PRMI is excited to be on the forefront of evolving today’s reverse mortgage loans into the strategic planning tools they are now considered to be. Known for bringing a deeper level of knowledge regarding how housing wealth fits into a winning retirement income strategy, the reverse lending division proudly supports and serves branch partners nationwide so they can give clients an exceptional experience from beginning to end.
Our mission is to help homeowners age 55+ understand their options and feel empowered. In addition to closing reverse mortgage loans much quicker than the industry average, we get clients approved for loans that other lenders don’t – because of our decades of experience and industry connections.
After assessing whether a reverse mortgage is a proper fit, we’ll answer questions, discuss goals and review finances to determine suitability. You can rest assured that if we feel this isn’t the best option, we’ll say so! Communication is paramount. Our clients know where they stand at all times, regularly hearing from us throughout the loan process and even after.
We are the national division dealing exclusively with reverse mortgages for Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI) – a nationwide, multibillion-dollar operation founded in 1998.
With 250+ branches, licensed in 49 states and more than 1,200 employees, PRMI has been repeatedly recognized as a top mortgage lender and was recently inducted into the 2018 Ellie Mae Hall of Fame for Excellence in Compliance.
Our focus is providing equity-based retirement solutions. Because reverse mortgages are just part of the equation, we have an extensive network of strategic partners – financial planning, long-term care planning, estate planning, tax & insurance professionals – available to further assist our clients on a referral basis.
Steven J. Sless, CLTC®
Division President
NMLS: #298581
Steven inspires the group to serve as the premier source for reverse mortgages nationwide. With him at the helm, the organization brings a deeper level of knowledge of how housing wealth fits into a successful retirement income strategy. This allows for more intelligent conversations.
Clients, strategic partners and the industry have all taken notice of Steven through his progressive use of seminars and videos, as well as his continued presence in the media, where he is considered the “go to housing wealth source.”
We have the proficiency and efficiency to close reverse mortgage loans much quicker than the industry average. Because of our experience and industry connections, we get clients approved for loans that other lenders don’t.
After assessing your overall situation to ensure that a reverse mortgage is a proper fit, we’ll answer questions, discuss your goals and your finances to determine suitability.
You can rest assured that if we feel this isn’t the best option, we will tell you.
Communication is paramount. Our clients know where they stand at all times, regularly hearing from us throughout the loan process and even after.
We are proud to align ourselves with key industry associations and local nonprofits.
Explore the boxes below to learn about our role with these important organizations.
Steven J. Sless has 20 years of mortgage industry experience, including 15 years devoted to reverse mortgages.
He also is one of the only mortgage professionals to have earned the CLTC®: Certified Long-Term Care designation, demonstrating that he has acquired the critical tools necessary to discuss the subject of longevity and its acute consequences on a client’s family – financially, physically and emotionally – years down the road.
His passion is helping clients achieve financial security and peace of mind so they can comfortably age in a home that’s suitable for their long-term needs.
He joined PRMI as Division Manager and opened the Company’s first retail branch dealing exclusively with reverse mortgages.
Within two years, Steven was promoted to his current role in order to extend his strengths companywide. Clients, strategic partners and the industry have all taken notice of Steven through his progressive use of seminars and videos, as well as his continued presence in the media, where he is regarded as the “go to housing wealth source.”
In 2021, he was named a Reverse Mortgage Industry “Game Changer” by Yahoo Finance.
A frequent conference speaker for NRMLA (the national voice of the reverse mortgage industry) and other industry groups, Steven loves giving seminars and learning workshops for homeowners 55+, their family and trusted advisors so his audiences can make informed decisions and take control of their finances.
Steven J. Sless, NMLS: # 298581 . Licensed by the Delaware State Bank Commissioner to engage in business in Delaware 5644 expires on 12/31/2022. Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee. Georgia Department of Banking and Finance 6521. Indiana-Department of Financial Institutions Consumer Credit Division, First Lien License 11069 Secretary of State Securities Commission Second Lien License 103936. C.P.D. Reg. No.-19-07981
With 22 years of industry experience, George Morales brings our loan originators and clients a deeper level of reverse mortgage expertise.
In addition to supporting loan originators in The Sless Group, he assists loan originators throughout PRMI to help everyone to achieve their goals.
George is a key figure behind the scenes, directing branch and loan originator relations. While managing reverse mortgage products, pricing and compliance, he also oversees relationships with vendor partners.
Prior to joining PRMI in 2018, George built an impressive career directing operations, managing business development, and leading sales and product training departments for various mortgage, corporate and tech entities.
Brandy Nickoles has over 17 years of experience in the mortgage industry, dedicating the last 8 years solely to reverse mortgages. With great knowledge of the reverse mortgage product, she is committed to making sure our borrowers have a seamless experience.
Instrumental in creating infrastructure from file setup through loan funding, Brandy manages the loan pipeline. This includes everything from analyzing documentation and loan scenarios, to creating and implementing process/procedures, and coordinating with lenders.
Brandy also trains and oversees team members to ensure tasks are completed timely and efficiently. Having worked with Brandy for nearly a decade, Steven and Andrew can attest that her attention to detail and organization is top notch.
A 20-year reverse mortgage/sales management industry veteran, Chris Hartley brings an impressive track record as a top reverse mortgage account executive and an excellent reputation for helping loan originators to better serve their clients 55+ with reverse mortgage loans.
At the Steven J. Sless Group of PRMI, Chris works with the reverse leadership and operations team to manage reverse volume related to PRMI branch partners across the nation. He also cultivates and manages relationships with PRMI loan originators, providing in depth education while helping them to best structure reverse mortgage loans.
“I enjoy training our branch partners on how and why reverse mortgages can help them to better serve their clients 55+ and their strategic partners,” Chris says. “It’s also very exciting to play a part in changing the retirement landscape in America – one reverse mortgage loan at a time. I love teaching and making an impact.”
Becki Saunders ensures that our reverse mortgage loans meet all qualifications for underwriting so they can close as quickly as possible. In doing so, she keeps our customers and PRMI branch partners relaxed and happy throughout the loan process.
Bringing 14 years’ reverse mortgage experience, Becki has served as a processor and account executive working with other mortgage companies to educate them and their clients about leveraging home equity with a reverse mortgage to enhance their quality of life.
A wife, mother and grandmother, Becki believes in giving back. She has coordinated numerous Red Cross blood drives and snack bag initiatives for the Baltimore Hunger Project, as well as company picnics and “Take Your Kid to Work Day” activities. She also raised $2,000 on her own for cancer research by running the Marine Corp Marathon.
Lura Renninger is responsible for facilitating and managing a loan pipeline, analyzing documentation and loan scenarios, communicating with the underwriting team, engaging with investors and strategic partners, and maintaining customer service levels.
“It’s my privilege to manage the growing reverse pipeline to close loans quicker and help our team continue to offer 5-Star customer service,” Lura says. “I’m here to help ensure that we are able to better serve our clients, as well as our branch and referral partners.”
Bringing two decades of industry experience, Lura began her career as a banker with Bank of America for seven years before transitioning to the mortgage sector. After serving as a traditional mortgage processor for three years, she switched to reverse mortgage processing. Immediately prior to joining The Sless Group, she was a title processor.
Laura Harris works with borrowers, loan officers, investors and underwriters, helping to clear loan conditions to ensure timely closings.
She also analyzes credit reports, property appraisals, titles and associated documentation, and reworks loans to new terms and identifies additional conditions as needed to ensure a viable credit decision.
A University of Maryland graduate, Harris holds an NMLS License.
Sam Millman has 20+ years of experience in the mortgage industry, including 10 years specializing in reverse mortgages. He has a proven track record as a top producer and industry leader.
At The Steven J. Sless Group, Sam educates homeowners 60+, their families and trusted advisors about reverse mortgages and the strategy of incorporating housing wealth in retirement planning.
In doing so, the University of Maryland graduate often partners with financial planners, long-term care professionals and other advisers.
“It is a privilege helping and educating homeowners to achieve a better retirement through home equity,” Sam says.
At the Steven J. Sless Group of Primary Residential Mortgage our mission is to help homeowners 60+ achieve financial security and peace of mind.
We do this by offering equity-based retirement solutions, such as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages and a wide array of proprietary and jumbo reverse mortgage options.
Our goal is to help you leverage housing wealth with a reverse mortgage, so you can
We help our clients to comfortably age in place, either staying in the home they love or using a reverse mortgage loan to purchase a home more suitable for their long-term needs.
With more than 65 combined years of reverse mortgage experience, we possess the knowledge and expertise to close loans quickly and efficiently.
We’ll always take the time to answer your questions, discuss your goals and review your finances to determine whether a reverse mortgage is a proper fit.
If we feel this may not be the best option, we will tell you so.
Our team will always give straight talk and offer real solutions.
It would be a privilege to help you create an exceptional retirement lifestyle.
Contact us to learn more.
As always, Expect More With Sless™
Fifteen-year customer relations and hospitality management veteran, Justin Zornman is the group’s first remote hire.
Based out of Kalamazoo, MI, he is responsible for helping clients to navigate the loan process. He also assists loan originators and aids the processing team to expedite loan closings.
A University of New Orleans graduate, Justin is currently completing his studies to pass the mortgage originators exam, get licensed and, one day, open a Michigan branch for the group.
“I am honored to ease the way for homeowners, 60+ to secure a better retirement,” Justin says. “I look forward to ultimately establishing The Steven J. Sless Group of PRMI as the market leader in Michigan.”
Bringing 30 years mortgage industry experience, Sharon Birdow is adored by her clients and colleagues alike.
The West Chester University graduate, wife and mother of four has served as branch partner and originating loan officer, branch manager and senior mortgage loan officer. She was named Loan Originator of the Year in Volume in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
At The Steven J. Sless Group of PRMI, Sharon helps clients 60+, their families and trusted advisors to obtain reverse mortgage loans. She regularly consults with financial professionals on the benefits an HECM provides and how to utilize this tool in individual retirement planning.
“It’s my privilege to educate and empower older Americans about the versatility of reverse mortgages,” Sharon says. “I love helping our clients achieve financial independence and peace of mind in their golden years.”
Sharon Birdow, NMLS: # 176375 // GA MLO # 47859. California – Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act 4130403. A copy of our Privacy Policy and Notice is accessible by going to Primary Residential Mortgage’s website and clicking on the “Privacy Policy” link located at the bottom of the page. https://www.primeres.com/privacy-policy – District of Columbia-Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking Department MLB3094. Distrito de Columbia-Florida Office of Financial Regulation MLD646. Oficina de Regulación Financiera de Florida MLD646. Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee. Georgia Department of Banking and Finance 6521. Indiana-Department of Financial Institutions Consumer Credit Division, First Lien License 11069 Secretary of State Securities Commission Second Lien License 103936. C.P.D. Reg. No.-19-07981 Indiana-Departamento de Instituciones Financieras, División de Crédito al Consumidor, Licencia de primer grado 11069, Secretaría de Estado, Comisión de Valores, Licencia de segundo grado 103936. C.P.D. Reg. No.-19-07981
With 10+ years of experience, Joe Susserman is a top-level producer with a proven track record of success in the reverse mortgage space.
At The Steven J. Sless Group of PRMI, Joe educates homeowners to determine if a reverse mortgage will meet their financial goals. He then helps clients to navigate through all steps of the loan process.
“I enjoy assisting seniors to help them live a better retirement,” said Susserman, who has three sons and two grandchildren. Joe says, “I aim to provide the highest level of customer service and be responsive to all of my clients’ needs.”
Joseph Susserman, NMLS: # 986529. Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation Commissioner of Financial Regulation #5511.