Shelter Mortgage partners with Americana

Shelter Mortgage recently opened its doors in Las Vegas through a partnership with Prudential Americana Group, one of the state's largest real estate companies.

"We want Las Vegas homebuyers to know that Shelter Mortgage has a long-term record of stability and a reputation you can trust," said Jill Belconis, president of Shelter Mortgage. "We've seen the mortgage industry go through several large paradigm shifts since opening our doors in 1923, including the Great Depression. We remained strong during those changes and are strong now to provide the best mortgage available for you and your family."

Belconis said that although the current downturn is larger than expected, the mortgage industry has always been cyclical, and will ultimately rebound. Shelter's basic philosophy of customer service and personalized programs has never faltered. "Unless you have studied financial services, your point of reference for mortgages is your own or your parents' homes," she said. "And although sub-prime loans have dominated the news, we have seen a consistent demand for straightforward, honest mortgage lending. That is where people see the value in our company."

Belconis said she aims to help homebuyers find their dream homes again. "Throughout our 85 years in business, Shelter Mortgage and our parent company, Guaranty Bank, have made sensible lending decisions," she said. "We continue to build our partnerships with companies like Prudential Americana Group to offer reliable service and great mortgage options."

"The decision for Shelter Mortgage and Prudential Americana Group to form a partnership in Southern Nevada was an easy one. Prudential Americana Group has serviced the Las Vegas community for almost 30 years and has seen the industry endure many changes during that time," said Mark Stark, Prudential Americana Group's chief executive officer.

"We are proud to partner with a company that shares our vision," he said. "There are still great programs available to make your dream of homeownership a reality. Shelter Mortgage has brilliantly positioned their company for success and can put a mortgage together that works best for you."

And even though the world has changed substantially in the last 85 years, Shelter Mortgage has stood by its programs and its customers. "It is still relatively easy to buy a new home," Belconis said. "We are happy to be working with Prudential to keep making it possible."

Shelter Mortgage is a subsidiary of Guaranty Bank, a family run bank headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis. This is its first partnership in the Las Vegas market.

Shelter Mortgage has more than 170 branches operating in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Georgia.

Prudential Americana Group has more than 1,100 agents and about 2,200 current home listings. It is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate affiliates.

For more information or to find a Prudential agent, visit americanagroup.com or call 796-7777.