From overcoming challenges to achieving success, learn how Tenesha Evans earned her fitting nickname and propelled her career forward
Meet Tenesha Evans (pictured), a top producer at Planet Home Lending with a passion for helping first-time homebuyers achieve their dreams. With over a decade of experience under her belt, she shares her approach to maintaining referral relationships, empowering clients during the homebuying process, and standing out in a crowded market.
But what sets Evans apart from the competition is her innovative approach to factoring rising rates into her business, offering both temporary and permanent buydowns to help clients navigate changing market conditions. And with a personal touch that earns her the nickname "Tenacious Tenesha," she has plenty of advice for loan officers looking to grow their business, including the importance of social media and the value of a good mentor.
Mortgage Professional America: Can you tell us about your mortgage journey? How did you come into the industry?
Tenesha Evans: I have been in the mortgage industry for 10 years. I started as a junior loan officer in 2012. I wanted to chase my passion for helping first-time homebuyers, as family is so important to me. There's a wide range of homebuyers here in Shreveport, so working for a lender that offers niche products is critical for me.
MPA: How do you maintain referral relationships (which ones are most effective)?
TE: I consistently show clients I'm working for them every day through regular, open communication. I touch base via phone and schedule meetings and send thank-you cards. I remind my clients the market can turn in their favor via a dip in interest rates or a change in home prices in the neighborhood where they aspire to live.
MPA: How do you engage with and empower clients during the homebuying process?
TE: I enjoy educating my clients on the homebuying process and treating them like they're the only client I'm working with. The best thing is to sit down and listen to their story. Once you know them and what they need, then you can introduce the types of mortgage loans that might be right for them. Usually, if you go over two or three different types of loans with them, they'll feel more confident they understand the process and, through education, grow more confident.
MPA: How do you help applicants feel comfortable choosing Planet Home Lending?
TE: I ensure them they are in good hands with my experience and knowledge and encourage them to read my reviews from past clients. For example, one client of mine calls me "Tenacious Tenesha" in her online review. You better believe that I'm going to humble brag that moniker to anxious applicants!
MPA: How has technology impacted your business recently? What is your favorite technological advancement in the lending space?
TE: My favorite advancement is Planet's strategic partnership with Blend, which helps provide a seamless digital experience for clients. The technology lets clients submit their applications online, gives them access to real-time information, and speeds up the approval process.
MPA: What energizes you about your work?
TE: Homeownership provides a feeling of stability and accomplishment. However, for those who don't own a home, homeownership is an aspiration. I let them know it's something within their grasp. That's huge to me. Helping others meet their dreams and goals is what drives me each day.
MPA: What's the biggest challenge for loan officers in today's market?
TE: The biggest challenge is getting back to the basics to earn business and connecting with future homebuyers who need loans. Keeping up engagement means you have to compete with every other app on their phone, like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The sweet spot is when your posts organically appear in their feeds, and they get that casual reminder to talk to their loan officer.
MPA: How are you factoring rising rates into how you do business?
TE: By becoming more innovative. Planet offers both temporary and permanent buydowns. With a permanent buydown, the borrower pays additional closing costs in exchange for a lower interest rate for the life of the loan. With a temporary buydown, the effective interest rate is lowered for a limited period of time, typically two or three years, and is traditionally negotiated during the home purchase offer process and paid by the seller. This temporarily lessens the buyer's monthly mortgage payment for a set time until they can refinance if rates drop.
MPA: How do you set yourself apart from your competitors in the lending space?
TE: Well, you have to show some tangible results from your work ethic. One way I showcase my dedication and expertise is through our awards. Planet consistently lands on Top Places to Work in the mortgage lending industry. And for me, it's an honor to be profiled as a Top Producer for Mortgage Professional America. These accomplishments give us strength when taken together, and that sets us apart.
MPA: Have you relied on any mentors throughout your career?
TE: Absolutely! Planet Home Lending is at the forefront of strong female leadership. More than half of the employees at Planet are women, and more than one-third hold executive-level positions. Those are very inspiring statistics.
MPA: What advice do you have for originators looking to grow their own business or within their company? What's the one piece of advice you'd give loan officers who are struggling to compete?
TE: Maintain an active social media profile with regular postings and encourage clients to leave online reviews. Add personal spirit to your social media by not just posting about your work all the time. People can relate to pics of you having lunch with work colleagues or what you do outside the office. You can really separate yourself with video marketing displaying your unique personality.
MPA: What books should new loan officers add to their reading list?
TE: The Millionaire Loan Officer, Be the Better Broker, Volume 1: Become a Top Producer: A Study of Mortgage Agents, Originators & Loan Officers and The Catalyst.
Want to get more insights and tips from successful mortgage professionals? Get exclusive interviews, breaking news, industry events in your inbox, and always be the first to know by subscribing to our FREE daily newsletter.
