About the author
An award-winning mortgage industry professional for more than three decades, Irene founded A.S.A.P. Mortgage Corp. in 2001 in Westchester County, New York, in the basement of her home as a young mother of three children under the age of five. In a field dominated by both "big-box banks" and male entrepreneurs, Irene's mortgage company has flourished. During the mortgage meltdown in 2007 and the Great Recession that followed, A.S.A.P. not only survived when competitors' large and small were going out of business but also continued to thrive. Headquartered in Peekskill, New York, today, A.S.A.P. Mortgage boasts several branches across the Hudson Valley region, from Dutchess County to midtown Manhattan and Florida.
Born and raised in the Bronx, Irene survived a disadvantaged background and often troubled upbringing, one which helped mold her inspirational spirit and steely resolve, not to mention a deep appreciation for the value of a safe and secure home. Always a proud New Yorker at heart, Irene has been heavily involved in regionally based mortgage industry organizations throughout her career. She served on the New York Association of Mortgage Brokers (NYAMB) Board of Directors for six years as President of the Lower Hudson Valley Region. Irene has worked closely with their legislative committee and traveled to Washington, D.C., for Lobby Day on behalf of the mortgage industry. An advocate for continuing education in her field, Irene has taught continuing education courses for fellow mortgage professionals. She is a New York State-approved Real Estate instructor for continuing education and prelicensing courses at several different schools.
In recognition of her efforts and achievements, Irene was inducted into Forbes magazine's prestigious Real Estate Council, an invitation-only think tank of senior-level real estate industry executives. She is also a 2017 graduate of the elite Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. Irene's many awards and honors include Top Mortgage Employer by NMP Magazine, Best Mortgage Broker by Westchester Magazine, and General Excellence in Small Business and Women in Business Entrepreneur by 914INC. Magazine.
Aside from her mortgage and real estate courses, Irene combines her passions for teaching, mentoring, and problem-solving with the can-do, uplifting spirit she honed as someone who overcame the odds of her troubled upbringing to help others overcome their own obstacles and achieve their absolute best. "Moonlighting" as a motivational speaker, life coach, and business coach, Irene is mission-driven to help others find their footing and path, both personally and professionally, just as she's helped more than 5,000 people to-date get into their homes—by taking the "fear factor" out of the equation.
In her downtime, Irene much prefers soul-filling activities and new life experiences to material things. She enjoys cooking, volunteering with local not-for-profit organizations, inspirational movies, and having fun with her three children and two dogs. In 2019, she pushed herself out of her comfort zone and completed the New York City Marathon.
If you live in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, or Florida and are seeking a mortgage, visit A.S.A.P.'s website: ASAPmortgageInc.com. Given how quickly Irene's company continues to grow, by the time you are reading this, A.S.A.P. may be operating in your state, as well, so be sure to check the website regardless of where you live.
If you are interested in personal life coaching, business coaching, or booking Irene for a motivational speaking engagement, visit Irene's personal website: IreneAmato.com.