St. Louis-Based Mortgage Company Launches New Division

November 13, 2009 (ST. LOUIS) - St. Louis-based American Equity Mortgage has announced the launch of its new direct lending division. The division, which opened branch offices in the Tampa and Denver markets, will focus on providing financing for home purchase transactions.

"This is an ideal time to buy a home. The extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit, the low interest rates and the deals in the market make it a unique window of opportunity for prospective homebuyers," says Deanna Daughhetee, president and chief executive officer of American Equity Mortgage. "Because it is so important to work with a knowledgeable and trusted lender, we believe it is the ideal time to launch our new purchase platform and provide homebuyers the expertise that they need in making this important decision in their lives."

American Equity Mortgage has continued to expand its operations, opening a total of six retail branches and two direct lending branches within the past year. In 2009, the company will help 10,000 customers and has nearly doubled its operations staff.

"We have a strong commitment to customer service and a uniquely efficient process, enabling us to close loans more quickly than our competition," Daughhetee said. "We look forward to the opportunities our new direct lending division will create for real estate agents as well as first time and existing homebuyers."

About American Equity Mortgage
American Equity Mortgage, one of the nation's leading mortgage lenders, operates 27 branches in 21 markets across the country. Headquartered in St. Louis, AEM has more than 17 years of integrity, leadership, strength and stability that have led to numerous awards, including multiple Consumers' Choice Awards and the American Business Award for Best Overall Company. American Equity Mortgage is committed to helping others get to a better place and this belief carries into its social responsibility and community outreach efforts. For more information, visit www.americanequity.com.