Meet Amy J “AJ” Kurth of East Valley – The Queen of Mortgages

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy J “AJ” Kurth.

Hi AJ, tell us about your journey.

My career path has been anything but ordinary. As a little girl, I dreamed of smoking cigars, driving a purple semi, and marrying Bob Barker. Clearly, that didn’t happen—but it says a lot about my big imagination and sense of humor.

I pursued a degree in teaching and coaching because I’ve always loved kids and sports, and my dream was to teach at the college level. But after graduation, opportunities in education were limited. I nearly became a civil engineer—I even spent five summers working with the South Dakota DOT building highways and was offered a scholarship to pursue engineering. Instead, I started my career in banking as a part-time teller, quickly moving into consumer lending and eventually helping launch a startup bank.

Through all of this, I always found myself drawn back to mortgages. I loved helping people refinance or buy a home, and I used every opportunity to cross-sell and build relationships. In 2006, I took a leap of faith to focus solely on mortgages. I wanted to step away from managing employees so I could focus on what really mattered—my young children and my clients. That leap turned into a passion and a career I love.

By 2019, I was ready for another bold move. I left the retail world and joined the broker side with NEXA Mortgage, the largest mortgage broker in the country. It was a mid-life leap (I like to joke it was my 50th birthday crisis), but it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Has it been a smooth road?

If I said yes, I’d be lying. Mortgage is a roller coaster—it’s volatile, unpredictable, and it can keep you up at night. But I’ve learned that mindset is everything

I’m never transactional with clients. It’s about relationships, honesty, and being fully invested in their success. I’m relentless—if there’s a way to make it happen, I’ll find it. Clients often laugh when I tell them, “Good, now I won’t lose sleep tonight” after they lock their rate, because they know I’ve been watching the markets for them.

Being 100% commission-based while raising four kids came with some challenges as one would expect, but it also gave me the drive, focus, and independence to create my own opportunities. I sail my own ship, choose my hours, and control my own opportunity. My motto: control what you can control, expect nothing, and receive everything.

Tell us more about your work.

I’m an independent licensed mortgage originator with NEXA Mortgage, the nation’s largest broker, based in Arizona. I am licensed in 10 states including California, Washington, and several in the Midwest. With access to 280+ lenders, there’s virtually no loan we can’t do—primary residences, second homes, investment properties, multi-units, commercial, and HELOCs.

I’m known by many names: the “Mortgage Professor” for my teaching style, and the “Queen of Mortgages” because I get it done and get it done right—with honesty, transparency, and a little flair. My mission is simple: make mortgages cheaper, easier, and faster. A recent highlight was achieving a clear-to-close in just 4 days, showing how efficient our team can be.My slogan says it best: “Allow AJ to make it easy for you!”

Beyond helping families, I also mentor and recruit other loan officers and realtors. For LOs, I host Discover NEXA trips to UWM headquarters in Pontiac, MI — all-expenses-paid experiences where they can learn firsthand how our platform helps them grow. For realtors, we offer AXEN Realty Masterminds at UWM, providing the same level of coordinated, all-inclusive support. These events aren’t just educational — they inspire professionals to scale their businesses with confidence.

What sets you apart?

My clients say it best: I treat them like family. I’m genuine, personable, and I truly care. Whether it’s a first-time buyer, an investor, or a referral partner, I give 110%. I don’t give up—because where there’s a will, there’s a way.

What inspires and supports you?

• Faith & Mindset: Starting each day with Joyce Meyer keeps me grounded. Mel Robbins fuels my motivation during workouts.
• Industry Expertise: Barry Habib’s daily market insights through MBS Highway help me guide clients with confidence. I’m also pursuing my Certified Mortgage Advisor designation.
• Leadership & Culture: I admire Mat Ishbia of UWM for building a winning culture centered on teamwork, grit, and growth.

Community: As a member of NAMB (National Association of Mortgage Brokers), I stay connected to industry best practices and education.

And finally — outside of work, who is AJ?

Outside of mortgages, my biggest joy is family. I’m a proud mom of four and grandma to five littles (soon to be 6) and they are truly my “why.”

When I’m not serving clients or mentoring loan officers, you’ll find me traveling (Hawaii has my heart!), enjoying concerts or sporting events, or staying active with yoga, strength training, biking, and daily walks.

Life is about balance — giving my all to my career while also making memories with the people I love most. That’s what fills my cup and keeps me energized to show up 110% for clients and partners alike.

Contact Info:

• Website: loanswithaj.com
• Instagram: @loanswithaj
• Facebook: Amy J “AJ” Kurth
• LinkedIn: Amy J Kurth
• Google Business Page: Amy J “AJ” Kurth

Client Success Stories & Testimonials

• We have worked with Amy Kurth many times for own financing and also on loans our Real Estate clients. I refer her first and the most. She is always 100 percent on, very professional, trustworthy and highly efficient. I would highly recommend her for home loans. She is fantastic to work with.
• Amy has helped us purchase a home twice now. She is absolutely wonderful to work with. No stone is left unturned and everything goes without a hitch because of her diligence, knowledge, and skillset.
• My partner and I were first time homebuyers, and Amy made what could’ve been an incredibly daunting process, into an absolute breeze. She’s extremely communicative, kind, and informative, and I can’t recommend her highly enough!