and converting it into home ownership.

For more than 13 years, I’ve delivered first-class customer service to my clients. I’m active in the community and in events tied to my mortgage-lending specialty; I’m well known in local real estate circles.

A life-long resident of Rockford, IL, I graduated of Rock Valley College, plus completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Social Work from Rockford College. My educational background gives me unique perspectives on lifestyles and decision making – so important in the field of mortgage lending.

I married my high school sweetheart, Gil Peña. We have 2 young sons, Cruz and Benjamin. I’m currently involved in the Rockford community working with the Mayor’s Minority Council Group.

What others say:
“Laura took the time to handle my home-buying process from beginning to end.

We could tell she really cared about what was important to us; Laura listens and it shows.”

“Laura reduced our level of stress when we found a new home but still had one to sell. The bridge loan option was the solution that saved us! She even gave us advice when we had showings because we have 3 kids. She was really helpful; I would recommend her to anyone that has to buy and sell a house at the same time, especially with kids!”

“Laura met all my expectations when she told me to be patient because my situation was a difficult one. I couldn’t believe she really came through on her promise that I would get a home, when no other lender would help me. She made my dream come true to own a home again after my difficult divorce.”

In Belvidere & Capron Call:

Tammy Zurfluh, 815.986.7108
“I’ll be your trusted mortgage advisor.”

My goal is to become your trusted advisor when you purchase your first home, and continue our relationship until you buy or build your ultimate dream home. I’ll earn your business by sharing my knowledge and experience to help you select a mortgage program that fits your finances and lifestyle, and by providing unmatched customer service.

I’ve been an Illinois mortgage lender for over 18 years. My focus and dedication to providing personalized customer service ensures my clients a great home-buying experience. I’ve built a thriving business on referrals from Realtors and past clients who return to me because of the positive experience they’ve had.

What others say:
“Our loan officer Tammy Zurfluh was terrific. She made calls to us and returned them outside of the work week when it was convenient for us. Tremendous dedication on her part.”

“Tammy was absolutely wonderful. She turned a horrible experience into a wonderful one. Without her I wouldn’t have been able to close on time. She was so good that I told a friend about her.”

“This is our second opportunity to work with Tammy and she continues to impress us with her personable style. We really feel comfortable on all levels knowing we are in her capable hands. She provides us thorough explanations of the mortgage process and makes us feel like friends.”

 
In Rockford Call:
Judy Short, 815.877.2431
"Whether you're buying a new home or refinancing, I'll make the process E-Z!"
I've worked in banking for over 12 years, but six years ago I found my niche in Mortgage Lending. For me, there's no greater satisfaction than helping clients purchase a home...and making the process easy. I specialize in services for first-time home buyers, I help others save money by refinancing their older mortgage, and I tailor just the right loan package for folks buying or building their dream home. Allow me to help you!

I've built relationships with real estate professionals through membership in the Women's Council of Realtors. As parents of two boys who've played hockey for most of their lives, my husband Ron and I are active members of the Rockford Hockey Club. Our younger son attends Boylan High School, our older son is a student at Illinois State University. I enjoy golf, scrapbooking, fitness workouts and reading. I grew up in Chicago until age 14; my family relocated to Rockford and this has been my home ever since. I returned to Chicago to attend Northeastern University, where I earned a Bachelors degree in Marketing and learned how invaluable high-touch customer service is.

What others say:
"Judy doesn't just say she'll make getting a mortgage loan easy - she really does. Our experience was smooth right from the start and all the way through closing."

"As first time home-buyers, we appreciated the time Judy spent with us. She explained things clearly, and was right there every step of the way. It was so exciting for us to get the home we wanted!"

"We went from application to closing in two week - all while we were out of town. Excellent work on Judy's part. I would recommend her to anyone."

 
Jared Fewell, 815.986.7131
"Providing honest and experienced mortgage solutions since 1991."
With over 15 years of Mortgage Lending experience, my business has been built by satisfied customers. My goal is to always provide the best mortgage solution with outstanding customer service. I will meet with you personally to learn your goals and objectives so that I can provide you with the best solution for your needs.

I have a Bachelors degree in Finance from Southern Illinois University and I am experienced in all the available mortgage programs. I'm active in several local business organizations and Rockford's Affordable Housing Coalition where I have taught the First time Homebuyer's classes. A lifelong Rockford resident, my wife Alisa and I have two daughters who attend Rock Cut Elementary School where I'm active in the PTA.

Call me today to get the service and experience you deserve.

What others say:
"I've worked with Jared for several years now, and in my opinion there is not a better loan officer in the business. I've worked with a lot of loan officers in the past and have never met one as thorough, honest and dependable. I've recommended him to several friends and family members, and they've all been pleased with his work."

"I was going through a tough time financially and Jared took the time and effort to meet with me and find an answer to my problems. Everyone else I spoke to said 'No', but Jared came through for me."

"When my husband and I bought our first home, Jared sat down with us and really took the time to understand our financial picture. He made sure we got the best mortgage loan for our situation."

 

Leo Prieto, 815.986.7189
“I’m proud to see that my efforts on behalf of emerging-market populations are resulting in clients achieving the American Dream”.

Since ‘day one’ of my twelve-year involvement in the financial and mortgage industry, I’ve had the privilege of pioneering emerging-market initiatives at both local and national levels.

Today, I have the opportunity to put my knowledge and energy to work on behalf of immigrant families, creating and developing mortgage programs that are in great demand among members of our community.

I’m part of Blackhawk’s dynamic bilingual and trans-cultural mortgage team, serving primarily Latinos in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. I help individuals and families achieve the dream of owning a home through mortgage programs and solutions that fit their unique circumstances.

I’m in my second year of membership with the National Latino Task Force. I am also a past recipient of the State of Iowa’s Outstanding Latino Business Man of the Year Award and the Friends of Iowa Civil Rights Award, bestowed by the Iowa Governor’s Office.

What others say:
“Leo helped us get a home when everyone else said it could not be done. My wife and my 3 children are forever grateful. We left Leo’s office so motivated that we started thinking about buying another house already”.

“Leo went well beyond his responsibility as a loan officer to help us make sense of the mortgage program we had with another lender. After we took his advice and refinanced our home with Blackhawk Bank, we have saved over $ 700.00 a month in payments. Thank goodness that there are guys out there who still care for people like us.”

“Leo has a tremendous sense of compassion and understanding. I’ve refinanced my home with Blackhawk Bank and I cannot tell you how much he helped me understand the loan process. With patience he explained the numbers, and the mortgage lingo—Thanks Leo. Thank you Blackhawk Bank, for hiring loan officers like Leo!”