General Mortgage Corporation, established in 1983, is one of San Diego's leading residential mortgage lenders. It has a
company philosophy and business style based on providing the best loan production platform for the best loan agents, and
giving quality home finance service to its customers.
General Mortgage is highly respected by both customers and industry associates alike, and its efficient home financing business
practices and quality lending service make it the thriving company it is today. In addition, the company is currently integrating
advanced state-of-the-art computer technology to address the opportunities of the 21st century home equity and financial environment.
9988 Hibert St #100
San Diego, CA 92131
858-577-2400
The company has established itself as an independent brokerage and direct lender ready to serve real estate professionals and
their residential real estate clients with a large spectrum of loan products along with the ability to close loans quickly. Now with
three San Diego locations and nearly 30 loan officers, General Mortgage does a high-volume of loans - more than $ 6 billion since its
inception - which gives consumers more competitive pricing on home financing. The business works with agents to market property, and
can provide all types of home financing programs to bring in more buyers. It all adds up to better home loan options for customers
and real estate professionals.
General Mortgage is led by long-time real estate broker and mortgage specialist Dick Palmer. "We help sell homes," said Palmer.
"We know what Realtors want, what they need and how to close their transactions. We offer fair pricing, good service and excellent
communication."
"Our vision is continued success and growth based on passionate commitment to our customers in partnership with the best sales
associates in our markets." said Palmer. "We want to make General Mortgage the customers' choice for quality financial services."
Other team members include Jami Hix, operations manager for the company, and David Johnston, mortgage banking manager. Hix is
the former private mortgage manager for Well Fargo and operations manager for Guild Mortgage. Johnston, a 30-year veteran of the
mortgage business, was previously general manager for McMillin Mortgage. "Jami and Dave have taken General Mortgage to a new level
in operations and secondary marketing," said Palmer.
Many loan officers have been with General Mortgage long-term. "I've been here since 1995, and there are 10 to 11 people out of
my 25 loan officers who have been with the company longer than I have." said Palmer. "The strength in the company is our loan
officers."
The company also specializes in handling transactions for professional athletes, who have unique circumstances stemming from
employment contracts that can lead to complex regarding financing, temporary housing and sudden relocation. The company has secured
many loans for players and coaches of San Diego Padres, Charges and other professional sports players over the years. Former Major
League pitcher Dave Stewart is president of Sports Management Partners, an organization that represents professional athletes.
"Dick has done the mortgage on every home I've bought, and that goes back 25 years." said Stewart. "I wouldn't, nor would I have
any of my players, do their business with anyone but Dick or his people."
Bruce Bochy, manager of the San Diego Padres, has called on Palmer's real estate and mortgage expertise several times over the
past 20 years. "I have so much trust in Dick, I wouldn't think of going somewhere else when it came to financing," said Bochy.
"I don't know his business - I'm in baseball - but he knows his business. I trust his recommendations and his judgment."
Greg Manusky is a former NFL player and the current San Diego Chargers defensive coach. "It's hard as and NFL coach - you're
busy working on game plans during the season and scouting off season. Dick took care of finding a house and getting a mortgage for me.
He was only a phone call away," said Manusky.
A former defensive back and player representative with the San Diego Chargers, Scott Turner has also played for the Washington
Redskins and Denver Broncos. "The reason I do business with Dick and his company is because I trust him very much," said Turner.
"He will advise you with honesty and integrity."
Leading a self-proclaimed "charmed life," Palmer was named Most Valuable player at the University of Kentucky before playing
in the National Football League for six years. Towards the end of his football career, Palmer was discussing his future with
agent Tony Attanasio, who suggested Palmer look into real estate "because it doesn't look like you'll be playing football much
longer." After a brief stint in the World Football League, Palmer took his agents advice - and later helped him with several
mortgage and real estate transactions.
In fact, Palmer has handled hundreds of transactions for professional baseball player agent Tony Attanasio and his clients.
Attanasio has always recognized Dick as a "people person." "He has never, I repeat, never, failed me or anyone I ever sent to him,"
said Attanasio. "He's a remarkable guy. A lot of people say they have clients' best interest at heart, but they are really in it
for the commission. Dick actually does the best job he can do he can do because he knows the money will come in automatically-that
was very clear to me.
"The bottom line is, I trust the guy with anything," said Attanasio. Becoming a real estate agent, owner/broker and then
involved in mortgage lending was a good fit for Palmer after six-year professional football career as a NFL linebacker. Palmer
was a previous owner/broker of several real estate companies. His most recent position was as the chairman and CEO of the Associates
Group of companies, which included General Mortgage, Summit Escrow, National Title, AGIS Insurance and Coldwell Banker Associates
Realty, which had more than 500 real estate agents and 200 staff members. Coldwell Banker Associates become the number one Coldwell
Banker Company in California and fifth in the nation. "We were the best full-service real estate company in Southern California,
and well respected nationwide," said Palmer. Associates recently sold its real estate and escrow business, and Palmer retained
General Mortgage in the transaction.
It's not only real estate professional and customers who benefit from General Mortgage's work - the company also supports
area causes. "For every loan we close, we give a certain amount of money to charity," said Palmer. Beneficiaries have included
the American Red Cross, YMCA, Catholic Charities and others. General Mortgage also supports charities chosen by real estate
professionals to say "thank you" for referrals and recommendations.
Palmer is as dedicated to his family as he is to his work - and his family is as dedicated to the business. Wife Debby has
been a Realtor for more than 20 years. Son Mitch Palmer and son in-law Eric Olsen are owners in the company and loan officers.
Daughter Lisa Palmer-Olsen, Ph.D., does human resource work for General Mortgage.
Also a musician and self-proclaimed student of the blues, Palmer plays rhythm guitar with "West of Memphis." The group,
which plays monthly in Rancho Bernardo, has appeared at San Diego's House of Blues three times and has a new CD coming out
entitled, Monkey Business.
But the real joy of Palmer's life is providing top-notch loan services to others. "We're serious about doing a good job for
customers, and dedicated to giving them straight, honest answers," he said. "Plus, we provide Realtors with the best service -
so they can provide their customers with the best service."