We had the good fortune of connecting with Athena Damianos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Athena, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When most people think about risk, I think they associate it with danger. It’s a risk walking out into the street without looking both ways. It’s a risk riding a bicycle without a helmet. But when I think of risk in terms of business, I associate it with fear. The risk you take starting a business, for me at least, was associated with fear of failure and the fear of pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Oddly enough those two fears drove my growth, both professional and personal. Steve Harvey said it best, “if you stay in your comfort zone, you will fail.” Pushing myself outside of my comfort zone was the biggest risk I took starting my business and ultimately the one thing that has defined my success. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an Independent Mortgage Broker, I help people purchase or refinance residential homes. I help a lot of first-time buyers, folks who are ready to move up into a bigger house, and those who want to expand their real estate portfolio with an investment property.

I view loans as puzzles and it’s my job to put them together. Sure, loans are based on numbers, but how you put those numbers together is where the magic happens. Believe it or not, I get to be very creative! Originating loans is hard work, but incredibly rewarding. I work hard to make sure my clients feel educated and empowered to make the best decisions for their goals. The process can be overwhelming, but with the right mortgage broker, it doesn’t have to be!

Remember, if you are thinking of buying a home, the first step is getting pre-approved. Luna Lending offers lots of loan options, low rates, and will save you money on your home purchase! Getting started is as easy as a phone call: 970-486-1228 or visiting my website: lunalendingsummit.com.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s amazing being able to call Summit County my home. Summer in the mountains is the best! Lake Dillon is a few minutes from my house, and I like to kayak around the various islands that emerge as the snowpack melts. Besides the abundance of outdoor activities, there are always fun events at The Pad in Silverthorne. Anything from Latin dancing to trivia to yoga. In the summer, Dillon amphitheater brings national acts with views that rival Red Rocks so I would certainly try to check out a show. There’s lots of free concerts too! If you’re looking for a good local bar with a scratch kitchen and live music, then Baker’s Brewery is the spot. Saved By the Wine in Dillon is also an amazing Wine Bar and Eatery with an awesome view of Buffalo Mountain. If you’re looking for a more elevated dining experience, then don’t skip Root Stalk in Breckenridge. And if you seek hardy comfort food for breakfast, go to the Haywood in Keystone and then walk along the Snake River afterwards.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My team is the greatest in the business. And I’m not just saying that. Without them I don’t think I would have survived one of the hardest mortgage markets in 15 years. The support, the comradery, and the dedication to our clients is unrivaled. I would also be remiss not to mention my significant other, Jeremiah. He’s seen it all, the struggle and the triumph. He works hard behind the scenes to make sure I’m always fed, full of coffee, and ready to tackle the day. Thank you, Jeremiah!

Website: https://lunalendingsummit.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenabean_mlo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athena-damianos/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lunalending.colorado

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAIWZ5mh-rE7CkINEfJtKEw

Other: I have over 20 5 stars reviews that can be found on My Google Business page when you google “Luna Lending Summit”

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