Kislak Back in Mortgages

The Kislak Organization, a real estate company based in Miami Lakes, Fla., is back in the residential mortgage business using what it calls a "two-pronged" approach to lending. J.I. Kislak Mortgage LLC is establishing brick-and-mortar offices to serve residential customers in Florida and the Southeast. It has also entered into the private-label business through Kislak Lending Solutions LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kislak Mortgage. Kislak Mortgage is a joint initiative with Thomas Meyer, who will serve as chief executive. Meyer, a long-time Kislak associate, is the founder of HomeBuilders Financial Network, which he sold to Fidelity National Financial in 2002. "We believe that there is significant opportunity for a well-capitalized, well-managed and customer-driven mortgage lender in today's market. Consumers still need access to capital, still need smart lenders who can help them buy the homes of their dreams, and Kislak will once again be that company," said Meyer. Kislak exited the mortgage business in 1996 when it sold its servicing portfolio to a consortium of banks including NationsBank, Atlantic Savings and Loan, Glendale Federal Bank, GMAC and Leader Federal Bank, according to the company's website.