Norcom Mortgage partners with SimpleNexus to develop customer mobile app

Norcom Mortgage, a family-owned mortgage company with offices in Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Naples, announced this week the launch of its Easy Street App for iOS and Android mobile devices. Built by SimpleNexus, developer of the homeownership platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, the Easy Street App provides borrowers a convenient and safe way to apply for a loan, stay up-to-date throughout the loan process and even complete the loan closing ceremony from a mobile device.

Every step of the mortgage process is handled through the Easy Street app. After filling out the mortgage application, borrowers can photograph and securely upload documents, receive push notifications to track the status of their loan, download loan approval letters and e-sign closing documents — all from their mobile devices. Borrowers can even use the app to navigate the loan closing process digitally. Eliminating the need for a lengthy in-person closing ceremony.

The app features two-factor authentication and data encryption to protect borrowers’ personal and financial data. In addition, loan officers can share the app with real estate agents and other referral partners, giving them access to mortgage calculators, automatic notifications and easy access to contact information.

For more information or to download Norcom’s Easy Street app, please visit easystreet.norcommortgage.com

Established in 1989, Norcom Mortgage is a growing family-owned mortgage company with 260 employees and 36 branch locations along the East Coast. Its programs vary and are flexible, whether you are a first-time homebuyer, an experienced mortgage shopper, a veteran, looking to refinance, and beyond. To learn more, visit https://norcommortgage.com

The Cape Coral office of Norcom Mortgage is at 1216 S.W. 4th St., Suite 2, Cape Coral, FL 33991. Call 239-471-4737.

Jackson, Soto join GATES Construction as project accountants

GATES Construction has announced the addition of Nakia Jackson and Rico Soto as project accountants. Working under the supervision of the firm’s CFO, both will manage all of the financial matters on the projects that they are assigned including accounts payable, accounts receivable and financial forecasting.

Nakia has over 16 years of diversified accounting experience. She received her bachelor of science degree in accounting from Capella University. She will be based out of GATES Construction’s headquarters in Bonita Springs.

Rico has over three years of diversified accounting experience. He received his bachelor of arts degree in finance from Ave Maria University. He will be based out of GATES Construction’s headquarters in Bonita Springs.

Celebrating 25 years, GATES provides construction management, general contracting and design-build services. Their diverse portfolio of commercial, healthcare, multi-family, club and hospitality, institutional and special projects showcases numerous landmarks successfully constructed over the past quarter of a century. GATES serves its clients from offices in Bonita Springs, Sarasota and Palm Beach Gardens, and operates throughout the Southeast United States and Latin America.  For more information on GATES, please call 239-593-3777 or visit the website at www.GATESinc.com.

Isabella joins Stevens Construction Inc.

Mike Isabella has joined Stevens Construction as estimator, announced Dan Adams, vice president, south Florida and principal.

Bringing 25 years of Southwest Florida construction experience, Isabella has an impressive background in all components of the electrical scope, including preconstruction and installation.

As estimator, Isabella will manage the overall bid process for projects located in Southwest Florida, including creating scopes, cost proposals and preliminary schedules. Additionally, Isabella will maintain and develop subcontractor relationships and manage the subcontractor prequalification process. 

With offices in Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa and Orlando, Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control, and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial, public and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensconstructioninc.com or call 239-936-9006.

Better Buildings’ CEO completes Florida Contractor exam

Better Building Inc.’s CEO and owner Jeanette Dean Richards recently passed the state-certified Florida Contractor exam. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations requires three tests  to attain this license: Contract Administration, Project Management and Business and Finance.

As the owner of Better Buildings, and as a certified Florida Builder Contractor, Richards will be now be able to apply for Women-Owned Small Business Status, a certification that will make Better Buildings eligible to compete for federal funding contracts. Five percent of all federal government contracting budgets are awarded to certified Women-Owned Small Businesses to increase opportunities for female-owned companies in fields where women are underrepresented. Nationally, only 13% of construction firms are owned by women.

Richards and husband Jeffrey K. Richards, a Florida-licensed general contractor, acquired the contracting division, Better Buildings Inc., from the decades-old metal-building manufacturing and contracting firm Dean Steel Buildings in 2019.

Richards was secretary of the company beginning in 2014 and started her current role in 2019. Jeffrey Richards was a vice president beginning in 2010 and became president in 2014.

Better Buildings, located at 2929 Industrial Ave, Fort Myers, is a full-service contracting and construction firm with more than 20 years of commercial construction project accomplishments. Specialties include complete metal-building contracting services, complete turnkey commercial projects, steel-building erecting, steel-building re-roofs,  steel-building additions, modifications and repairs, additions, small repairs, large interior build-outs and construction management services. Call 239-285-9243. Online visit bbifl.com.

Smale to speak at next REIS meeting April 13

How are real estate projects adapting to a post-COVID world? What design innovations are emerging? How long will the current frenzied housing market in Southwest Florida last?

Answers to these and related development issues will be presented at the Real Estate Investment Society’s April 13 meeting. Kristine Smale, senior vice president with Zonda, is the guest speaker.

Smale will explain recent shifts in market forces, offer insight on buyer preferences and provide an outlook for Florida’s housing industry.  Following her presentation, Smale will respond to questions of specific interest to the real estate investment and development industry.

Smale is a market and site analyst with real estate research firms, home builders and community developers. She is a licensed real estate associate with a degree in finance and marketing.

The meeting is sponsored by LSI Companies, and will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m. April 13 in the Osprey Room at Pelican Preserve’s Clubhouse, on Treeline Avenue at Colonial Boulevard. Admission is $30 for members and $40 for guests, which includes lunch. Reservations are required by April 8 and may be made at the REIS web site: www.reis-swfl.org.