Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Albohn
Hi Michele, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a native New Yorker, born and raised in Bronx, NY who moved to Long Island, NY for college. My entire career has been in the field of senior care. I started working with my local county of Social Services as a Medicaid Examiner, processing hospital, home care and chronic/nursing home Medicaid applications. I was taking classes part time to complete my bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration and took a position as a Head Medicaid Paralegal at a prominent Long Island Elder Law firm. My ultimate goal was, initially, go to law school. As a paralegal, i worked with the attorney’s and client to process their Medicaid applications, help them fund their trusts, drafted trusts and real estate and did estate recovery as well.
Once I completed my bachelor’s degree, I worked as Director of Admissions and Medicaid in a nursing home, where I screened potential incoming patients to the facility. I reviewed financial and Medicaid eligibility and sat in on care plans.
Unsatisfied with the state of nursing home care for seniors, i started my own consulting firm and assisted the seniors and families in my community with asset protection, Medicaid planning, Medicaid applications and care coordination. I received my Certified Medicaid Planner designation and was mentions in Marquis Who’s Who in 2020. I helped thousands of families and their loved ones in crisis situations. It was extremely rewarding and loved every minute of it!
In 2020, COVID hit and New York, and our senior population, was negatively affected. Families did not want home care, and they did not want their loved ones in a facility. I started with closing one of my two offices and field daily calls from loved ones whose family members passed away. I had to work from home and realized that it did not seem as if the COVID epidemic was ending soon and I had to pivot.
I am also a real estate investor and decided to obtain my mortgage loan originator license. I felt with my background working in finance and skill working with complex financial situations, this was a great transition. I closed the main office and then relocated to East Tennessee and have been in the mortgage space ever since.
Since I am very passionate about helping seniors, my niche is reverse mortgages, but I do all types of purchase and refinance loans.
I now am also a Certified Mortgage Advisor and Certified Reverse Mortgage Specialist. These designations provide me with the additional resources, knowledge and tools to help all my clients from first time homebuyer to investor to retiree.
Not all lenders are the same. I bring a unique level of expertise that goes beyond the ordinary loan officer.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not. Leaving my career of 20 years, my business and moving to a new state where no one knows me has been a challenge. I moved to Knoxville with no family or friends here. I had to build my relationships by cold calling, networking and making connections with amazing people I continue to work with.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I truly love helping American’s achieve the dream of homeownership. But my heart and passion is still with retirees and seniors and helping them realize that they can live a better quality of life, gift to their family while they are alive, travel the world or create more wealth by leveraging home equity.
Our family dynamics and financial needs are very different from 5-10 years ago and we are living longer. The likelihood of the average American outliving their retirement funds is very high.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My family makes me happy, including my 16 year old pup, Lucie. I love being outdoors kayaking and fishing. I am also a bourbon lover.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mortgagesandbourbon
- Facebook: @micheleshomeloans
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michelealbohn5033
