Meet Jake Earl, Loan Officer at Total Mortgage, a valued member of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce.
In this edition of Member Spotlights, we share the story behind the business, explore what inspires their work, and highlight the impact they are making in West Hartford’s vibrant business community.
 
What inspired you to start (or lead) your business?
I was inspired by the impact guidance can have during a major life decision. Buying a home is emotional and financial, and I saw how much stress came from confusion or poor communication. I wanted to build a process where people feel informed, prepared, and calm — not pressured — throughout the experience.
What problem do you solve, and who do you serve?
As a Loan Officer, Jake isn’t just “doing mortgages” — he’s solving real-life problems for buyers, homeowners, and referral partners every single day. Here are the biggest problems Jake helps solve: “Can I even qualify?” Many buyers don’t know: How much they can afford What credit score they need How much money they need down Jake breaks it down clearly and gets them confidently pre-approved — often earlier than expected.
What is a milestone or moment you’re especially proud of?
One moment I’m especially proud of is helping a client buy a home after they had previously been told it wasn’t possible. We spent months creating a plan — improving credit, restructuring debt, and timing the purchase correctly. Watching them get the keys wasn’t just a closing… it was a life milestone they thought was out of reach.
How do you engage with or give back to the local community?
I regularly host and participate in: First-time homebuyer seminars Credit & budgeting workshops Realtor and partner Lunch & Learns One-on-one planning consultations My goal is to help people understand homeownership early so they can make smart financial decisions — even if buying is years away.
What’s one thing people might not know about your business?
One thing people don’t realize is a big part of our job happens before someone ever applies for a mortgage. We spend a lot of time helping clients prepare — improving credit positioning, reviewing income structure, and building a plan so they can buy comfortably instead of just barely qualifying. By the time they’re ready to make an offer, the goal is no surprises… just confidence.
How can fellow Chamber members best support or connect with you?
Grab coffee with me. Seriously. The more we understand each other’s businesses, the easier it is to confidently refer clients. I want to know who you help, how you help them, and when I should send someone your way. I’m also always available to answer mortgage questions for your clients — no pressure, no sales pitch.
https://www.totalmortgage.com/bankers/jake-earl