Press Release - June 22, 2011
For immediate release
FIRST FEDERAL OF LAKEWOOD AND KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY OF NORTHEAST OHIO ENTER INTO A MORTGAGE LOAN MARKETING AGREEMENT
Lakewood, Ohio – June 22, 2011 - First Federal of Lakewood and Keller Williams Realty of Northeast Ohio have entered into a marketing agreement for residential lending products. Under this agreement, First Federal of Lakewood mortgage loan specialists will offer mortgage loan products to Keller Williams customers throughout Northeast Ohio, through Keller Williams Market Centers located in Mentor, Pepper Pike, Solon, Stow, Strongsville and Westlake.
In a related move, Heritage Mortgage founder and president Douglas R. Baker, whose company provided mortgage loan products and services to local Keller Williams customers since 2003, has joined First Federal of Lakewood as Vice President, Residential Lending. Mr. Baker will manage residential lending operations and sales for the bank, and will be joined by five former Heritage loan officers who will continue to offer mortgage loan products and services to Keller Williams customers.
"First Federal is pleased to enter into this marketing agreement and to extend our residential loan products to Keller Williams customers," said Gary R. Fix, President and CEO of First Federal of Lakewood. “This will allow us to continue the growth strategy we have been successfully executing over the past few years, as we’ve grown the bank to 18 full-service branches and assets in excess of $1.3 billion. We have enjoyed a long-term relationship with Keller Williams, and look forward to the opportunity for continued growth together in Northeast Ohio."
"Keller Williams and First Federal of Lakewood share many common characteristics, including our commitment to Northeast Ohio, our business strengths and our growth goals," said John Ludwick, Ohio Area Director and Operating Principal of Keller Williams Greater Cleveland. "Our real estate professionals offer top quality service to our markets, and it was a natural fit to pursue a relationship with First Federal of Lakewood. This marketing relationship brings together two solid companies that have thrived and grown in otherwise turbulent economic times for our industry. We will execute upon our strengths to provide quality products and services for Keller Williams customers throughout the region."
About First Federal of Lakewood
First Federal of Lakewood offers a full array of retail and business products through 18 full-service branch locations in Northeast Ohio and seven First Federal Lending offices throughout Ohio, with total assets exceeding $1.3 billion. Founded in 1935, First Federal of Lakewood is a community bank with a deep-rooted tradition of financial strength, stability and integrity. Visit www.FFL.net for additional information.
About Keller Williams
Keller Williams Realty of Northeastern Ohio was founded in 2002 and has quickly grown from 1 to 13 office locations. Keller Williams is considered to be the fastest growing Real Estate Company in Northeastern Ohio with 790 Associates. J.D. Power and Associates has awarded us the distinct honor of “Highest in Overall Satisfaction for Home Buyers among National Full-Service Real Estate Firms” for the third year in a row. We remain wholly committed to our localized, agent-centric focus and familial, caring culture. For more information about Keller Williams go to www.kwohio.com.
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