Sales Success

Where to Be When Borrowers Enter the Buy Zone

Where to be when borrowers return.

If you’re an originator looking to capitalize on the upcoming market resurgence, now is the time to double down on your efforts. The key to success lies in systematically mining past client databases for refinance opportunities and forging stronger relationships with real estate agents.

Chris wrote about this in much more detail in an article that appeared in the January 2025 issue of Scotsman Guide.

Homeowners looking to refinance want the best possible deal at the right time. Smart brokers and loan officers don’t wait for borrowers to reach out—they anticipate their needs.

By analyzing data effectively, originators can pinpoint which borrowers are likely to buy a new home or refinance an existing loan. Once these prospects are identified, lenders can engage them with relevant information, competitive loan offers, and social proof showcasing their ability to deliver exceptional service.

The Role of Marketing Automation

As rates drop, a flood of homeowners will enter the buy zone. Top originators will leverage marketing automation to seamlessly guide these borrowers from inquiry to closing, ensuring that no opportunity is missed. The best in the business do this naturally, but many originators lack the same refined skill set. Fortunately, the right technology can level the playing field.

By implementing automated marketing pipelines, lenders can ensure that all originators follow the best practices established by top performers. This structured approach allows even less experienced professionals to operate at peak efficiency, turning potential leads into closed deals with minimal friction.

Winning over real estate agents—who control the buy side of the market—requires more than a simple lunch invitation. As market activity accelerates, agents will be busy securing listings and negotiating sales, leaving little time for additional marketing efforts. This presents a golden opportunity for originators to step in and provide tangible value.

A strong social media presence and a comprehensive library of marketing content can be invaluable tools for both agents and mortgage lenders. By partnering with agents and offering co-branded materials, market insights, and automated lead nurturing, originators can position themselves as indispensable allies in the homebuying process.

The Real Key to Success

Success in the next market cycle will require a proactive approach. Originators should begin by strengthening relationships with the agents they already know, maintaining consistent, value-driven communication. 

Automating these interactions will help maintain engagement without adding to an already demanding workload.

At the same time, originators should dive into their past client database, reaching out to every borrower they’ve worked with to remind them they are still in the business. Since direct outreach can be time-consuming, priority should be given to those already exhibiting signs of entering the buy zone.

Finally, streamlining all marketing efforts with dedicated pipelines for different loan products will ensure that originators can efficiently target multiple sources of business without missing key opportunities. The right tools exist to make this process seamless—those who embrace them will gain a significant competitive edge.

The real estate market will return, and when it does, the pace will be relentless. The most successful originators won’t be the ones scrambling to catch up—they’ll be the ones who spent the downturn fine-tuning their marketing engines, building relationships, and preparing for the inevitable surge.

To dive deeper into these insights, download the full article in the January 2025 issue of Scotsman Guide or reach out to Usherpa today to ensure you’re ready when the market returns.