Mark A. Janssen
CEO

At the same time, we implemented a major system upgrade which provides us with a platform for efficient growth, as well as the ability to make our systems and software available to retail and bank mortgage loan originators 24/7.

Early in the year, we hosted our inaugural Amera Day for mortgage loan officers in Capitol Bancorp’s Eastern and Western Regions. These events brought together the mortgage lenders in each region to share ideas and methods to achieve their annual origination goals. It also provided Amera with the opportunity to introduce technology enhancements. This is now an annual event.

GuideTrac™ and AutoPricer™ were two of Amera’s mortgage technology enhancements that were rolled out during the year. GuideTrac™  provides loan officers the ability to search for lending solutions based on criteria input and the guidelines applicable for a wide array of loan programs. AutoPricer™  works to automatically price loans based on the input criteria. We are currently exploring an upgrade to the AutoPricer™  system that will enable us to provide more of our products and pricing to mortgage loan officers. 

Amera Title began business during the year, providing loan closing and services primarily for Amera’s retail loan originators in Michigan. We plan to roll out Amera Title to Capitol Bancorp’s Michigan banks in 2007.

Late in 2006, we explored delivering loan files to investors with imaging technology.  We are currently piloting the system by delivering closed loans with imaged documents to two investors.

We are currently exploring new front end origination and processing technology,which is an extension of our current mortgage platform. The goal is to invest in this software and implement it during the first half of 2007. It will provide improved reporting for loan originators and management, consistent disclosures and documentation, workflow monitoring and notification, and a seamless interface to Amera’s mortgage software platform and marketing materials. 

Amera Mortgage is on the move to better serve our loan partners at Capitol Bancorp banks and retail locations across America!

~ Mark A. Janssen, CEO