Today we’d like to introduce you to Staci Wheat.
Hi Staci, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into mortgage lending wasn’t something I planned—it was born out of unexpected change. In 2000, I was on maternity leave from my teaching job, expecting my second child, when my husband suddenly lost his job. We had just moved into a larger home, and like many families who face life’s curveballs, we were unsure what to do next.
A friend of my husband’s worked in the mortgage business from home, and with time on my hands and a desire to support our family, I decided to learn something new. At first glance, teaching and mortgage lending might seem worlds apart—but I quickly discovered how intertwined they really are. In both roles, my goal has always been the same: to educate, guide, and empower people through something they don’t fully understand.
Every loan, much like every student, is its own unique puzzle. Early in my career, I learned the ins and outs of conventional, government, and specialty loan products—especially those designed for first-time homebuyers. I became skilled at helping clients prepare for homeownership, whether that meant moving quickly on a hot property or building a plan to get ready for the future. For my first eight years, I was a one-stop shop—both originating and processing my own loans.
Then came 2008. When the housing market crashed, I made the difficult decision to return to the classroom. Many loan officers left the industry during that time, and I was grateful to have the stability of teaching—a career that offered not just a steady paycheck but daily smiles and hugs.
By 2016, my youngest was 16, and I had just completed my MBA. It felt like the right time to return to the business world I had grown to love. The mortgage industry had changed in my absence—new technology, new regulations—but the heart of it remained the same. It was still about people, problem-solving, and helping families achieve their dreams.
Today, I get to make those wonderful calls that start with “yes,” and sometimes, the honest ones that start with “not yet—but here’s how we’ll get you there.” I’m still an educator at heart. My favorite clients are first-time buyers, because I get to teach them something new—and often, I gain a lifelong friend in the process.
Even in today’s digital world, where many clients I meet for the first time are at the closing table, the connection is real. We hug, we celebrate, and we stay in touch long after the ink dries. Because for me, this business has always been about more than mortgages—it’s about people, relationships, and the joy of helping others find their way home.
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?
I don’t think anyone in the mortgage industry would describe the road as “smooth.” This business is constantly evolving, and you have to be willing to adapt—whether that means navigating internal changes within your company or adjusting to shifts at the federal level. Through it all, the goal remains the same: helping people become homeowners.
When COVID hit in 2020, none of us could have predicted how dramatically the real estate world was about to change. After a brief pause, the market surged to the highest demand I had seen in my career. At the same time, our entire operations team had to transition from a traditional office setup to working from home—handling double, and in some months triple, the normal loan volume from makeshift home offices. It was a learning curve for all of us, but we pulled together and made it work.
Another ongoing challenge has been learning how to use social media in a meaningful way. I’m a people-person at heart, and building relationships from behind a keyboard doesn’t come naturally. Marketing in today’s world means keeping up with ever-changing algorithms and trends—what works one month can be obsolete the next. But at my core, I’m an educator and lifelong learner, and that mindset helps me continue to grow, adapt, and find new ways to connect with clients and serve my community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a mortgage loan officer specializing in helping first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership. There’s nothing quite like watching someone sign those papers for their very first home — it’s an emotional, life-changing moment, and I’m honored every time I get to be part of it.
Over the years, I’ve built my career on relationships — not transactions. I’m proud to say that many of my clients have become lifelong friends, and I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible referral partners, mentors, and teammates who share the same passion for service. I take pride in being someone people trust to make the mortgage process understandable and less intimidating.
At Supreme Lending, we have access to a wide range of loan products and competitive programs, but what truly sets us apart is our culture and systems. We combine cutting-edge technology with a personal touch, ensuring that every borrower feels supported from pre-approval to closing day. My team is second to none — they’re efficient, compassionate, and absolutely dedicated to getting things done right.
They call me the mortgage educator because I believe knowledge empowers confidence. Whether I’m guiding a first-time buyer through their options or helping a seasoned homeowner refinance strategically, my goal is always to make sure clients understand every step of the process. I want them to feel informed, not overwhelmed — and to walk away knowing they made the best possible decision for their family.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Two of my favorite books are 212: The Extra Degree by Sam Parker and The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann.
212 is a short but powerful reminder that one extra degree of effort can make all the difference. At 211 degrees, water is just hot — but at 212 degrees, it turns to steam, powerful enough to move a train. It’s a simple metaphor that perfectly captures how going just a little further, giving just a little more, can completely change the outcome.
The Go-Giver has been equally impactful for me. It explores the idea that true success in business and in life comes from giving — not just in the literal sense, but in the way we lead, connect, and serve others. It also reminds us that being open to receiving is part of that same balance. Those lessons have shaped how I approach both my clients and my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.staciwheat.com
- Instagram: @stacithemortgagelady
