Rocket Companies Announces Expansion In Canada

Leaders at Rocket Companies have announced an expansion of Rocket Mortgage Canada. The digital mortgage broker has become a mortgage lender. Using a tech-driven experience, clients can close faster than if they use the traditional paper-heavy process. Programs include a 5% down option. Rocket Mortgage Canada, founded in 2020, is currently offering mortgage products in Ontario, where the company is headquartered. Company leaders plan to expand to additional provinces. “The Rocket Mortgage brand is synonymous with innovation. For too long Canadian homebuyers have endured an inefficient and old way of financing a home that we are eager to transform,” said Hash Aboulhosn, President of Rocket Mortgage Canada. “As a lender, we are now able to impact every part of the…

Rocket Pro TPO EVP Talks About Current Successes, Challenges

The executive vice president of Rocket Pro TPO says a lack of housing inventory has been hurting mortgage professionals, but he is confident broker partners and loan officers have the tools to help homebuyers achieve their goals. Mike Fawaz recently sat down with Editor Kimberley Haas to talk about this year’s successes and challenges. Haas: Mike, so it’s great to have you here today as always. What have been some of the successes in this past year working with the Rocket Pro TPO team? Fawaz: First of all, thanks for having me and I’m excited to have this conversation with you. When I think about the successes of Rocket Pro TPO this year with the broker channel, it’s been a…

As Rocket’s Jay Farner Retires His Impact Is Remembered

By KIMBERLEY HAAS After a 27-year career, Rocket Companies CEO Jay Farner is retiring this week and he will be remembered as a keen businessman who helped make mortgages more accessible to average Americans as technology pushed transactions out of traditional offices and onto mobile devices. Leaders at the company announced Farner’s retirement on February 13, saying that he had stepped down from his position on the Rocket Board of Directors and would begin transitioning his roles and responsibilities as CEO to longtime Rocket executive Bill Emerson. Emerson will assume the role of chief executive officer on an interim basis on June 1, according to the press release. Farner, who is 50 years old, said in a statement that he…

Rocket VP Of Public Policy: Goal Is To Reduce Barriers To Homeownership

By KIMBERLEY HAAS The new vice president of public policy at Rocket Central says his goal is to increase opportunities for people who have historically had difficulties achieving home ownership because of a host of barriers. Karan Kaul, a housing finance veteran who worked as a principal research associate in the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute prior to joining Rocket, said that means focusing on first-time homebuyers, people of color, and low- to moderate-income borrowers. In a recent interview with The Mortgage Note, Kaul said a well-documented hurdle to homeownership is a lack of an adequate down payment, especially with the increase in home prices over the last decade. “So what can we do to make sure…

Rocket Mortgage EVP: Addressing Affordability Is A Top Priority

By KIMBERLEY HAAS As the housing market moderates after a whirlwind pandemic ride, affordability continues to be a chief concern for consumers and mortgage providers are responding with a variety of programs to encourage potential buyers to get off the sidelines. Leaders at Rocket Mortgage say that a major hurdle on the path to homeownership for their clients is saving for closing costs and earlier this month they announced a national program where buyers can receive help through BUY+, a collaboration with Rocket Homes. Buyers can receive a credit of 1.5% of their loan amount – up to $10,000 off their closing costs – by working with a Rocket Homes Partner Agent. Those working with an unaffiliated real estate professional…

Rocket Launches Credit Card With Homebuyer Rewards

Leaders at Rocket Companies have debuted a credit card with cashback rewards designed for homebuyers. The Rocket Visa Signature Card is the first credit card with rewards created for this purpose, Rocket leaders said in a press release. “Every day, consumers tap their credit card to refill their gas tank, stock up on groceries or pay for any number of other purchases. Now, those transactions can unlock the dream of homeownership for millions of consumers across the country,” said Haroon Mokhtarzada, co-founder and CEO of Rocket Money. “We are proud to offer Americans simple and achievable ways to invest in their financial freedom, whether it’s budgeting with Rocket Money, or redeeming credit card points toward their mortgage down payment or…

Rocket CEO Jay Farner Retiring June 1

Long-time Rocket CEO Jay Farner is retiring after 27 years and he says the move will give him more time to focus on his family. Farner will officially retire effective June 1, 2023, according to a press release. He is also giving up his position on Rocket’s board of directors, effective immediately. “Being part of this amazing organization has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. More than 27 years ago, fresh out of college, I decided to join a small mortgage company led by Dan Gilbert. I could never have predicted the amazing journey that one decision would have taken me on,” Farner said.  Farner joined Rock Financial– the company that would later become Rocket Mortgage…

Rocket Rolls Out Rewards Program That Can Be Put Towards Closing Costs

Rocket Companies has rolled out a rewards program that allows consumers to get points towards various transactions across Rocket’s platforms, the company announced. In its first phase, consumers will be able to use Rocket Rewards on closing costs when financing a home through Rocket Mortgage. “Rocket Companies is known for delivering exceptional client service and the introduction of Rocket Rewards continues that trend – showing our appreciation for clients by offering incentives at various points throughout their financial journey,” said Jay Farner, Vice Chairman and CEO of Rocket Companies.  Home shoppers need to create an account and visit the rewards page. New clients will get a 7,500-point welcome bonus, or $75, which can be used on closing costs. More points…

Rocket Announces Exec Leadership Changes

Rocket’s CFO and General Counsel are both retiring, resulting in changes to its executive leadership, the company announced in a press release. Julie Booth, CFO and Treasurer, will be retiring effective November 15. She has been with Rocket Mortgage for nearly 20 years and has served as CFO since 2005. She will be replaced by Brian Brown, currently Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to Rocket, he consulted with financial services companies at EY. “During her time as CFO, Julie has been a tremendous leader in our organization, helping guide our company through significant growth and expansion, culminating with our IPO in 2020,” said Jay Farner, Rocket Companies Vice Chairman and CEO.  “Even more impressive is the tremendous team Julie has built…

Women Leaders: Meet Three Of Amrock’s Movers And Shakers

By KIMBERLEY HAAS Three female leaders at Amrock are encouraging other women to ignore the noise and believe in themselves as they climb the corporate ladder. Amrock, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, is a leading national provider of title insurance, property valuations, and settlement services. They are a part of Rocket Companies. Nicole Beattie, Chief Executive Officer of Amrock, has been with Rocket for nearly 18 years and began her career in mortgage banking at Rocket Mortgage – which was Quicken Loans – before transitioning to origination operations leadership. Since then, Beattie has held numerous roles, leading teams in underwriting, closing, and servicing. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t doubted herself on the way up the ladder. Beattie reported during a recent…