Meet Evan Soneson, a Mortgage Officer NMLS ID #1851410 at Union Bank & Trust (ubt.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – While I am technically in the business of home ownership, I like to think of myself as in the business of people. A home purchase/financing experience can be one of high stress for the average individual. My first goal with a client is to create an environment of trust, and in order to do so, you need to build a relationship through understanding your clients specific wants and needs. A person’s home is typically their largest asset/purchase in their lifetime, which deserves a thoughtful approach to finding the right products and programs that are right for them. To me, the process isn’t simply a one-time transaction, but rather an on going partnership through life changes.
How did you get started in the business? – My career began at UBT in August of 2011 as a teller, while obtaining my undergraduate degree at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Business Administration. Since then, I have held several positions at UBT leading to my current role as Mortgage Loan Officer. During my tenure with UBT, I was passionate about furthering my education and completed my MBA from Nebraska Wesleyan.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Those of us in the real estate industry have experienced many challenges over the last few years. Our challenges also relate directly to our clients’ challenges. High interest rates, dramatically increased housing prices and low inventory took a toll on the ability to obtain homeownership. It is my goal to overcome these challenges with every client by understanding what product is best for their situation and educating through the process.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I consider my most important achievement to be the same professionally and personally. The vast amount of relationships I have been able to cultivate across the city/state has been something that I am most proud of. For me, it is the most essential part of being a successful professional.
Tell us a little about your family. – My sister and I grew up on the family farm in south-central Nebraska. Our father never thought both of his children would end up in Omaha working in the financial sector, but he’s finally gotten used to it. I’m fortunate to live close to my sister and her family, which includes my niece I am fortunate enough to see often.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Nonprofit organizations I have been/am currently involved with have primarily focused on students. I grew up in a fortunate situation but have learned that not everyone is afforded the same opportunities, which has given me the desire to give back to our community. UBT’s VIP committee focuses on struggling families and the teachers at our assigned schools through various outreach activities throughout the year. I am proud to work for an organization that not only participates in community service, but actively promotes it to their employees. A couple of additional local organizations I have been involved with include the Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling League (NICL), who is dedicated to reinventing youth sports by creating space for everyone to ride from 6th to 12th grade, as well as Bags of Fun who bring joy, laughter and relief to every child fighting a long-term or life-threatening condition.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I would love to hear from you! (402) 323-1031 | evan.soneson@ubt.com | ubt.com/youneedevan.