The world of mortgage lending and financial services is a complex and ever-changing one. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from originating and servicing mortgages to providing financial advice and investment products.

Guaranteed Rate (GR) stands out as an ideal example of efficiency and reliability in this domain. It is a name synonymous with expeditious approvals and dream home aspirations. GR has carved a remarkable niche for itself in the industry with a commitment to getting borrowers approved in as little as one day setting a new standard for excellence.

Imagine a scenario where a client walks into the complex labyrinth of mortgage options, requirements and paperwork. They’re filled with aspirations of purchasing their dream home but are daunted by the intricate web of financial intricacies. This is where Julie Teitel steps in, armed not only with the company’s impressive track record but also with her own formidable expertise.

In the vast landscape of Financial Services, where every decision counts, Julie has played a pivotal role in upholding GR’s commitment to brilliance. Being the Vice President of Mortgage Lending at GR, Julie navigates the intricate maze of mortgage processes, regulations and market trends and has been instrumental in helping countless individuals find their way home.

Let’s delve into Julie’s dedication to excellence, combined with the company’s commitment to speedy approvals and comprehensive service creating a synergy that’s hard to find elsewhere!

Julie, please briefly describe to our audience your professional journey up until now.

When I started in 1991, my goal was simply to fund my horse habit. I loved showing horses, but this passion came with a price tag. My father owned a mortgage bank in Maryland and while I was in college, he invited me to come work as a loan officer at his bank.

Being the strongly independent middle child that I was, I told him that I needed to move to NYC and start the mortgage business on my own and then come back and help him take over the bank.

With my parent’s support, I moved to NYC, but after several months with no commission, they were ready for me to come back to the security of Dad’s business. I asked for one more month and the rest is history.

I spent the next three decades as a top-producing loan officer in NYC. My dad sold his business while I was working in NYC and now, I am back in MD assisting homebuyers in both states and many other states as well.

What challenges did you face along the way?

During the 1990s the mortgage industry thrived, but not many people I knew were doing mortgages and there were definitely fewer female loan officers at that time. This set me apart from the rest, so what could have been perceived as a challenge, I used it to my advantage and turned it into an opportunity to stand out.

More challenging for me back then and now is staying technologically relevant within the industry. Fortunately, my current company, GRI, is exceptional at taking the lead in adopting and implementing cutting-edge technology and training.

Undoubtedly, the prevailing challenge is the present market environment. As rates rise and the competition gets tougher with guidelines tightening and some banks closing their doors to mortgage lending, it is more important than ever to be at the top of your game and with the right company. By having the ability to offer diverse programs, the best technology and amazing service, I recognize it is time to truly showcase my capabilities.

What significant impact have you brought to the industry?

I feel as if I have been able to make borrowers feel good and know that there is always a way to find a mortgage for their dream home—maybe if you have to shift to a stated income or asset depletion and put down more money, I believe there is always a way to obtain a mortgage. I also feel like I act as a mortgage therapist for several clients when they are feeling emotional and overwhelmed.

Tell us about Guaranteed Rate and its foundation pillar. 

GRI is committed to revolutionizing the home loan process by offering consumers a digital experience so advanced that we can consistently close loans the fastest in the industry while providing world-class customer service, reflected by our net promoter score of 95 or better. We have a mission to be the #1 retail mortgage lender in the country and in the first half of 2023 we ranked #2.

How does Guaranteed Rate promote workforce flexibility and what is your role in the company?

Hands down! Guaranteed Rate is the best with technology and is also incredibly supportive. I feel encouraged to move ahead in an environment where my company encourages team play and is all about supporting their loan officers. Everyone is committed to working together and fully engaged in being part of my success.

What is your take on technological importance and how are you leveraging it?

In today’s environment, it is extremely important. As I mentioned, I have been kicking and screaming for decades to fight the evolution of mortgage technology and tried my best to remain a dinosaur, but with the help of Guaranteed Rate.

I am now running with cutting-edge technology in today’s mortgage environment. This commitment ensures I remain aligned with the technological trends and continue to offer top-tier service, setting standards that benefit my clients.

What will be the next significant change in the industry and how are you preparing for it?

When Guaranteed Rate introduced the world’s first fully digital mortgage in 2015, it revolutionized the industry. Now, with Smart Underwrite, we can continue to expedite and streamline the process for both our customers and real estate agents.

The real-time automation offered by Smart Underwrite is a driving force behind our recently unveiled Same Day Mortgage platform, which enables borrowers to receive same-day approvals.

This technology will not only improve the speed at which we can close loans for our customers but also the accuracy and consistency of underwriting, which will result in exceptional overall customer satisfaction.

What are your goals in the upcoming future?

Over the upcoming two years, my objective is to turn challenges into opportunities. I tend to thrive in difficult situations and I’m determined to take a proactive stance and make the most of this time.

Developing relationships with realtors, assisting the aging population stay in homes while living comfortably—Reverse mortgage and maybe trying to go back to the initial career path, by including my father in reverse seminars.

What advice would you like to give the next generation of aspiring business leaders?

I would advise them that hard work does pay off. I believe that we should all choose a profession that motivates us to wake up every morning with a profound sense of wonder and curiosity, then Carpe Diem!