Our April Member Spotlight shines on Sarah Downey, Senior Vice President of Operations at LoanBidz!
Read more about our favorite live music fan:
How long have you been an AAPL member?
3 years
What AAPL benefit do you MOST value?
The most beneficial aspect of my AAPL membership has been the opportunity to build strong relationships with private lenders and vendors at the Annual Conferences. These connections have been instrumental in propelling our company forward by providing valuable partnerships and industry insights. Additionally, the educational content from AAPL, including magazine articles and webinars, has been incredibly useful in staying informed about industry trends, regulatory updates, and best practices.
What would you like to contribute to fellow AAPL members and the private lending industry?
I would love to continue educating lenders on industry trends by sharing insights on competitor pricing, products, and processes. As a mortgage broker in the private lending space, we have a unique perspective that allows us to compare and contrast different lenders, helping them refine their offerings to remain competitive. One of my favorite aspects of my role is collaborating with lenders’ management teams to identify areas for improvement and growth. When lenders improve, it strengthens the entire ecosystem—benefiting not only our company but also the real estate investors we serve. I look forward to contributing to this ongoing industry evolution.
What is your favorite AAPL memory?
My favorite AAPL memory has to be the 2024 conference, especially attending ROC Capital’s after-party at the Pinky Ring. The energy was incredible, and it was a great opportunity to deepen connections with fellow conference attendees in a more relaxed setting. The highlight of the night? Spotting Bruno Mars, which made the experience even more unforgettable!
Why did you decide to enter the private lending profession?
My journey into private lending began with my own experience as a real estate investor. After my husband transitioned out of full-time active duty in the military, we decided to start building a real estate portfolio. In 2016, we purchased our first rental property, and as we continued to expand, I quickly realized the critical role that private lending plays in the success of real estate investors.
This understanding led me to an incredible opportunity—to join LoanBidz and help other investors like myself connect with the best private lending partners. Initially, my role focused on streamlining operations, ensuring that real estate investors had access to a variety of lending programs while minimizing the burden of paperwork through technology. The complexities of working with multiple lenders, each with different guidelines and processes, were challenging but also exciting.
As I navigated this industry, I found immense value in bridging the gap between lenders and borrowers. Seeing firsthand how the right financing solutions could fuel investment success solidified my passion for private lending. Over the years, I’ve continued to grow within this space, leveraging my experience to help lenders refine their offerings and assist investors in finding the best financial solutions to scale their businesses. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful to be part of an industry that plays such a vital role in real estate investment.
What are some accomplishments you are particularly proud of?
Outside of my work accomplishments this would hands down be raising my three children- Everett (12) loves playing football, baseball, wrestling; Graham (9) loves football, video games and spending time with his best buddies; Liza Jane (7) my dancing queen that is always singing wherever she goes and is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Also, I love fitness and switched gym in 2024 to Burn Bootcamp. I went to over 250 class last year and can’t wait to do it again this year.
What is your “one big goal” for the year?
My big goal this year is to spotlight our incredible team and share more of their stories with the community. LoanBidz is built by an all-star group of talented, hardworking, and downright hilarious people, and I want to make sure our Real Estate Investors and lenders get to know them better. Expect to see more of our team on our socials this year—I can’t wait to showcase the amazing people who make LoanBidz what it is!
What are your fur baby’s names?
2 dogs-Murphy and Lucy (Weimeraners), we also have 25 chickens and 3 ducks on our family hobby farm!
What is your personal motto/words you live by?
“Adapt, Grow, Thrive.” Life and business are full of challenges, but success comes from adapting to change, continuously growing, and thriving despite obstacles. Whether in private lending, real estate, or my personal life, this mindset keeps me pushing forward.
What is your favorite book, and why?
“Wicked” has recently become a favorite of mine! I’ve always loved musicals, and seeing it on Broadway in high school was an unforgettable experience. So when the movie came out, I was beyond excited—and it did not disappoint! I ended up seeing it three times in theaters with my 7-year-old, and we’re still singing the songs around the house every week.
Career advice for industry newbies?
Success in private lending is built on relationships. Connect with industry professionals, learn from their experiences, and seek their insights on both successes and setbacks. The wisdom of others can help you navigate challenges and accelerate your growth in this space.
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