A math lover at heart, Jen Bender, vice president of mortgage lending at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, knew she was destined to work with numbers. “I just love math,” she says, “but I wanted something in which my input and drive equaled my output and I realized lending was where I would be able to apply my math mind.”

With five years in the industry backing her up, Bender strives to get the best deals for her clients. “I love to not only find a solution,” she says, “but to find the best solution.” It isn’t just her own personal drive, but a history of teaching and a background in education that keeps her clients informed throughout the entire mortgage process. This driven business style has paid dividends too, allowing her to acquire over 80 percent of business from past clients and referrals.

A people person at heart, Bender crafts a path based on her clients’ personal needs. She ensures she understands and is informed of their needs, worries and goals, which allows her to stay on top of potential issues. “I ask my clients, ‘What is most important to you?’,” she says. “From there, I will choose my conversation path and reiterate everything in writing to help with their retention and understanding.”

When she isn’t opening new doors for families and individuals, Bender can be found tutoring children and coaching basketball. She enjoys staying connected to the younger generations and acting as a mentor and motivating role model.

Guaranteed Rate, Inc. is a private corporation organized under the laws of the state of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any other government agency.