I spent the early years of my life in France, Houston, La Jolla and many wonderful summers in Truchas, a small village in northern New Mexico. Very early years were spent in France just east of Paris with five other siblings. Memories are limited during this time as I was very young but my older siblings did enjoy the advantages of the French educational system and have prospered because of this early start. The French language has always been a part of our lives and is still spoken at home. Thereafter we moved to Houston Texas where my father established the Neuro-endocrinology department at Baylor University. These formative years were adventurous during the school years, studying cello, dodging snakes, swimming in the pool and taking advantage of the then existent wild blackberry fields around our home on Piney Point Estates. The early 70’s took us all on the road again to La Jolla California where my father established the same department at the Salk Institute. Moving from Houston Texas to La Jolla California was a wonderful change for us all. I had always imagined the Pacific Ocean, having seen only the flat waters of the Gulf and was mesmerized by its beauty and force. These years were spent participating in many sports, horseback riding at La Jolla Farms where my younger sister and I excelled in English Equitation, school activities and lounging on the beaches whenever possible. Given my parent’s French heritage, exposure to brilliant minds at Salk and our summers in the Northern New Mexico Mountains, our auspicious upbringing encompasses many aspects of multi-cultural and diverse interests in arts and languages.

While I began my early college years studying Biology at UCSD, I took a sharp right turn and enrolled and obtained an Associates degree at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandizing in Los Angeles. I designed and sold children’s fashions in New Mexico for 5 years. This marketplace did not hold my interests for long and I began the search for a job which provided an equally creative outlet but also helped me to help others.

I happened upon the world of mortgage financing by accident and was asked to fill in and answer phones and client questions at Southwestern Mortgage. In those days, Southwestern Mortgage did not yet have an office and clients were met at Michaels Kitchen and other venues around town. Together with Jerry Runge, we established a location and began the journey of creating a reputable mortgage company in Taos to serve the needs of our community. During this time, i.e. 1984, I immersed myself in the world of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and established a strong reputation as a knowledgeable and dependable mortgage loan officer, processor and office manager. I have been in the mortgage industry ever since, serving as a consultant for many upstart companies as well as taking ownership of Taos Lending Team.

During these past few years I pursued another degree and earned, with honors, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Recognizing a need to lasso in and strengthen my organizational and management skills, University of Phoenix provided an opportunity to complete my degree late at night while fulfilling my responsibilities as a business owner during the day. It is because of my educational exposure and experience with University of Phoenix, I took on the ownership of Taos Lending Team, and recognized and opportunity to offer the Taos community my expertise and enable borrowers to realize the American dream of homeownership.

This year, Taos Lending Team was rated “Top Ten Most Dependable Mortgage Broker in the Southwest” by Goldline Research. According to Goldline criteria, Taos Lending Team exceeded the industry’s standard for professionalism, has an excellent record of ethical business dealings, is among the best service providers for its industry and has a time-tested track record of success. I stay informed about today’s marketplace and possess a talent for understanding the lending industry. We are a member of the New Mexico Association of Mortgage Brokers, the National Association of Mortgage Lenders and the Better Business Bureau and hold licenses for Colorado, Florida and New Mexico

I values ethics, beauty, and community-building and frequently retain our clients as friends. I believe in giving back to our community and support to several not-for-profit organizations some of which include, the Taos Land Trust, Community Against Violence, Dream Tree Project, Environmental and Animal Support Funds and annually funds tuition for young student’s music and activity camps throughout New Mexico

The beauty and light of the Taos region cast its spell on me and influenced my decision to settle in this multi-cultural community. I share my life on the wind-swept sagebrush expanse of Hondo Mesa with husband, artist and print maker Hugh Holborn www.holborngallery.com and several beloved dogs and cats. In my free time, I enjoy many outdoor activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, rafting, skiing and gardening.

As for our company logo, the magpies on the line, I believe there is a strong correlation between the New Mexico magpies and Taos Lending Team. If you have been in Taos long enough you are now very familiar with the beauty and talkative nature of our magpies. Magpies always know what’s going on in their own community and communicate to cooperate with each other for mutual benefit. Taos Lending Team represents an equally strong influence within our own community.

Elisabeth Guillemin , Owner/Broker

505.751.4631 Main Office
505.737.0971 Fax