Barry Habib, a mortgage origination marketing expert and former top producer, has joined Residential Finance Corp., Columbus, Ohio, as its chief market strategist.
His most recent involvement in the mortgage business was as chief executive at Mortgage Market Guide, a company he founded in 2001 and sold in 2007, although he stayed on board until 2010.
However, he has not been active in the mortgage industry since then, although he has been active with other financial interests, including being lead producer in the musical "Rock of Ages."
In his new position, Habib will provide his industry knowledge and forecasting abilities to RFC's retail branching division.
“I really believe the housing market is making a turnaround, and the mortgage market has stabilized so that there is a tremendous upside to getting involved in these industries again,” said Habib.
RFC plans to add 25 branches this year. “The industry is stabilizing and returning to the same core values it was built on: relationships and excellence,” said CEO and president Michael Isaacs.
Daniel Jacobs, president of RFC's retail branching division, added, "investing in a chief market strategist of Barry's caliber is proof of our commitment to our branch managers, originators and borrowers."
