This August, we are delighted to spotlight an exceptional individual in our community: Jeremy Boillot, a dynamic and dedicated mortgage broker from Barrett Financial Group, LLC. Jeremy's genuine passion for his work and his impressive journey in the mortgage industry makes him a standout member of our business network.
Originally from France, Jeremy moved to Seattle, WA, at the age of 13 and later earned a degree in International Business from the University of Washington. He began his career in logistics and transportation, significantly contributing to Target's expansion in Canada. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to a pivotal career shift in 2014, when he entered the mortgage industry.
Jeremy is not only a professional success but also a pillar of his community. He is an alumnus of the Citizens Leadership Institute for the City of Queen Creek, AZ and has served on the City of Phoenix Sister Cities committee as the Director of Economic Development and Internship, fostering strong ties between Phoenix, Arizona and Grenoble, France.
Outside of work, Jeremy is a devoted husband and father to two wonderful daughters, Isabelle and Lilyana. He treasures quality time with his family, introducing his daughters to different cultures and cuisines, and enjoys playing golf.
Jeremy, what experiences and motivations have shaped your approach to mortgage brokerage?
Every borrower has a unique story and situation. That’s why I believe in taking a customized approach for each of my clients. When I was a first-time homebuyer, I didn’t receive the guidance I expected. Looking back, it felt more like, “Here’s your house and your loan, good luck!” No matter where a client is in the process, what their purchasing power looks like, or what I’m doing, I treat all my clients the way I would want to be treated - with compassion, care, and understanding for their goals.
What initially attracted you to mortgage brokerage, and how did you build your career?
I never anticipated entering a sales position or environment. I was very reluctant to embark on a world often viewed in a negative light. At the end of the day, no one really wants a mortgage; they want the house. I’m just a means to help them get there, and if I can make the process for each of my clients faster, easier, and cheaper, I feel like I’ve succeeded.
I started in 2014 after leaving my typical 9-to-5 job and took a completely different approach than the usual assembly line process. When clients work with me, they get my direct cell phone number, and it never shuts off. If their schedule is better for talking on the weekend, in the evening, or during a holiday, that’s when I’ll be there for them.
I have always built my career and life around relationships. We all want the same things out of life - to be happy and to be better than we were yesterday. I view my interactions not as transactions but as long-lasting partnerships. Building a book of business when you first enter any industry can be challenging, but I believe my passion for guiding people through the process of homeownership has allowed me to build strong relationships. I can honestly say this is something I want to do for the rest of my working career, as I truly love it.
Can you tell us about Barrett Financial Group?
Barrett Financial Group, LLC, was founded in 2002 by owner and president Trevor Barrett. We have grown to become one of the largest and most well-established mortgage brokerages in the country. We offer a wide range of services and maintain strong relationships with wholesale lenders, enabling us to provide competitive rates, terms and creative financing. One of the key advantages of being part of the Barrett Group is that I still operate as an independent broker, enjoying the freedom and flexibility of an entrepreneur while benefiting from the support and resources of a leading brokerage.
What services do you offer as a mortgage broker?
As a mortgage broker, I provide comprehensive financing solutions for purchasing or refinancing properties. Unlike being tied to a single bank, I have access to over 120 banks, offering a variety of rates, programs, and time frames. On a regular basis, we work with a dozen wholesale banks that provide wholesale rates we can pass on to our clients. However, if a client's needs fall outside the conventional box, we have a plethora of avenues to assist them.
We offer a wide range of programs, including FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA, Self-employed, Bank Statement loans, Down Payment Assistance, HELOC, bridge loans, Foreign National loans, and more. If it can be done, we can do it. Whether clients need creative solutions for a down payment or help with credit building, we guide them through what they need to achieve their goal of homeownership.
What is important to you in your relationship with clients?
Like any relationship, whether professional or personal, it comes down to listening and caring. Understanding my clients' goals and financial situations allows me to guide them through the path of homeownership effectively. I'm not in this business for one-time transactions. My goal is to become their Mortgage Advisor and a trusted resource. Whether they want to buy an investment home, refinance a property to lower their rate, change their loan terms as life changes, use cash for renovations, or simply want a friendly chat, I'm here for them every step of the way.
Another aspect of my business is the relationships I have cultivated with real estate agents and financial advisors to provide a seamless and comprehensive experience for our clients. By leveraging our complementary expertise, we create a strong support network that addresses every aspect of the homebuying or refinancing process. Real estate agents benefit from my deep knowledge of mortgage solutions and personalized approach for their clients, while financial advisors appreciate my ability to tailor financing options that align with their clients' long-term financial goals. Together, we ensure that our clients receive well-rounded guidance, making their journey smoother and more successful. This collaborative approach enhances our ability to meet their needs effectively and achieve the best possible outcomes.
What sets your services apart from other mortgage brokers?
It comes down to our technology, wholesale partnership and standard for excellence.
There are typically two main reasons why real estate transactions don’t close on time or at all: lack of preparation (by both the lender and consumer) and lack of communication between the lender and consumer. Life moves quickly in the real estate and mortgage worlds, and with so many details to monitor, it’s not uncommon for a deal to encounter issues before closing. This is why it’s crucial to work with a company and expert who has undergone extensive training to not only originate loans but, more importantly, to be an ADVISOR to the consumer.
What are the key factors or qualities that someone should look for when choosing a mortgage broker? What advice would you give to someone to ensure they find the right broker for their needs?
Trust your instincts and check online reviews. There are a LOT of options out there for Realtors and Lenders, I take pride in the feedback my clients have shared about me and the service they've received. I consider myself truly fortunate to have been part of thousands of families’ stories. Look for someone who genuinely cares and takes pride in their craft. This ensures you not only get the best deal with the most competitive rates but also experience a seamless process you can rely on every step of the way.
What should potential homebuyers or current homeowners consider regarding mortgage rates, and what are your predictions?
Mortgage rates are currently on a downward trend, and this trend may continue due to economic factors like moderating inflation and a slowing job market. As rates decrease, more buyers will become eligible to purchase. According to the National Association of Realtors, for every 1% decline in mortgage rates, 5 million more people become eligible to buy. Even if only a fraction of these eligible buyers acts, it will likely drive prices higher and reduce the number of available homes.
The advantage of buying before rates drop further is that you can benefit from property appreciation and then refinance to a lower rate once they decrease.
It's wise to consult with a Certified Mortgage Advisor like myself. Discussing your financial situation and exploring your options with an advisor is a free and valuable step. While online research is helpful, many articles are designed to sell you something. With new programs emerging regularly, talking to an advisor is the best way to understand your current position and plan your next steps effectively.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?
It may sound cliché, but the most rewarding part of my career is truly helping families achieve something they never thought possible. I always say that I wouldn’t enjoy this business if it weren’t for the journeys I’ve been privileged to be a part of with many families. Buying a home can be daunting, with many unknowns and uncertainties, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance and a strong team on your side, my team and I can assist whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, moving up, or looking to invest.
How do you see your future in this industry? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
The mortgage and real estate industry is evolving rapidly, and I’m excited about the future. We’re continuously working to make processes faster, easier, and cheaper. With the advancement of AI, I anticipate an even more streamlined loan process, where many transactions might be completed with just a few clicks. In the near future, clients who prefer minimal human interaction could potentially secure a mortgage through an AI bot by simply uploading a few documents.
However, I don’t believe AI will replace many of us. My commitment is to stay ahead of industry trends and continuously enhance our services to remain adaptable and client focused. I’m excited to embrace these changes while ensuring that our personal touch and expert guidance continue to provide exceptional value to our clients.
How can people reach out to you?
Jeremy Boillot
Certified Mortgage Advisor | NMLS #1208591
Barrett Financial Group, LLC | Corp NMLS #181106
275 E Rivulon Blvd, Suite 200, Gilbert, AZ 85297
(480) 677-0644 phone
(800) 385-3630 fax
The RMFACC AZ extends its heartfelt thanks to Jeremy Boillot for participating in this interview. We are honored to highlight him as a distinguished Small Business Owner. Jeremy’s dedication and entrepreneurial spirit are truly inspiring, and we look forward to witnessing his continued growth and success in his field.
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