FAq's

Originating with Haymaker - What you need to know to get started

What is Haymaker Heavyweight?

Haymaker Heavyweight is our flat fee broker model designed to put more of the revenue you generate back in your pocket. Loan Officers earn 275 basis points and pay a simple split of $1,295 plus 10%. Once you reach 50 funded units in a rolling 12 month period, the $1,295 fee goes away, bringing your net compensation to 247 basis points.

What do you mean by “rolling 12 months”?

Your rolling 12 months begins on the date you start originating with Haymaker. For example, if you start on March 1, your initial 12 month period runs through the following March 1. If you fund 50 units during that period, you’ll reach Haymaker Heavyweight status and unlock the higher compensation. At the start of your next 12 month period, your unit count resets and standard compensation applies until you reach 50 funded units again.

Can I see an example of how comp works?

Absolutely. Let’s use a $400,000 loan as an example. At 275 basis points, the loan generates $11,000 in gross revenue. After the $1,295 per file fee and 10% split, the Loan Officer earns $8,605, or approximately 215 basis points.
Once you reach Haymaker Heavyweight status, the $1,295 per file fee goes away. On that same $400,000 loan, the Loan Officer earns $9,900 after the 10% split, or 247.5 basis points.

Are there minimum production requirements?

We expect Loan Officers to close 3 loans per quarter at minimum.

I close smaller loan amounts. Does this flat fee model make sense for me?

Yes. Our Loan Officers get the upside of a flat fee model while also being protected on smaller loan amounts. Compensation floors ensure you are not penalized simply because you work in a market with lower average loan amounts. Depending on your production level, your minimum compensation is protected at 180, 190, or 200 basis points.

How many wholesale lenders do Loan Officers have access to?

Haymaker is partnered with more than 40 wholesale lenders, with new partners being added regularly. Our goal is to have 100 lending partners by the end of Q1 2027. While having options is important, more does not always mean better. In fact, more than 80% of our funded loans consistently close with the same five or six lenders. The advantage is having the right lender when you need them, whether it is for better pricing, a unique product, or a difficult scenario.

Which lenders does Haymaker currently partner with?

Haymaker currently partners with more than 40 wholesale lenders, with new lending relationships being added regularly as we work toward our goal of 100 partners in 2027. For a complete list of our current lenders, speak with a member of Haymaker Leadership.

I’m new to being a broker - how does it compare to retail?

There are far more similarities between the broker and retail models than there are differences. Your day to day responsibilities as a Loan Officer remain largely the same. The biggest difference is what you have access to. As a broker, you gain access to dozens of lenders, hundreds of additional loan products, better pricing, and more flexibility to find the right solution for your clients.

I’ve always been told that if I become a broker that I’ll lose control. Is this true?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in the mortgage industry. The broker model actually gives Loan Officers more control over their business, not less. You control where you send your loans, how you price them, which products you offer, and who you choose to work with. For entrepreneurial Loan Officers, becoming a broker is often a step toward greater independence and control over how they run their business.

Do you offer support?

Absolutely. Haymaker was built around a broker hybrid model that combines the advantages of the wholesale broker channel with the support Loan Officers are accustomed to in retail. You get the independence, product access, pricing, and earning potential of a broker while still having the training, technology, resources, and leadership support you need to grow your business.

Do you offer training?

Yes. Training and development are a major part of the Haymaker culture. We hold multiple training sessions each week covering sales, products, systems, and industry knowledge. Our leadership team is also readily available to answer questions, work through scenarios, and help Loan Officers grow their business.

Do you have non-delegated underwriting?

Not yet. Haymaker currently operates exclusively as a wholesale mortgage broker. We plan to add non-delegated correspondent lending by the end of 2026, giving our Loan Officers even more options when deciding how and where to close their loans.

Does Haymaker offer HELOC or HELOAN?

Yes. Haymaker offers several HELOC and HELOAN options, giving Loan Officers multiple solutions for borrowers looking to access their home equity.

How quickly can a new lender be approved?

Most new wholesale lenders can be approved within one business week. Adding a new lending partner is typically a simple process, and we encourage our Loan Officers to bring us lenders they want to work with. If there is a lender that can help you better serve your clients, we want to know about them.

Do you offer commercial loans?

Yes. Haymaker has access to a broad range of financing options, including commercial loan programs. While our primary expertise is residential mortgage lending, we have lending partners and resources available to help with a variety of commercial financing needs.

What about Non-QM? Do you offer Non-QM Loans?

Absolutely. Haymaker offers hundreds of Non-QM loan options designed to help with scenarios that may not fit traditional lending guidelines. Our programs include DSCR, Bank Statement, Interest Only, 40 Year, ITIN, P&L, 1099 Only, No Income, Shared Appreciation Near Miss loans, and much more. For a complete list of available programs, contact us.

Leads, Marketing and Growth

Does Haymaker provide leads?

Haymaker does not provide leads directly, but we give every Loan Officer the tools to generate their own. Each Loan Officer receives a personalized website with live pricing that integrates directly with our CRM and lead funnel. Our Loan Officers can drive traffic to their website through their own marketing efforts, capture leads, and automatically move those opportunities into their CRM for follow up and conversion.

Will I be given marketing materials?

Yes. Loan Officers have access to the Haymaker Marketing Hub, along with extensive marketing libraries available through our lending partners. These resources include social media content, flyers, product marketing, co branded materials, customizable templates, and more. Loan Officers also receive access to Canva, making it easy to customize and create their own marketing materials.

Can I create my own marketing?

Absolutely. Loan Officers are free to create their own marketing and promote their business without requiring company approval. We simply require that all marketing complies with applicable regulatory, licensing, and advertising requirements.

Will I need to get my social media posts approved?

No. Haymaker does not require Loan Officers to submit social media posts for approval. You have the freedom to build and promote your personal brand as long as your content complies with all applicable regulatory, licensing, and advertising requirements.

Can I use my own CRM or am I required to use Haymakers?

You are welcome to use your own CRM. However, we encourage our Loan Officers to use Haymaker’s CRM to take full advantage of our integrated technology. Our CRM connects directly with our LOS, websites, lead funnels, and other systems to create a seamless experience from lead generation through closing.

Remote Work/Culture

Can I work completely remotely?

Yes. Most of our Loan Officers work completely remotely and can run their business from wherever they are located. Haymaker also maintains physical office space in select markets for Loan Officers who prefer an office environment.

Are there any required meetings that I have to attend?

No. Haymaker does not require Loan Officers to attend meetings. We offer multiple voluntary training opportunities each week, along with a monthly Company Overview Call. We strongly encourage participation and provide plenty of opportunities to stay connected, but attendance is never required.

How accessible is leadership?

Very. Our leadership team takes a hands on approach and is readily available when you need help. Whether you have a difficult loan scenario, a question about the business, or need help growing your production, you have direct access to the people who can help.

Joining Haymaker

How long does it take to get onboarded and start originating with Haymaker?

Onboarding can happen very quickly. The biggest factor is the approval of your license sponsorship through NMLS, as you cannot begin originating with Haymaker until your sponsorship is approved. In some cases, approval can happen within one business day, while certain states or individual licensing circumstances may take longer.

Will Haymaker help me transfer my license?

Yes. Our team will help guide you through the licensing transition, including granting company access through NMLS and initiating sponsorship. We work to make the transition as simple and efficient as possible so you can get approved and begin originating with Haymaker quickly.

Can I transfer loans from my current company to Haymaker?

Yes. Loans can be transferred to Haymaker, provided you comply with any contractual obligations or restrictions with your current company. Our leadership team can help you navigate the transition and determine the best path for moving your existing pipeline.

Can I import my database into your CRM?

Yes. Your database can be transferred to Haymaker, provided you comply with any contractual obligations or restrictions with your current company. Our leadership team can help you navigate the transition and determine the best path for moving your existing pipeline.

Can I bring my existing team with me?

Absolutely, and we encourage it. Haymaker can accommodate a variety of team structures and compensation models, allowing you to bring your existing team and continue growing together. Speak with our leadership team and we will help you determine the best structure for your business.

Can I keep my personal brand/team name?

Yes, and we encourage it. We want Loan Officers to build and grow their own personal brand while being part of Haymaker. There are certain licensing, advertising, and compliance requirements that must be followed, and our team will help you understand those requirements so you can confidently market yourself and your team.

Will I have my own website and application link?

Yes. Every Loan Officer receives a complete personal website with their own application link. Your website includes live pricing and integrates directly with our LOS, POS, and CRM, allowing leads to move seamlessly from your website into your sales process.

Can I keep my existing phone number and email?

You can keep your existing phone number and even port it into our CRM for a seamless experience across your systems and client communication. Loan Officers are provided with a Haymaker email address during onboarding, which is required for company business. If you operate under a DBA or established marketing name, speak with our leadership team about available exceptions.

Model Differences

How is Haymaker different from a traditional retail lender?

Haymaker combines the support and infrastructure Loan Officers expect from a retail lender with the pricing, product access, compensation, and autonomy of the wholesale broker channel. Our Loan Officers have access to more lenders, nearly 1,000 loan products, better pricing, and significantly higher earning potential — without giving up the technology, training, support, and resources they need to grow their business.

How is Haymaker different from other national brokerages?

We believe Loan Officers shouldn't have to choose between great compensation and great support. Haymaker was built to provide both. Our Loan Officers receive industry-leading compensation while still having access to an integrated technology stack, training, analytics, leadership support, and a collaborative company culture. We give Loan Officers the freedom of being a broker without making them figure everything out on their own. We’re not a giant corporation, and we like it like that!

Why wouldn't I just open my own brokerage?

You absolutely can — but owning a brokerage means running a brokerage, not just originating loans. Licensing, compliance, audits, lender approvals, technology, payroll, accounting, cybersecurity, vendor management, and day-to-day operations all require time and money. Haymaker is designed to give entrepreneurial Loan Officers many of the benefits of owning their own brokerage — control, product access, pricing autonomy, and significantly more of the revenue they generate — while we handle the infrastructure behind it. You get to focus on originating, growing your team, and building your business.

Who is Haymaker not a good fit for?

Our model is built for entrepreneurial Loan Officers who want more control over their pricing, products, income, and growth. We provide the infrastructure, technology, training, support, and resources — but you are responsible for building your business. If you want the freedom and economics of entrepreneurship without having to operate an entire mortgage brokerage yourself, Haymaker may be a great fit.

Compensation - Earn what you’re worth with Haymaker Heavyweight

How does your compensation split work?

Loan Officers earn 275 basis points and pay Haymaker a simple split of $1,295 per funded loan plus 10% of the gross revenue. Everything remaining is paid to the Loan Officer. Once you reach Haymaker Heavyweight status, the $1,295 per file fee goes away and you only pay the 10% split.

How often do Loan Officers get paid?

Haymaker has a two business day pay cycle. Once your loan funds, simply send the final Closing Disclosure to our accounting team and your commission will be processed for payroll. In most cases, your commission will be paid within two business days.

Does the split change on borrower paid comp?

No. The split remains the same regardless of how you choose to price the loan. On borrower paid compensation, the Loan Officer earns the gross compensation minus the $1,295 per file fee and 10% split.

How much does the average Loan Officer earn?

Compensation will vary based on loan amount, pricing, and production, but most Haymaker Loan Officers net between 210 and 225 basis points after all deductions. Loan Officers who reach Haymaker Heavyweight status can earn up to 247.5 basis points.

Do you have any commission caps?

No. Haymaker does not impose commission caps. Loan Officers can earn as much as the loan and lender compensation allow, subject only to the standard $1,295 per file fee and 10% split.

How does your flat fee model benefit bigger producers?

Our model rewards Loan Officers at every production level, but the upside becomes even greater for high producers. Once you reach 50 funded units in a rolling 12 month period, the $1,295 per file fee goes away and you only pay the 10% split. That brings your net compensation to 247.5 basis points with no additional deductions.

Is the Loan Officer responsible for credit report costs?

Yes. Loan Officers are responsible for credit report costs. Haymaker partners with Xactus, which provides several affordable credit options and bundles. Many of our Loan Officers also take advantage of free or reduced cost credit resources available through our lending partners to help minimize these expenses.

Do you have W2 and 1099 available?

Yes. Haymaker offers both W2 and 1099 compensation models, giving Loan Officers the ability to choose the structure that best fits their business. Speak with our leadership team to learn more about each option and determine which model is right for you.

Do you offer benefits and 401k?

Yes. Haymaker offers a comprehensive benefits package through Aetna, along with access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Benefits and 401(k) participation are available to eligible W2 employees.

Do I need management approval to do a pricing concession?

No. Loan Officers have complete autonomy when pricing their loans and do not need management approval to make a pricing concession. You have the flexibility to price each loan based on what makes the most sense for your client and your business.

I have a team who all get a salary. How do they get compensated?

Team compensation is paid from the Loan Officer’s margin. Depending on your production and team structure, there are several ways to build a compensation model that works for your business. Our leadership team can help you evaluate your current structure and determine the best way to transition your team to the broker model.

How does your pricing compare to retail?

While every loan and market is different, Haymaker generally prices significantly better than traditional retail mortgage companies. On average, we see pricing advantages of up to 100 basis points compared to some of the largest retail lenders in the country. This gives our Loan Officers the ability to offer more competitive rates and lower costs while still earning significantly more.

Do you post your rates publicly?

Yes. You can price loan scenarios directly on our website and see our rates in real time. We believe in complete transparency, and that includes giving Loan Officers, borrowers, and referral partners the ability to see exactly how our pricing stacks up.

Operations

Does Haymaker employ in house processing?

No. Haymaker utilizes third party processors, giving Loan Officers the freedom to choose who they want supporting their pipeline. Third party processors are paid when a loan closes, which helps align their incentives with yours. You maintain control over who you work with while still having access to experienced processing support.

Can I bring my own processor?

Yes. Loan Officers have complete control over who supports their pipeline. If you already have a processor you know and trust, you are welcome to continue working with them.

What is a normal third party processing fee?

Processing fees vary by company, but most range from $895 to $1,195 per loan. The processing fee is charged directly to the borrower at closing.

What kind of products does Haymaker Home Loans offer?

Haymaker offers nearly 1,000 loan products covering a wide range of residential mortgage scenarios. Our options range from traditional Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA financing to Non QM, DSCR, renovation, construction, hard money, fix and flip, and jumbo loans exceeding $5 million. If there is a residential mortgage solution available, chances are we have access to it.

Do you offer renovation and one-time close loans?

Yes. Haymaker has multiple lending partners that offer renovation and one time close construction loan programs, giving our Loan Officers several options for borrowers looking to build or renovate a home.

What fees does Haymaker charge the borrower?

Haymaker does not directly charge borrowers any company fees. Depending on the loan and lender selected, there may be a lender underwriting fee that is either itemized on the Loan Estimate or incorporated into the interest rate pricing. Other common third party costs may include processing, credit reports, and Verification of Employment fees.

Do you have Down Payment Assistance options?

Yes. Haymaker offers more than 30 Down Payment Assistance programs, including traditional state bond and DPA programs as well as a variety of lender funded options. Having access to multiple lenders allows our Loan Officers to find the program that best fits each borrower rather than relying on a single DPA solution.

Will I have control of who I close my loans with?

Yes. Loan Officers have complete autonomy when choosing which lender to send their loans to. Haymaker works with more than 40 wholesale lending partners, all conveniently available through Arive. You can choose the lender that makes the most sense based on pricing, product, guidelines, service, or the individual needs of your borrower.

What happens if my loan doesn’t close? Will I owe my processor a processing fee?

No. This is one of the advantages of working with our third party processing partners. Processors are paid when the loan closes, so you are not responsible for a processing fee when a loan does not fund.

Is the Loan Officer responsible for credit report costs?

Yes. Loan Officers are responsible for credit related expenses. Many of our Loan Officers utilize free or reduced cost credit resources available through our lending partners to minimize these expenses. Loan Officers may also have the option to collect certain credit related fees from the borrower upfront or have eligible expenses reimbursed at closing.

Can I self-process my own loans?

Yes. Loan Officers have the option to self process their loans. However, we strongly encourage Loan Officers who are new to the broker channel to work with an experienced processor while becoming familiar with wholesale lending, new systems, and lender specific processes.

Who do I contact with difficult loan scenarios or escalations?

Our leadership team is always available to help work through difficult scenarios, troubleshoot files, and assist with escalations. When necessary, we will get directly involved and work with the lender to help find a solution. We also maintain strong support and escalation contacts with our lending partners so our Loan Officers have somewhere to turn when a file needs additional attention.

Does Haymaker have dedicated underwriting support?

Each of our lending partners has its own underwriting team and support resources. Many of our wholesale partners offer TBD underwriting and direct access to underwriting or scenario support, allowing Loan Officers to get answers before or during the loan process.

Can Haymaker help me build and scale my team?

Absolutely. Haymaker was built by Loan Officers who understand what it takes to grow an origination business. Our founder, Alex Rayner, scaled his personal origination business to nearly 600 units per year before starting Haymaker. Many of the systems, processes, and strategies that helped create that growth are now built into how we operate, and our leadership team works directly with Loan Officers who want to build teams and scale their production.

Technology Stack

What technology does the Loan Officer have access to?

Haymaker Loan Officers have access to a complete technology stack designed to help them originate, manage, and grow their business. This includes Arive, our integrated CRM, Microsoft 365, HaymakerGPT, a personalized LO website with live pricing, and full production analytics. Our goal is to give Loan Officers everything they need in one connected ecosystem

What is HaymakerGPT?

HaymakerGPT is our custom AI tool built to help Loan Officers quickly research underwriting guidelines and difficult loan scenarios. It brings together more than 4,000 pages of underwriting guidelines, allowing Loan Officers to find answers in seconds and make more informed decisions when qualifying borrowers.

Do all of your systems communicate with each other?

Yes. Integration is a major part of our technology strategy. Our LOS, CRM, pricing engine, websites, and lead funnels communicate with one another to create a seamless experience and eliminate unnecessary manual work.

What kind of automation do you have to help me grow?

Automation is built throughout our technology and loan process. Arive and our CRM work together to automate communication, lead follow up, borrower updates, and other repetitive tasks. The goal is simple: spend less time managing systems and more time originating loans and building relationships.

Does the CRM have SMS capability?

Yes. Our CRM includes full SMS capability. Loan Officers can receive a new phone number or port their existing number into the system, allowing calls, texts, and other client communication to be managed from one place.

Is there a technology fee?

Yes. Loan Officers pay a $300 monthly technology fee, charged directly to the credit card on file. The fee provides access to our complete technology package, including:
- Arive for LOS, Point of Sale, and pricing
- Microsoft 365
- RAD CRM
- Personalized LO website with live integrated pricing
- Power BI production and performance analytics
- Cybersecurity and technology infrastructure
The technology package is designed to give Loan Officers the systems they need to originate, automate, track, and grow their business without having to assemble and manage their own technology stack.

What does Haymaker community and culture look like?

Haymaker is built around independence without isolation. Our Loan Officers have the freedom to run their own businesses while still being part of a team that shares ideas, solves problems, and pushes each other to improve.
We hold multiple training opportunities throughout the week covering sales, products, systems, and industry knowledge. Our weekly Sales Huddle focuses specifically on improving sales skills, sharing ideas, and creating some healthy competition.
Because our team operates across multiple states, we also create opportunities to get together in person through company events and industry events such as UWM Success Track.
Every Loan Officer also has access to our companywide Haymaker Resource Chat in Microsoft Teams. It gives the entire company a place to ask questions, share scenarios, collaborate, and get help quickly.

How do I choose a lender? I’m overwhelmed with so many options.

Having access to dozens of lenders does not mean you have to become an expert on every one of them. In fact, nearly 80% of our funded loans consistently close with the same five or six lenders.
We provide resources to make choosing the right lender easier. Every morning, our Loan Officers receive the Haymaker Lender Experience Report, which tracks lender performance, service experiences, and product specialties using direct feedback from our Loan Officers. This gives you real information to help determine where your next loan belongs.

What States is Haymaker Licensed in?

Haymaker is currently licensed in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Missouri, with an aggressive expansion underway. We plan to add New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia by the end of 2026.

Can I do DSCR loans in a state that I’m not licensed in?

In many cases, yes. Business purpose loans, including certain DSCR loans, may not require an individual mortgage loan originator license depending on the state and transaction. This can give our Loan Officers the ability to serve real estate investors well beyond the states where they personally hold a license. Because requirements vary by state and transaction, contact our leadership team before originating in a state where you are not licensed.

Does Haymaker have physical office space?

Yes. Haymaker operates primarily as a remote company, allowing Loan Officers to work from wherever they do business. We also maintain physical office space in Houston, Texas and St. Louis, Missouri for team members who prefer an office environment.