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Debbie Howard - Countrywide Home Loans
Welcoming You Home
Debbie Howard truly believes that anyone can own a home. She says, “While some are prepared to purchase right away, others may require some work prior to purchase.” Whatever the case may be, Debbie and the team at Countrywide Home Loans in Murfreesboro are prepared to help families in Rutherford County achieve and preserve the dream of homeownership.

Countrywide specializes in conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, new construction, and reverse mortgages as well as first time buyer, city grant, down payment assistance, and rural housing programs. Debbie says, “Because one loan doesn’t fit all borrowers, it is important to have a large variety of programs available.”

What sets Debbie’s agency a part from others is what she describes as “local fulfillment.” Unlike many mortgage companies, Debbie and her team originate process, underwrite, close and fund loans locally. “Many of our competitors have to send files off for underwriting and processing, which can cause delays and confusion,” Debbie says. “Doing everything locally is especially important when working with an underwriter; you can sit down with them face to face.”

Countrywide’s commitment to local fulfillment also enables them to have full control over loans resulting in outstanding customer service. To Debbie and her team, customer satisfaction is key. She says, “I am most proud when a customers returns to us for their next mortgage or refers their friends and family.”

Debbie opened the Murfreesboro Countrywide location in 1999 and has since achieved Countrywide’s Circle of Excellence status for 5 years consecutively from 2003-07. This is the top 5% of loan production nationwide, which is a great accomplishment within a Fortune 500 company.

Her personal originating team consists of LaHoma Buckingham, home loan consultant, and Amy Leffler, production assistant. Both have been with Debbie for 5 years. She says, “LaHoma and Amy are vital to our team's success.”

Founded in 1969 on the principle of making homeownership available to every person, Countrywide has secured its place as American’s #1 home lender. Their goal has always been and continues to be to do what’s right for customers every time. Countrywide is committed to providing the most comprehensive service using experience and cutting-edge technology coupled with a genuine desire to see customers pursue and capture the American dream.

In 2007, Bank of American began the process of acquiring Countrywide Home Loans. Debbie says, “It is a very exciting step for us having Bank of America’s strength behind the largest mortgage lender in the nation, and we will continue to operate as Countrywide.” Combining the nation’s leading mortgage lender with one of the most financially sound and largest financial institutions will provide both Countrywide and Bank of America customers with more options in terms of mortgage products and services.

Debbie actively supports the Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors®, Women's Council of Realtors,® where she served as an affiliate in 2007, and the Rutherford County Home Builders Association. She is currently the President of Home Builders Care. I am also a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Debbie has been married to her husband Bobby for 25 years. They have two sons, Robby and Rusty, who attend MTSU in Murfreesboro. Debbie and Bobby are members of Calvary Baptist Church.

To make Countrywide your partner in homeownership call Debbie and her team at 615-849-3111, email debbie_howard@countrywide.com, or stop by the office located at 1520 Memorial Blvd in Murfreesboro, open M-F 8:15a-5:15p. Also, visit www.countrywide.com for more information.