Embrace Home Loans, a national mortgage lender, recently hired Donny Panasis as branch manager for its Viera, Fla., office, where he and his team will originate loans for both existing and new construction homes, according to a release.

Panasis will also lead the branch’s growth initiatives, including immediately recruiting loan officers and developing relationships with real estate brokerages, homebuilders and financial advisors.

Panasis previously served as a loan originator for The Mortgage Firm and TD Bank. With nearly 10 years of lending experience, he is committed to delivering exceptional service whether working with first-time homebuyers or seasoned homeowners looking to refinance. 

“What attracted me to Embrace can be summed up in one word: culture,” Panasis said in the release. “The entire Embrace team feels more like a family where everyone supports each other for the common goal—to provide an excellent experience for the client and to do the job better than anyone else in the industry.”

Panasis also pointed to Embrace Home Loans’ technological advantages and proprietary products that set the company apart in the mortgage industry, including:

• Approved to Move – A fully underwritten loan approval that ensures loans will close on time.
• Approved to Close – A guarantee to sellers that deals will close, which offers $10,000 or a cash purchase option if a closing fails to happen for any reason.
• Property Value Certificate – A revolutionary program that guarantees a home’s value regardless of appraisal results, allowing buyers to waive appraisal contingencies and providing sellers with increased comfort.

“By combining great technology, affordable rates and terms, industry-leading tools, and supportive culture, Embrace Home Loans is positioned to make sure our clients get the best deal for their specific needs,” Panasis said.

“We’re delighted to welcome Donny to our team,” Jason Will, senior vice president of growth and southeast regional executive at Embrace Home Loans, said. “His commitment to exceptional client service, strong leadership skills, and deep community connections make him the perfect fit. We're confident his expertise will be instrumental in growing our presence in the thriving Space Coast market.”

Panasis is an active member of the Space Coast Association of REALTORS and the Home Builders & Contractors Association. He also serves as a board member of 321Millennials, a philanthropic organization dedicated to giving back to the community.

One of the top planned communities in the country, Viera has seen significant growth and development in recent years.