Virginia Housing Recognizes Stand-Out Real Estate Agents and Mortgage Lenders
Pictured above: Award winners Mary White (left) and Linda Smith (right) with Virginia Housing's Dan Kern
March 25, 2025
Since 1972, Virginia Housing has provided more than 250,000 home loans to residents across the Commonwealth, many of them first-time homebuyers. Virginia Housing made 4,057 home loans in Fiscal Year 2024 for a total of $1.1 billion.
Virginia Housing recently recognized real estate agents and loan officers who played key parts in the year’s success with the Affordable Housing Heroes and Affordable Housing Finance Heroes awards, presented at company headquarters on Tuesday, March 11.
“We remain committed to increasing access to affordable housing and to celebrating those who make it possible,” said Virginia Housing CEO Tammy Neale. “Our lenders and real estate partners reflect the dedication, energy and passion that it takes to assist both first-time and repeat homebuyers in their search for housing affordability. Partnerships like these are critical to making the dream of homeownership a reality for so many Virginians.”
Recognizing Real Estate Agents
The Affordable Housing Hero award went to buyer-side real estate agents involved in at least six transactions using Virginia Housing’s loan programs during FY 2024. Among the 18 agents recognized, Linda Smith of EZ-Vest Realty Inc. in Hampton Roads took home top honors for assisting 11 buyers.
“I love to work with first-time homebuyers,” said Smith, who also frequently hosts first-time homebuyer seminars throughout the Hampton Roads region. “Helping buyers find quality, affordable housing aligns with the mission of Virginia Housing, and I am proud to receive this distinction.”
Recognizing Mortgage Lenders
The Affordable Housing Finance Hero award, formerly known as the Top Producing Loan Officer award, went to loan originators who closed at least 20 Virginia Housing transactions during FY 2024. The 28 loan officers who were recognized closed a total of 816 mortgages during this time. Mary White of TowneBank Mortgage in Central Virginia received top honors for helping 54 families attain their dream of homeownership.
“I have been proud to be part of a long journey with Virginia Housing and to be a partner with them over the years," said White, who has been recognized as a Finance Hero for 18 consecutive years. “I am honored to be named the top loan originator of 2024.”
You’ll find a full list of Affordable Housing Heroes here and the full list of Affordable Housing Finance Heroes here.
"Educating consumers on how to use as many resources as possible to reduce the amount of money needed at closing and keep their monthly payments as low as possible can be a real juggling act," said Business Development Training Manager Dan Kern. "The agents and loan officers we recognized really do wear multiple hats and go above and beyond the call every day to bring these transactions to fruition. We're always thrilled to recognize the professionals who make the dream of homeownership possible for so many first-time buyers."