Chicago-based mortgage lender Rate announced on Thursday that more than a dozen loan officers have joined the company from California-headquartered New American Funding (NAF), bringing “nine figures in production volume with them.”

The group includes 14 loan officers: Lori Crabb, Maria Castorena, Cory Graciano, Donaciano Garcia Amaya, Jim Butz, Samuel Wagner, Kristi Hernandez, Andy Thom, Michael Giganti, Joe McCaslin, Kyle Travers, Peter Strahler, Jay Kunkle and Chad Geyer.

Per Modex data, the top producers among the group are Geyer with a year-to-date volume of $12.21 million and Travers with a year-to-date volume of $9.426 million.

Rate said several of the loan officers are returning to the company after spending time with other lenders, pointing to the company’s platform, technology and product offerings as factors behind the moves.

New American Funding did not return HousingWire‘s request for comment at the time of publication.

“The best in the business are making intentional decisions about where they can win,” said Shant Banosian, president of Rate. “They’re choosing the platform with the product depth, pricing, technology, execution and collaborative culture of sharing built to grow their business and give themselves and their partners a real competitive edge.

“When experienced producers look closely at what Rate offers, including those who have been here before, the decision speaks for itself.”

Some of the returning LOs cited Rate’s technology and lending platform as reasons for rejoining the company.

“I wasn’t actively looking to make a move, but after reconnecting with someone at Rate whom I greatly respected, I took a fresh look at the platform and everything that had evolved since my previous time there,” Kunkle said.

“The more I explored, the clearer the decision became. What ultimately brought me back was the combination of industry-leading technology, a broad product offering, competitive pricing, and a platform that truly allows me to better serve my clients and agent partners while continuing to grow my business.”

Geyer said Rate’s technology, products and pricing were among the factors influencing his decision to return.

“It’s great to be back at Rate,” Geyer said. “The tech, product, and rates are as good as it gets. My business is taking off, and I can better serve my borrowers and partners.”

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