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**Mortgage Professionals Find Independence and Opportunity in Brokerage Model**

**[City, State] –** A growing number of mortgage professionals are leaving the traditional retail lending structure to launch their own independent brokerages, drawn by the promise of greater flexibility, better pricing for clients, and increased control over the loan process. While the transition presents unique challenges, including tech selection, compliance, and resource management, many are finding success by partnering strategically and leveraging their industry experience.

Stacey Melton, Vice President of Arizona-based Reasy Financial, took a leap of faith in early 2023, forming a partnership with Jason Servais after the two were connected by a business coach. Despite initial struggles, Reasy Financial has scaled to 20 employees and credits part of their success to their partnership with United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM). “UWM was definitely instrumental in our success,” Melton said, praising UWM’s commitment to the broker channel.

Linus Thalman, CEO of Michigan-based Golden Mortgage, made the jump to brokerage in March 2024, also choosing to work with UWM. He highlights the potential for increased profitability and efficiency in the broker model, noting that he now accomplishes the same output with a smaller team and lower overhead than he did on the retail side.

Blake Bianchi, CEO of Future Mortgage in Idaho, emphasizes the draw of transparency and pricing that attracts many to the broker model. His company, which aims to provide the support of a retail lender within a brokerage setting, works with Rocket Mortgage to offer clients more options. “Most of the people transitioning are transitioning because the cost structures at retail lenders are very high, and the loan officers end up covering the cost of other parts of the company that have high costs.”

While the brokerage path offers significant potential, experienced professionals caution that it’s not for everyone. Melton advises that brokers are typically more seasoned in the field, given they don’t always have time to change and train a new hire. There’s also the regulatory hurdle that comes with running a brokerage, Bianchi added that “LOs are better off joining a brokerage already offering all the support, and just doing a DBA or creating their own branding.”

The trend towards independent brokerages reflects a desire for greater autonomy and the ability to provide more tailored solutions for borrowers. While challenges exist, those with the experience and strategic partnerships are finding the rewards of independence well worth the effort.

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