Nearly 20 years ago, Michael Murray, SVP of Mortgage Lending with Proper Rate, a Guaranteed Rate Company was working as an executive recruiter as a fresh college graduate. Around that time, one of his colleagues left to start a mortgage brokerage and offered Murray a 5 percent stake in the company in order to join and start recruiting more staff while learning the business of being a loan officer. While it was a jump, Murray says it was his best one yet – quickly realizing that he loved client interaction and focusing on loan origination. His first clients? His mom and dad.

“I helped them refinance, then helped a neighbor, and it grew from there,” he says. “Small beginnings, but today we’re on track to exceed our 2021 goal of $110M in business.” In fact, together with his operations team, Murray closed $105M of volume in 2020, exceeding that goal by $5M. For this and other reasons, he has been part of Guaranteed Rate’s President’s Club since 2012 and made Chairman’s Club in 2020.

“My borrowers know what to expect at every stage of the transaction,” he says of his seamless style. “Communication is paramount, with detailed explanations and expectation setting so that they are ready.” His relaxed, adaptable business style plus a cohesive team he’s built, earns repeat and referral business galore. And he stays with clients well beyond the transaction itself.

“We follow up with them at regular intervals to answer any questions they have after closing.” Particularly in a competitive market like today’s, Murray says his approach is all about preparing clients for the realities of multiple offers and going over asking price. “I let them know every solution we have in place to help support them.”

An active family man and father of three, Murray’s giving spirit and familiarity is part of how he’s been successful.