Must-have broker tools, lessons from the top employers, and the latest on trigger leads
Mortgage Professional America
Insider coverage of the real estate and mortgage industries, with innovation, tips and info you won't find in the press.
In today's Mortgage Minute
Pro Tips & Tactics | Actionable advice to boost leads, retain clients, and drive profits.
Nathan Young , president of North Star Mortgage Network , has seen a dramatic evolution in the needs and preferences of homebuyers, driven by the relentless pace of technological innovation. And yet, he remains skeptical about over-reliance on automation, particularly AI, in client interactions.
“Customer service, in my opinion, will always be a bit of a human task,” Young said.
Mortgage rates are on an unpredictable path at present – and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for borrowers weighing up the best decision. Advice on that dilemma depends largely on the specific financial situation of the borrower – and how steep a fluctuation they might be able to tolerate, according to Kevin Leibowitz , founder of the Brooklyn-based Grayton Mortgage, Inc.
With origination volumes declining and operational costs increasing, innovative staffing models have become increasingly attractive. SitusAMC managing director Jon Gerretsen talked about how outsourcing origination boosts lender efficiency, scalability, and market adaptability in today's volatile landscape.
Industry Pulse | Expert insights on market moves and what they mean for you.
With the industry-wide reduction in workforces, employers faced a balancing act of remaining commercially viable while maintaining a positive working environment. NEO Home Loans , one of Mortgage Professional America’s Top Mortgage Employers of 2024, was not immune to this. Neo shared valuable lessons on how to improve efficiency, reduce bulk hiring,and create scalability across the company.
“The problem is that it doesn’t scale right, because as soon as you get more business as a production team, you need to hire another person, and as soon as your business drops a little bit, then you need to let go of that person.”
Trending Now | This week’s must-read mortgage news – stay in the loop.
Legislation addressing the controversial practice has been shelved, although Broker Action Coalition chief advocacy officer Brendan McKay says efforts to get it back before Congress will redouble in 2025.
Anthony Casa , president and chief executive officer of UMortgage , said that while he saw a good chance of further tariffs on China, the threatened measures against Canada could represent something of a “bargaining chip” as a prelude to trade negotiations during the Trump presidency.
Specialty Highlights | Hot niche markets to watch: your guide to growth.
The real estate industry is primed for an uptick in activity and competition so those investors that aren’t preparing today are setting themselves up to be disappointed in the new year. RCN Capital 's Nate Zielinski discusses a few priorities investors should be considering to start 2025 off on the right foot.
Stacia Weishaar of Delightful Refuge | Team Weishaar revealed the top seven types of technologies that originators should be embracing – and warned of some trends that should be avoided.
"Originators now must act as CEOs, balancing key pillars: finance, sales, marketing, and operations. Technology has become vital in this structure, second only to people,” Weishaar said.
Brokers relying on realtors as referral partners may have to change tack, suggests Amir Nurani , broker-owner of Left Coast Leaders, Inc.
Question of the week: What do you value most in a mortgage employer—growth opportunities, company culture, or something else?