Industry veteran reveals how her background in underwriting sets her apart from competitors
Risha Kilaru has soared to great heights in her 26-year mortgage career. In 2021 alone, the top-performing mortgage professional funded $834 million in total loan volume. She has also earned the bragging rights of being part of Mortgage Professional America’s 150 Million Dollar Club from 2017 to 2018 and won the Elite Women award in 2016.
Mortgage Professional America caught up with Kilaru, who currently serves as senior vice president of mortgage lending at OriginPoint, to find out more about her success story.
Mortgage Professional America: Can you tell us about your mortgage journey. How did you come into the industry?
Risha Kilaru: I started my journey in the mortgage industry somewhat in reverse. I often refer to myself and my career trajectory as the Benjamin Button of mortgages. I graduated from managing foreclosures and bankruptcies, to underwriting, to now originating.
MPA: Who was/is your role model and/or leadership mentor? How important is it to have a mentor to grow as a leader?
RK: Walt Wismar, who was the branch manager at the first-ever job I had in the mortgage industry. He took a chance on me and taught me everything I know. I am what I am because of him.
MPA: How do you balance your career, personal life and passions? Is there such a thing as balance?
RK: Yes, there is a way to balance a busy career and personal life. I compartmentalize my day, so after working eight hours, I try and forget work as soon as I log off. This allows me to make time for my family and myself. I continue to work hard and play hard. I travel extensively, every month if I can. There is a balance if you choose it.
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MPA: What would you say differentiates you from other originators who are in the field today?
RK: My background in underwriting differentiates me from my fellow originators. Working as an underwriter gave me special insight into structuring customer loans and meeting borrower needs, and it sparked my passion for helping people fulfill their dreams of homeownership.
MPA: What, in your opinion, is the biggest challenge for the next generation of mortgage professionals?
RK: This is a tough industry and is not as easy as it looks. There is a lot of competition, and you really need to love the business to succeed.
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MPA: Share with me something about yourself that you’re working on improving and how you think your business will be better/more productive/run more smoothly once you’ve accomplished your goal.
RK: I need to stop myself from doing everything. I have a great team, but I respond to every email and text from clients and agents. It slows me down. I am learning to let my team handle the daily updates. This will help me focus on what I do best, which is bringing in business.
MPA: What advice would you give young originators entering this profession/organization?
RK: You will have to work hard and know your guidelines. Nothing comes easy, and you will get the tough loans first. Once you get these done, though, the rest will follow.
MPA: What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
RK: Life’s too short. No-one dies in a loan. If the day fails you, there’s always tomorrow.
