OVERVIEW

About the Business

Neighborhood Mortgage Company (NMC) is a wholesale mortgage brokerage specializing in helping clients secure the lowest possible pricing on mortgage loans. Their services include assisting clients in purchasing new homes, refinancing existing mortgages, and providing free mortgage reviews.

The company initially built its website in-house but soon realized it did not meet their functional or branding needs. NMC approached us to create a professional, user-friendly website that would elevate their brand, streamline the the mortgage application process and provide valuable resources for their clients.

Country

USA

Services

Website design

Scalable UX/UI design

Motion Design

Our team

Project Tasks and Challenges

Balancing modern aesthetics with industry credibility:

The website needed a fresh, modern look while maintaining the credibility and trustworthiness required in the mortgage industry.

Simplifying complex mortgage services

The mortgage process can be overwhelming. We collaborated closely with NMC to translate industry jargon into user-friendly language while maintaining accuracy.

Improving website navigation

The previous website lacked clear structure, making it difficult for users to find relevant information. We restructured content flow and navigation for better usability.

Ensuring accessibility and scalability

The website needed to adhere to usability standards while being flexible enough to accommodate future enhancements such as mortgage calculators and new service offerings. While initial design concepts leaned toward a fresh and innovative look, additional refinements were required to maintain trustworthiness and clarity.

Key Project Goals

01.

Develop a professional, visually appealing, and industry-aligned website that builds trust while maintaining a unique identity.

02.

Simplify complex mortgage services with clear layouts, interactive elements, and intuitive content structure.

03.

Ensure seamless browsing by structuring the site for ease of access, allowing users to find mortgage options and make informed decisions effortlessly.

04.

Build a flexible framework that allows future integrations, including mortgage calculators, additional services, and interactive tools to support business expansion.

Phase1:

Discovery

The project began with a competitor analysis, which helped identify industry strengths, weaknesses, and market opportunities. This research informed the structure of the homepage and key areas that needed improvement to differentiate NMC’s website from competitors while reinforcing trust and credibility.

Phase2:

Ideation

Based on the provided brand essentials, we explored different visual directions to ensure the website reflected the client’s vision. Initial design concepts were created, emphasizing a balance between a modern, tech-forward aesthetic and a professional, approachable feel. After receiving client feedback, we refined these concepts into a second round of designs that better aligned with industry expectations and NMC’s goals.

Phase3:

Design

With the approved concept, we moved into the full design phase, crafting all website pages and structuring information for clarity and ease of use. The website was designed to ensure an optimal user experience across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. Special attention was given to organizing content logically, incorporating trust-building elements such as testimonials and partner logos, and creating engaging visuals to illustrate the mortgage process clearly.

Phase4:

Delivery

Once the designs were finalized, we prepared a comprehensive design documentation package for the development team. This included a detailed Figma file with annotations, specifications, and interactive prototypes. To facilitate a smooth transition, we conducted a developer walkthrough to explain design decisions and ensure alignment before implementation.

Phase5:

Design Q&A

As development progressed, we maintained an open line of communication with the development team, addressing questions and refining details as needed. A thorough QA review was conducted to ensure that the final implementation met design expectations, functioned seamlessly, and adhered to accessibility standards. Any necessary refinements were made to optimize usability and performance before launch.

Results

This project transformed Sonar’s brand and online presence to meet the needs of enterprise clients. By aligning the design with Sonar’s goals, we effectively positioned the company for growth in the competitive mortgage tech space.

Client satisfaction:

The client was highly pleased with the final website and expressed appreciation for the collaboration and design process.

Improved branding:

The new website reinforced NMC’s credibility with a more polished, professional, and user-friendly digital presence.

Enhanced navigation

The structured layout and clear information hierarchy made it easier for users to explore mortgage options and take action.

Increased engagement potential:

The new website is positioned to attract more visitors and generate more qualified leads.

Scalability for future growth:

The design allows for seamless integration of future tools such as mortgage calculators and additional service pages.

Conclusion

This project successfully transformed NMC’s self-built website into a refined, high-performing platform that aligns with their business goals and industry standards. Through an iterative design process, strategic collaboration, and a focus on clarity and trust, we delivered a website that not only strengthens NMC’s digital presence but also improves the overall mortgage application experience for users.

Next case

SONAR

All-in-one digital platform for mortgage professionals