Rate Expands Mortgage Team by Adding 14 Loan Officers From New American Funding
Rate, the Chicago-based mortgage lender, disclosed on Thursday that it has recruited 14 loan officers from California-based New American Funding. The hires are part of Rate's broader effort to boost production flow and expand reach in a competitive housing market.
The group includes 14 seasoned professionals whose combined production is expected to lift Rate's originations over the coming quarters. Among the new arrivals, top producers share the spotlight: Joe Geyer has a year-to-date volume of $12.21 million, while Kyle Travers has generated $9.426 million year to date, according to Modex data. Rate notes that several of the officers are returning to the company after stints elsewhere, underscoring the appeal of Rate’s platform, technology, and product lineup.
Shant Banosian, president of Rate, framed the move as a strategic signal in a market where experienced originators are selective about where they build their businesses. He said, 'The best producers are choosing where they can win, and Rate’s depth of products, pricing, technology, and collaborative culture give them a real edge.' He added that the platform’s ecosystem is designed to help veteran originators grow more efficiently and partner with lenders and referral networks that share a growth mindset.
The addition of the 14 loan officers also highlights Rate’s emphasis on continuity and collaboration. Banosian noted that a number of the new team members are returning to Rate after exploring other lenders, attracted by a combination of technology-driven underwriting, an expansive product shelf, and a pricing framework designed to support faster closings and better client outcomes.
"What drew me back was Rate’s industry-leading technology and broad product set, along with a pricing strategy that rewards productive partnerships," said one returning officer who asked to remain unnamed for now. Other returnees echoed that sentiment, pointing to a work culture that emphasizes execution and shared success across a growing network.
Names of the 14 loan officers
- Lori Crabb
- Maria Castorena
- Cory Graciano
- Donaciano Garcia Amaya
- Jim Butz
- Samuel Wagner
- Kristi Hernandez
- Andy Thom
- Michael Giganti
- Joe McCaslin
- Kyle Travers
- Peter Strahler
- Jay Kunkle
- Chad Geyer
Why this matters for Rate and the market
- Production lift: The new cohort is expected to accelerate Rate’s originations, a key factor as lenders navigate fluctuating rates and shifting borrower demand.
- Technology edge: Rate’s technology and underwriting platform have been central to attracting veteran originators, according to the company.
- Returning talent: The wave of returning LOs underscores the importance of a stable, scalable platform when established producers reassess where to deploy their business.
Market context
In a mortgage market that has faced rate volatility and tighter headwinds in recent quarters, Rate’s decision to expand its loan officer network aligns with a broader industry push to win share through better tech, faster turnarounds, and more product choices for borrowers. The company has framed its recruitment as part of a longer-term strategy to scale production without compromising service quality, even as macro conditions evolve.
The new hires come as Rate continues to emphasize a customer-centric approach that pairs a robust product shelf with a technology-driven workflow. Industry observers say that lenders who can deliver consistent execution and competitive pricing stand to gain share as demand fluctuates across fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages.
The road ahead
Executives say the trajectory will rely on integration—onboarding, compliance alignment, and aligning referral partnerships with Rate’s core values. Rate’s leadership stressed the importance of maintaining a collaborative culture that helps producers share best practices and close loans faster.
“Rate adds loan officers with a track record of productivity and a proven ability to collaborate with partners,” Banosian said. “As we bring these professionals into the Rate ecosystem, our objective is to sustain momentum and deliver a high-quality experience for borrowers and brokers alike.”
Analysts will watch how the expansion translates into quarterly results and whether the added capacity translates into improved pricing power and faster closings for Rate’s network. For now, the company is signaling a renewed commitment to scale through talent and technology, a combination it sees as essential in a dynamic mortgage market.
Note: The information above reflects Rate’s public statements and Modex data as of the date of publication. Market conditions and production figures are subject to change.
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