Philip J. Logue, NMLS# 113491

Phil graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland in 1984 and started his career at MCI as a telemarketer. After 4 years, he obtained a position as a loan originator with Dime Mortgage. Then in 1992, Phil became one of the founders of First Choice Mortgage where he has served as President.

He has developed an in-depth knowledge of the loan business process—from advertising, marketing, and communications to the various stages of the mortgage lending. He leads an outstanding team of dedicated loan originators with vast mortgage knowledge serving the multicultural community of South Florida.

Phil is also a member of the Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers and of the BNI Energy Chapter in Miami. You can always count on Phil to take center stage with an impersonation.

Meet the First Choice Mortgage Team

Marcia M. Portela, NMLS# 1106591

Marci obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science from St. Francis University of Illinois. Marci has worked for international corporations requiring extensive travel in Europe and has held various management positions while employed at Baptist Health including Quality Assurance. Marci joined the team at First Choice Mortgage as the office manager in 2013. She is also a licensed loan originator and is a member of the Florida Association of Mortgage Bankers. Marci was born in Cuba, raised in the Washington, DC area and relocated to Miami in 1978. During her time away from the office she enjoys traveling and painting.

Nicole (Nikki) Watarz, NMLS# 375779

Nikki began her career with First Choice Mortgage of South Florida in 1995 as a loan processor. After 6 years, she acquired her license as a loan originator. The years of experience as a processor has helped her understand loans from an underwriter’s perspective which helps structure loans for a smoother process. A Miami native and mother of two, Nikki and her husband are very active in the community. Nikki enjoys spending her time developing her passion for photography and boating with family and friends. She is very health conscious, disciplined with her daily exercise, and is always willing to share delicious vegan snacks with her fellow co-workers.

Zoraida Saray Prata, NMLS# 362824

Zoraida was born in Cuba and has been living in Miami since 1980, where she obtained her Associates Degree in Business Administration. She has been in the mortgage industry since 1994 and owned her own mortgage company for 11 years. In 2010, Zoraida joined FCM and applies her extensive knowledge and experience to each task at hand. As wife and mother of three beautiful children, she enjoys spending time with her family and has taken up photography as a hobby.

Bruce Goeser, NMLS# 371981

Bruce was born in Miami and played varsity basketball for Columbus High School. He went on to the University of South Florida and later on to FIU where he received his Master’s Degree in Management. Bruce entered the residential loan business in 1992. He worked as loan representative, appraiser, underwriter and loan center manager at World Savings/Wachovia. Coincidentally enough, his first account at World Savings was First Choice Mortgage. After so many years funding loans with FCM, the next inevitable step was for Bruce to join the team in 2011. Bruce is the reigning champion for the Knights of Columbus Annual Tennis Tournament. He also enjoys singing in the choir for The Church of the Epiphany.

Loyda Herrera Cruz

Loyda has been a loyal employee for over 20 years as a senior loan processor. She was born in Nicaragua and has been living in Miami since 1985 with her husband and son.