Premier Plus Lending loan officers achieved a 40.9% year-over-year increase in funded volume per person from January through June 2026, substantially outperforming broader market expectations. The mortgage company, headquartered in Sherman Oaks, California, also reported a 25.7% rise in funded units per officer during the same period. These figures contrast sharply with the Mortgage Bankers Association’s projection of an 8% increase in nationwide single-family mortgage originations for 2026, indicating that Premier Plus Lending’s per-officer productivity is growing at more than five times the projected market rate.

The performance data highlights a divergence between individual producer efficiency and general market trends, suggesting that operational infrastructure plays a critical role in mitigating industry-wide headwinds such as affordability pressures and limited housing inventory. By focusing on reducing operational friction through seasoned processors, in-house underwriting expertise, and modern technology, the company enables its loan officers to concentrate on client advisory and business development rather than administrative tasks.

Operational Metrics and Market Comparison

The following table compares Premier Plus Lending’s first-half 2026 performance metrics against the projected national average for single-family mortgage originations:

Founder and CEO Artin Babayan attributed the results to a deliberate structure that combines selective recruitment with comprehensive resources. Babayan stated that talent alone is insufficient; loan officers require experienced teams and collaborative environments to maximize performance. The company recruits professionals demonstrating expertise and ambition, then supports them with dedicated marketing resources and operational leadership.

Mentorship and Historical Performance

Mentorship is a central component of the company’s growth strategy. Loan officers regularly share strategies and leverage collective expertise to navigate complex lending scenarios. This approach has yielded measurable results even for new entrants to the industry. Babayan noted that two individuals with no prior mortgage experience were trained in origination and client service principles, subsequently earning recognition as nationally ranked top originators in Scotsman Guide’s 2026 rankings.

Premier Plus Lending, founded in 2023, has maintained a trajectory of rapid expansion. In 2025, the company surpassed $500 million in loan production, achieving 70% year-over-year volume growth and a 59% increase in loans closed. Recognized as the No. 1 retail mortgage company in the San Fernando Valley and the fastest-growing mortgage company in Southern California, Premier Plus Lending continues to scale its platform by prioritizing individual officer capability over mere headcount expansion.

Premier Plus Lending has launched a new in-house underwriting team, a strategic investment designed to enhance efficiency, expand lending capabilities, and elevate the experience for borrowers and partners. The move aims to create a more collaborative and streamlined lending process by integrating underwriting expertise directly into the organization. This initiative is expected to provide loan officers with direct access to experienced professionals, facilitating faster problem-solving and greater flexibility on complex loan scenarios.

The new division will be led by Dana Agosto, a mortgage industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience spanning underwriting, operations, processing, funding, lending, and senior management. Joining her is Lindsay Rittmiller, an accomplished mortgage operations leader with extensive experience overseeing underwriting, processing, and workflow management. Their leadership is intended to strengthen investor relationships and create new opportunities for borrowers.

By bringing underwriting in house, Premier Plus Lending is positioning itself to expand its product offerings and improve communication across teams. "This is about building a stronger foundation for the future," said Dana Agosto. "By bringing underwriting in house, we're creating a more connected process, improving communication across teams, and giving our loan officers and clients direct access to experienced decision-makers."

The launch coincides with the company's rapid growth and continued investment in people, technology, and infrastructure. "As we've grown, we've remained committed to building a company that delivers both exceptional service and operational excellence," said Artin Babayan, CEO of Premier Plus Lending. "Establishing an in-house underwriting team is a natural next step in that evolution."

Premier Plus Lending was founded in 2023 and is headquartered in Sherman Oaks, California. The firm surpassed $500 million in loan production in 2025, achieving 70% year-over-year growth in loan volume and a 59% increase in loans closed. Recognized as the #1 retail mortgage company in the San Fernando Valley, the company continues to focus on innovation and operational excellence.

Key Leadership Appointments