2021 Best Mortgage Companies to Work For

ByBrad Finkelstein, Bonnie Sinnock, Paul Centopani, Heidi Patalano

March 1, 2021 6:18 AM

National Mortgage News presents its third annual Best Mortgage Companies to Work For — an awards program dedicated to recognizing the industry’s premier employers and providing them with employee feedback highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

The program is a collaboration between National Mortgage News and the Best Companies Group, which conducts extensive employee surveys and reviews employer reports on benefits and policies. The employee survey covers eight topics: Leadership and Planning; Corporate Culture and Communications; Role Satisfaction; Work Environment; Relationship with Supervisor; Training, Development and Resources; Pay and Benefits; and Overall Engagement.

Following a thorough assessment of the organizations, the survey data was analyzed and the companies received an overall score that determines their rankings. The overall score comprises the employee survey (worth 75%) and the employer questionnaire (worth 25%). To qualify for consideration, organizations with 25 or more employees need a minimum response rate of 40% while organizations with 25 or fewer employees need 80%.

Companies must opt-in to the rankings and participation is open to a standalone mortgage lender, mortgage broker, mortgage servicer, or mortgage unit of a diversified financial services firm with at least 15 permanent employees working in the United States. Not all companies that participate in the survey make the list. The survey also includes open-ended and demographic questions.

In addition to anecdotes about corporate culture, special events, HR policies and benefits, executives and employees gave us a peek at how the 50 lenders, brokers and servicers on the list make things fun — both at the office and in this year’s shift to remote work.

See how companies in the small, mid-sized and large categories measured up against each other:

> 2021 Best Small Mortgage Companies to Work For (15 - 99 employees)
> 2021 Best Mid-Sized Mortgage Companies to Work For (100 - 499 employees)
> 2021 Best Large Mortgage Companies to Work for (500 or more employees)
> 2020 Best Mortgage Companies to Work For
> 2019 Best Mortgage Companies to Work For

More than a dozen Nations Lending employees volunteered 2 hours of their time 2 days before Thanksgiving to sort and pack food at the Greater Cleveland Foodbank.

No. 50: Nations Lending Corporation

Headquarters: Independence, Ohio
Number of employees: 1,010
Website:www.nationslending.com

This originator and servicer was founded in 2003 by its current CEO, Jeremy Sopko and its President, Bill Osborne. “Our co-owners are not just a couple stuffed shirts tucked away in closed, corner offices with their names on the doors,” a company representative said. “They’re two authentic guys who entrench themselves in the daily operations of the business, but also take the time to get to know their employees by name.” The leadership team encourages entrepreneurship within their local branches, Sopko said. “We empower our branches to run their businesses and provide a partnership that is – from what we believe – the best in the industry from shared services and innovative technology or cutting-edge automation to marketing support,” he said.

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Employees show the donations they have contributed to children in Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

No. 49: First Guaranty Mortgage

Headquarters: Plano, Texas
Number of employees: 556
Website: www.fgmc.com

First Guaranty is a proud sponsor of CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates — which helps support abused or neglected children in foster care through their local chapters. Its "Maverick culture" is based on innovation, inclusion and treating others with kindness.

Amerifirst staff gather to celebrate being named Best and Brightest to Work for in the Nation, which is unrelated to the Best Mortgage Company to Work For list.

No. 48: Amerifirst Home Mortgage

Headquarters: Kalamazoo, Mich.
Number of employees: 820
Website: www.amerifirst.com

Amerifirst Home Mortgage is a Kalamazoo, Mich.-based lender, servicer and Ginnie Mae issuer that was founded in 1983 by co-CEOs Mark Jones and David Gahm, and it has particular strength in its home state of Michigan and with several types of government lending. The company has more than 80 offices in 12 states, with over 800 employees. In August of last year, it established a bilingual mortgage services division for Spanish-speaking borrowers. Also, Jones serves as chair of Mortgage Bankers Association’s Audit and Finance Committee as well as on its board, and has been longtime advocate of first-time homebuyers and access to credit for underserved markets.

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A mobile escape house was brought to IHFA. Employees were put into teams to “Solve the Mystery” during the lunch hour. Each team had 15 minutes to find the clues that put together the story. This is the winning team.

No. 47: Idaho Housing and Finance Association

Headquarters: Boise, Idaho
Number of employees: 253
Website: www.idahohousing.com

Idaho Housing and Finance Association focuses on providing affordable housing, with a mission of reducing the state’s homelessness. It also helps community development through small business financing. The IHFA is a self-supporting organization through earned fees and revenue, without receiving money from the state.

The Guild Giving Foundation presents a donation to San Diego non-profit Home Start.

No. 46: Guild Mortgage

Headquarters: San Diego, Calif.
Number of employees: 4,216
Website: www.guildmortgage.com

Guild Mortgage celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020. It also became the second nonbank lender to go public last year. During the early days of the pandemic, it provided resources to its employees, not just so they could continue to work, but things to help them with their families. For example, "our human resource area was instrumental in providing tools to help them educate their children," said CEO Mary Ann McGarry.

A picture from InterLinc Mortgage Services' 2020 annual employee rally.

No. 45: InterLinc Mortgage Services

Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Number of employees: 406
Website: www.interlincmortgage.com

InterLinc has a "linear" management structure, without the layers other firms have, said Gene Thompson, recently promoted to CEO. One of the things he and partner Jim VanSteenhouse, recently elevated to chairman, learned early in their careers "was that successful loan officers need the ability to talk to decision makers, because a quick no is better than a long, drawn out, maybe any day of the week," said Thompson. "So my originators and my branch managers have direct access to every person in the organization."

Mortgage Center staff members beautify Grace Centers of Hope's campus homes, where those coming out of addiction live and thrive.

No. 44: Mortgage Center

Headquarters: Southfield, Mich.
Number of employees: 119
Website: www.mortgagecenter.com

Operating in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio and Florida, this 31-year-old firm works with credit unions members and borrowers to originate their loans. The company places an emphasis on talent acquisition, President and CEO Ken Martin said. “We attract high-performers, giving them the freedom to create, innovate, build, take chances and have a voice, alongside other high-performers,” he said. “We grow by adding fewer, better people, not by adding more processes and rules.”

Team building at AmeriFirst Financial.

No. 43: AmeriFirst Financial

Headquarters: Mesa, Ariz.
Number of employees: 626
Website: www.amerifirstloan.com

AmeriFirst Financial Inc. has been in business for more than 30 years, has 626 employees and is licensed in 40 states. The company provides a $15,000 performance assurance on loan commitments to which it adds another $5,000 if the customer is a first responder or teacher. AmeriFirst Financial also is a purchase-focused lender that works with several down payment assistance providers and supports its loan officers with a staff focused on the following goals: a secondary marketing department that proactively works to expand loan programs, a work process group that generates efficiencies aimed at helping the company price competitively, underwriting and marketing teams that work cooperatively with originators, and a document and funding department that aims to provide same-day turnarounds.

Radius' 2019 Halloween contest in its Norwell, Mass. headquarters.

No. 42: Radius Financial Group

Headquarters: Norwell, Mass.
Number of employees: 166
Website: www.radiusgrp.com

Founded in 1999, Radius Financial Group has aimed to redefine the status quo in mortgages with new processes and products, like the recent addition of insurance. Without sacrificing personal touch, Radius tries to improve access to home financing through efficient, convenient technology.

Taylor Morrison Home Funding stays connected with virtual meetings.

No. 41: Taylor Morrison Home Funding

Headquarters: Maitland, Fla.
Number of employees: 320
Website: www.taylormorrisonhf.com

Taylor Morrison Home Funding is the in-house lender for the similarly-named home builder. "We like to think we’re bold, have a whole lot of heart and are unafraid to challenge the status quo. We pledge to 'Love the Customer' each and every day, working hand in hand with our builder to create memorable customer experiences as we lead our customers to their new front door," the company said.

VanDyk Mortgage presents a check as part of its Golf N Give community event.

No. 40: VanDyk Mortgage

Headquarters: Grand Rapids, Mich.
Number of Employees: 474
Website: www.vandykmortgage.com

VanDyk Mortgage offers a unique level of personal marketing for its loan officers to assist with their day-to-day marketing needs. Through its customer relationship management system, social media management, event planning and access to its marketing library, the company allows its loan officers to focus on what they do best — sell.

On the first and third Fridays of the month Republic State Mortgage Co.'s CEO hosts an all-employee market update call.

No. 39: Republic State Mortgage

Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Number of employees: 196
Website: www.republicstatemortgage.com

Founded in 1994 by owner-operators Paulina McGrath and Robert Wagnon, Republic State Mortgage has 30 offices across 13 states. “We put our families and communities first and expect our employees to do the same,” a company representative said. That sentiment was echoed by President McGrath, who highlighted the company’s efforts to help the employees who had been impacted by Hurricane Harvey. “Having endured a series of natural disasters — and now a pandemic — we understand the importance of taking care of each other,” she said. “When someone is ill or had a home damaged or has lost power or internet and cannot work, our people are more than willing to help mop out flood waters, tear out carpet, cut out drywall, pick up extra hours, send food and say prayers.”

No. 38: Mid America Mortgage

Headquarters: Addison, Texas
Number of employees: 653
Website: www.midamericamortgage.com

Mid America Mortgage started operating in 1940, evolving over the years to the current age of eClosings and eNotes. Mid America is the leading lender in Section 184 loans to Native Americans, securitizing over 60% of the program’s mortgages in 2020. It also offers “One Time Close Construction” loans on all loan types and its “Rosebud Down Payment Assistance Program” helping first-time homebuyers.

No. 37: Primary Residential Mortgage

Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah
Number of employees: 2,207
Website: www.primeres.com

As one of the largest originators in this year’s ranking, Primary Residential is a national firm licensed in 49 states and Washington D.C. It’s been lead over the past two years by Kenneth Knudson. While the company previously had no remote work policy, one has been enstated to remain in line with COVID-19 safety protocols. Like many companies in the field, Primary Residential is allowing employees to work in office if they wish to.

USA Mortgage's ESOP Lakehouse Party.

No. 36: USA Mortgage

Headquarters: St. Louis
Number of employees: 831
Website: www.usa-mortgage.com

USA Mortgage is a privately-held lender with an employee stock ownership plan and particular strength in its home market. The growing nonbank company at deadline was licensed in Washington, D.C., and 44 states, with another four pending, according to Chairman and CEO Doug Schukar. Schukar originally purchased USA Mortgage from Internet lender LoanSurfer.com as part of an asset sale in 2001, and previously worked as a vice president in sales for LoanSurfer.com.

No. 35: Homespire Mortgage

Headquarters: Gaithersburg, Md.
Number of employees: 375
Website: www.homespiremortgage.com

"I've always believed that winning in the marketplace cannot exist without first winning in the workplace," said Michael Rappaport, Homespire Mortgage president. "Being recognized by National Mortgage News validates our investment in providing a dynamic work environment that fosters the growth and development of our employees so that they may reach their greatest potential." The company noted that it had prepared for a full remote work environment before COVID arrived and since then, it has implemented a remote work policy for all non essential employees.

Zeuslending.com's Fit Challenge.

No. 34: ZeusLending.com

Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Number of employees: 22
Website: www.zeuslending.com

ZeusLending.com is an online lender that offers both owner-occupied and investment property products. "Together, the people at ZeusLending.com are building an extraordinary company that empowers people to achieve their dreams," the company said. "That includes the customers, vendors and employees."

Inlanta Mortgage's Presidents Club trip attendees took the opportunity to bring school supplies and clothing for the local children in Akumal, Mexico in February 2020.

No. 33: Inlanta Mortgage Inc.

Headquarters: Pewaukee, Wis.
Number of employees: 273
Website: www.inlanta.com

Inlanta Mortgage at deadline had 40 branch offices, was licensed in 25 states, and had a growing network of more than 300 mortgage professionals. The company, which was founded in 1993, directs its strategies and policies through its nine-member, employee-elected advisory board and aims to prioritizes an efficient closing process, according to President and COO Paul Buege. Inlanta has received an overall 4.91 out of 5 customer satisfaction rating with more than 16,000 customer reviews on SocialSurvey.

Each year, NFM Lending donates more than 300 gift boxes to troops overseas.

No. 32: NFM Lending

Headquarters: Linthicum, Md.
Number of employees: 877
Website: www.nfmlending.com

This originator licensed in 41 states, with 45 locations across the country aims to promote “a small-business, family feel, for its employees,” a company representative said. When the pandemic struck, co-founders David and Sandy Silverman, who started the company in 1998, allowed their remote workers to order office chairs for their in-home offices via their intranet portal. While the company instituted enhanced safety protocols for any employees who wish to work in-office, they’re also developing strategies for a broader return of the workforce, with each location having a designated “COVID coordinator” to assist their office in preparing for employee reintegration.

No. 31: Premier Nationwide Lending

Headquarters: Lewisville, Texas
Number of employees: 184
Website: www.loansbypremier.com

Premier Nationwide Lending prides itself on being large enough to offer a vast array of products and platforms but small enough to pivot and adapt to market conditions. Premier offers a full array of conforming loan types, including FHA, VA, USDA, as well as Jumbo. It also has a product called, “America’s Finest” dedicated to giving veterans, educators, and first responders a lender credit toward closing costs.

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Employees show off the latest United Northern Mortgage Bankers t-shirt.

No. 30: UNMB Home Loans Inc.

Headquarters: Levittown, New York
Number of employees: 118
Website:www.unitednorthern.com

UNMB Home Loans Inc. has close ties to its home base on Long Island but has been expanding, and at deadline it was licensed in 20 states with another six pending. The company lends through both branches and a wholesale channel. It has been in business since 1979, and also offers a wide range of products that includes reverse mortgages.

Employees pose at Thrive Mortgage's annual summit.

No. 29: Thrive Mortgage

Headquarters: Georgetown, Texas
Number of employees: 477
Website: www.thrivemortgage.com

With at least 59 locations spread across 13 states, this originator has grown an estimated 25 percent each year, cofounders Roy and Barbara Jones said. While the biggest impact of the pandemic “has been the face-to-face interaction with clients and referral partnership,” the transition to remote work was not as challenging, a company representative said. “Prior to COVID-19, more than 70% of our workforce was already working remotely from either a home office or a co-working office environment, so the adjustment for the company was pretty minimal,” they said, adding that each employee has video conferencing equipment and software. “This was already a tech tool that was in place prior to COVID, but obviously became a necessity in the new environment.”

EMM teammates participated in the Breast Cancer Walk at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken Township, N.J.

No. 28: EMM Loans

Headquarters: Cherry Hill, N.J.
Number of employees: 276
Website: www.emmloans.com

EMM Loans prioritizes customer satisfaction above all else to stand out from the crowd. Its EZPath digital mortgage technology enables customers a simple and secure way to apply 24/7, instant access to financial records and a streamlined process without spending time on paperwork, saving our customers time and money.

Southern Trust Mortgage employees enjoy the Ice Cream Social during Employee Appreciation Week.

No. 27: Southern Trust Mortgage

Headquarters: Virginia Beach, Va.
Number of employees: 305
Website: www.southerntrust.com

Southern Trust, founded in 1998, refers to its employees as "Team Trust," and representatives say it's committed to the idea that a healthy and happy team will always result in buyers and partners feeling the same way. In March of 2020, while many other companies were just beginning to consider their plans to handle the coronavirus, Southern Trust had already invested the time, resources, and technology to enable a thriving remote work culture.

Mortgage Network employees take part Our Paint Night Event at a local paint bar pre-covid.

Michelle Behre

No. 26: Mortgage Network

Headquarters: Danvers, Mass.
Number of employees: 369
Website: www.mortgagenetwork.com

For 33 years, Mortgage Network’s goal was to be the top home lending resource for Realtors and finance professionals. It strives to find the perfect blend of competitive prices at the best compensation terms so its loan officers can close more loans through its full agency-direct model.

Certainty Home Loans employees had been meeting monthly to celebrate birthdays and work anniversaries with a town hall and homemade cupcakes made by the HR Manager. When COVID hit, the employees continued their monthly meetings on ZOOM.

No. 25: Certainty Home Loans

Headquarters: Plano, Texas
Number of employees: 283
Website: www.certaintyhomeloans.com

When the pandemic struck last year, leadership at this originator offered employees a $300 Staples voucher or $250 cash spot bonus to purchase items needed to support working from home. Founded in 2000 and currently licensed in 16 states, the company had always allowed some employees to work remotely, but expanded it to all given social distancing measures. The lender’s culture is a celebrated feature, according to Executive Vice President Julie Gross. “When we wrote our core values years ago, it was our employees who actually came up with them,” she said. “Here’s what they wrote about teamwork: I respect my team members, remain open to new ideas, express gratitude of others, offer assistance, say ‘thank you’ or ‘great work’ and never say ‘that’s not my job.’”

Union Home Mortgage employees gather to celebrate.

No. 24: Union Home Mortgage

Headquarters: Strongsville, Ohio
Number of employees: 1,251
Website:www.uhm.com

Union Home Mortgage is a privately-held, multichannel lender that has won multiple workplace awards and is led by President and CEO Bill Cosgrove, a longtime industry executive and former chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association. The nonbank company is licensed in Washington, D.C. and 44 states, has 1,251 employees, and what Cosgrove describes as an ethical, nimble business model backed by years of reserves from careful fiscal management. “What we’ve tried to do is take on certain attributes of competing companies that work,” Cosgrove said in a recent interview, pointing to examples like Union Home’s implementation of artificial intelligence-driven document services that help compress loan processing timelines, and public branding that’s built name recognition for the company, such as its title sponsorship of the Gasparilla Bowl and the Cleveland Marathon.

No. 23: Spring EQ

Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pa.
Number of employees: 204
Website: www.springeq.com

"Our organization is a growing, four-years young company that has a motto of work hard, get things done, have fun. We live that motto and people who are here would tell you it is the best place to work because they have a tremendous opportunity to learn, make a difference in the lives of our customers and partner with great people who both teach them and appreciate their efforts," the company said.

GVC Mortgage celebrates its corporate office grand opening with a ribbon cutting.

No. 22: GVC Mortgage Inc.

Headquarters: Pendleton, Ind.
Number of employees: 250
Website: www.gvcmortgage.com

GVC Mortgage is licensed in seven states and has more than 30 branches concentrated in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. The family-run business was founded in 1996 by siblings Mary Anne Wattleworth, Bradley Voyles, and Tammy Carey. It has helped more than 37,500 borrowers purchase homes. The company’s employees have an average tenure of five years and it participates in Operation Weatherization, a charitable United Way event in which its employees helps local residents with energy-efficient home improvements.

No. 21: Geneva Financial

Headquarters: Chandler, Ariz.
Number of employees: 561
Website: www.genevafi.com

An independent mortgage lender, Geneva Financial pays nearly twice the national average in branch manager and originator compensation, up to 275 BPS+ NET – NET and doesn’t bill back for AUS, credit, CRM, marketing, and employer taxes on commissioned employees. Geneva has a sharp focus on the human element of homebuying, with a motto of, “technology is our friend, not our replacement.”

The Axia Home Loans team takes part in one of its Zoom "water cooler" events.

No. 20: Axia Home Loans

Headquarters: Bellevue, Wash.
Number of employees: 334
Website: www.axiahomeloans.com

Like Fairway Independent Mortgage, Axia Home Loans offers an employee stock ownership plan and says it was the first mortgage company to be 100% owned by its employees. “Our org chart isn’t anything out of the ordinary, but because of our partner mentality, the “power” structure is far from traditional… in the end, it’s the type of place people want to put down roots.” CEO Alex Rosenblum said in an email. The company originates loans in 21 states across the country and launched a wholesale channel in October 2020 in a bid to grow its business in California.

No. 19: SWBC Mortgage

Headquarters: San Antonio, Texas
Number of employees: 655
Website: www.swbcmortgage.com

SWBC is the mortgage unit of a diversified financial services firm founded in 1988. It has more than 70 branches and is licensed in more than 40 states. CEO Susan Stewart is the current chairwoman of the Mortgage Bankers Association and also serves on the boards of that group and its Open Doors Foundation. The company values tenure, recognizing employees with payments ranging from $20 for five years of service to $1,600 for 30.

GO Mortgage holds its monthly company meeting with leadership team.

Samantha Ehley

No. 18: GO Mortgage

Headquarters: Brookfield, Wis.
Number of employees: 176
Website: www.gomortgage.com

GO Mortgage has access to nearly every mortgage product, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA Single Close Construction loan options. The company developed a unique Single Close Construction loan process by bringing all of the needed expertise to complete all project reviews, builder reviews and draw administration in-house. GO offers no re-qualification for borrowers at completion, as well as an interest rate float down option.

No. 17: M2 Lending Solutions

Headquarters: Denver. Colo.
Number of employees: 27
Website: www.m2lending.com

M2 Lending Solutions is a privately-held, Colorado lender and broker that works with a wide range of clients, including first-time home buyers, investors, and commercial developers. The company has 27 employees and puts a focus on customer retention, which is unusual given the currently low rates in the mortgage market at large. It also aims to offer competitive bonus-based compensation, onsite and health benefits, and cost-effective loan products, according to Chris Murphy, the company’s founder and principal. “Before starting M2 Lending, I saw that many customers were being sold loans that were not necessarily the right home loan for their situation, but paid well for the banks and mortgage brokers involved. I knew that there was a better way, so I started M2 Lending with the philosophy of putting our customers first.”

Atlantic Home Loans' Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest.

No. 16: Atlantic Home Loans

Headquarters: Parsippany, N.J.
Number of employees: 201
Website: www.atlantichomeloans.com

Founded in 1999, Atlantic Home Loans is licensed in 22 states, and emphasizes its commitment to being a family-oriented business. “Ruled not solely by profit, but on the philosophy an organization can be both lucrative and employee-centric, AHL has continued to grow into something more grand than just another mortgage company,” a company representative said, adding that “AHL will help any way they can ‘when the chips are down’ for individual employees.

Direct Mortgage Loans staffers pose at the company's 2019 holiday gathering.

No. 15: Direct Mortgage Loans

Headquarters: Hunt Valley, Md.
Number of employees: 116
Website: www.directmortgageloans.com

Founded in 2007, Direct Mortgage Loans was created on the values of accountability, transparency, and teamwork. Today, DML stretches across 20 states and has funded over 10,000 loans for more than $2.5 billion in volume since 2012.

No. 14: Arcus Lending

Headquarters: San Jose, Calif.
Number of employees: 25
Website: www.arcuslending.com

Arcus Lending's CEO, Shashank Shekhar is one of the top originators in the business, ranked 14th in the 2020 National Mortgage News Top Producers survey. Arcus prides itself on an outstanding work environment, legendary customer service, and a diverse workforce. A new policy introduced during the pandemic allows each employee to pick when they work. "The focus is on getting the work done, and not on clocking a certain number of hours. We have found this to be an effective way to keep morale and enthusiasm for work up in these unprecedented times," the company said.

Civic Financial Services partners with Habitat for Humanity.

No. 13: Civic Financial Services

Headquarters: Redondo Beach, Calif.
Number of employees: 280
Website: www.civicfs.com

Civic’s Opportunities for Reaching Excellence — the CORE Challenge — is a year-long program encouraging team recognition and development opportunities to achieve its business goals; all while having fun through a game and points system. The grand prize is a Tesla 3. “Our values mean everything,” says William J. Tessar, president. “They guide everything we do and drive us to do everything possible to maximize our potential. We believe that the way we treat our employees is the way they will treat our customers — and this is where our Brand Promise, Go Further, comes to life.”

Embrace Home Loans does a beach clean-up as part of its community service week.

No. 12: Embrace Home Loans

Headquarters: Middletown, R.I.
Number of employees: 677
Website: www.embracehomeloans.com

Founded by CEO Dennis Hardiman in 1983, the growing Rhode Island-based Embrace Home Loans is a national mortgage lender that at deadline was licensed in 49 states and Washington, D.C. and had more than 700 employees. It generated an estimated $6.4 billion in total loan production in 2020, representing an approximate 70% year-over-year increase from 2019. Embrace Home Loans has three distinct divisions: retail, direct-to-consumer and a financial institutions group that supports mortgage originations for Ameriprise Financial and Eastern Bank. The company is a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA and VA lender and processes, underwrites, funds and closes all loans in-house. It also encourages employees’ charitable endeavors and provides loan officers with technology and marketing resources.

Homeowners Financial Group's President Club Council retreat in Sedona, Arizona.

No. 11: Homeowners Financial Group

Headquarters: Scottsdale, Ariz.
Number of employees: 398
Website: www.homeownersfg.com

About 95% of the workforce behind this 35-branch lender has been working remotely over the past year and its capabilities for socially distant closings have been in use throughout the pandemic, offering eSign technology on loan estimates, disclosures and questionnaires in addition to tele-notariation in states where it is permitted. Internally, the employees are referred to as “homies.” The company’s internal monthly newsletter features Homie Highlight for an employee to promote personal and professional successes. Employees can give shout-outs to fellow Homies who have gone above and beyond for company-wide recognition on HFG’s Community page. “What differentiates us from other companies is our ability to combine our culture with the pursuit of great execution,” said CEO Bill Rogers, who has led the company for the past 16 years.

First Heritage Mortgage's Fourth of July celebration in 2019.

No. 10: First Heritage Mortgage

Headquarters: Fairfax, Va.
Number of employees: 227
Website: www.fhmtg.com

First Heritage Mortgage was founded in 1996, and originated more than $2.53 billion in mortgage loans in 2019. The company implemented a "predictive index," to help teams understand how to best work with one another and to promote camaraderie, communication, and synergy across the different departments.

Highlands Residential Mortgage's teambuilding field trip.

No. 9: Highlands Residential Mortgage

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Number of employees: 530
Website :www.highlandsmortgage.com

Highlands Residential Mortgage is a privately-owned mortgage lender with 530 employees and over 40 branch locations in 16 states. It has a growth rate that consistently exceeds industry benchmarks, offers a proprietary mobile application, and routinely closes mortgages in 30-days or less, according to President Brian Bennett. “As a retail-only mortgage company that is led by former originators, what makes our company truly different is our people,” he said in an email.

The NRL Mortgage team showed support their home baseball team, the Houston Astros, as part of an employee appreciation day.

No. 8: NRL Mortgage

Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Number of employees: 468
Website: www.nrlmortgage.com

NRL Mortgage established itself in 2007 during a tough time for the industry, setting a foundation of an aggressive and flexible compensation structure. The company runs in a non-hierarchical and collaborative style with all retail branches having direct access to the company founders.

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation.png

Employees at Fairway Independent Mortgage wear red every Friday to remember those deployed.

No. 7: Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation

Headquarters: Madison, Wis.
Number of employees: 8,487
Website: www.fairwayindependentmc.com

As the largest company on this year’s list by headcount, Fairway Independent Mortgage Company also has the distinction of being one of the only lenders within the group with an employee stock ownership plan (read more about that here). The 25-year-old firm has headquarters in both Madison, Wis. and Carrollton Texas, with more than 350 branches elsewhere. With all personnel working remotely in the past year, the company’s longtime CEO Steve Jacobson sent exercise equipment to every employee with a year’s tenure on the books. They could choose from a bike, treadmill, rower or elliptical, which was delivered and set up for them.

Acopia employees pitch in to help with a Habitat for Humanity build.

No. 6: Acopia LLC

Headquarters: Goodlettsville, Tenn.
Number of employees: 248
Website: www.acopiahomeloans.com

Acopia LLC, the parent company of Acopia Home Loans, Accurate Mortgage Group and Acopia Capital Group, is an independent mortgage banking company headquartered in the Greater Nashville Metropolitan area. It has 248 employees and is licensed in 20 states. As a Ginnie Mae issuer and a direct seller-servicer for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Acopia offers borrowers a wide range of products. It also has a Honoring Our Heroes program, which offers loans with no points and credit for up to 0.25% of the loan amount to veterans, military, first responders and teachers.

The reveal of Shamrock Home Loans new branding sign at the Rumford, RI office by CEO, Dean Harrington and President, Rod Correia on the company's 30th anniversary event in 2019.

No. 5: Shamrock Home Loans

Headquarters: Rumford, R.I.
Number of employees: 84
Website: www.shamrockhomeloans.com

Shamrock has been in business over 30 years, and among the things it said makes it unique from the competition is the accessibility of its CEO and president, both of whom can be found in the office every day. The company encourages employees to be intellectually curious, resourceful, have a positive influence and consistent daily demeanor, a representative said.

No. 4: Neighborhood Loans

Headquarters: Downers Grove, Ill.
Number of employees: 343
Website: www.neighborhoodloans.com

Neighborhood Loans runs all operations in-house to ensure customer service that is above and beyond larger brands. NL offers a wide array of loan products including but not limited to Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, and State Bond down payment assistance programs. Additionally, it provides competitive rates for sales staff and pays support staff and junior loan officers in full for the originators that meet certain growth patterns and closing averages.

No. 3: Method Mortgage

Headquarters: Birmingham, Ala.
Number of employees: 18
Website: www.methodmortgage.com

Founded in 2007 under the name Principal Mortgage, this 18-person company has been honored by Alabama Mortgage Professionals Association as the top mortgage broker in central Alabama for the past 3 years in a row. That’s according to managing partner Craig Tindall, who has led the team for the past 13 years. The company offers a host of benefits for their team, from sponsoring certifications to offering job shadowing and cross training to further employee education.

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group staffers gather for Employee Appreciation Week 2019.

No. 2: Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group

Headquarters: Virginia Beach, Va.
Number of employees: 824
Website: www.atlanticbay.com

Atlantic Bay is a privately-owned independent mortgage lender that at deadline had nearly 900 team members and was licensed in 11 states. It's currently focusing its growth on existing geographies. Since 1996, the company has served more than 130,000 families and it uses a “one-team” approach to lend in which each mortgage banker is matched with a dedicated operations team consisting of an underwriter, processor, compliance specialist, and a closer. Unlike some companies, Atlantic Bay involves the closer in the process from day one with the aim of heading off any concerns early on.

Trinity Oaks Mortgage employees at a Hope celebration, benefiting kids in the company's community.

No. 1: Trinity Oaks Mortgage

Headquarters: Red Oak, Texas
Number of employees: 46
Website: www.trinityoaksmortgage.com

Trinity Oaks Mortgage strives to create lifelong relationships with each of its clients, building home financing strategies around their specific needs and goals. Trinity invests in technology to stay ahead of the digital mortgage curve, with a goal of maximized efficiency and outsourced redundant tasks so that customers, referral partners, loan advisors and operational staff all realize a seamless process.

Brad Finkelstein

Originations Editor, National Mortgage News

Bonnie Sinnock

Capital Markets Editor, National Mortgage News

Paul Centopani

Reporter, National Mortgage News

Heidi Patalano

Editor-in-Chief, National Mortgage News

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