Steven D. Baum

The Group's principal activity is to originate, securitize and sell non-conforming mortgage loans that are secured by first mortgages on one- to four-family residential properties. The Group provides mortgage loans through two distribution channels - wholesale and retail. The Group originates wholesale mortgage loans indirectly through independent mortgage brokers and other real estate professionals who submit loan applications on behalf of borrowers. It originates most of its wholesale mortgage loans through a network of approximately 3,200 brokers in 34 states. The Group develops retail loan leads primarily through telemarketing, Internet leads, direct mail, radio advertising, origination centers and retail offices. The Group primarily conducts its broker lending operations out of its Woodbury, New York headquarters.