I Love Mortgage Brokering

What do you see differently when you’ve sat on both sides of the mortgage deal? Tracie Barnes started as a mortgage broker, moved into the lender world, and then returned to brokering with fresh eyes and a new approach. In this episode, she shares what she learned about how deals get funded, what underwriters really want, and how being on the inside changed how she serves clients—and builds her business. If you’ve ever wondered what lenders are thinking behind the scenes, Tracie pulls back the curtain with practical insights and powerful takeaways. What We Cover: From Broker to Lender to Broker Again – Why Tracie made the jump (twice) and what she learned each time. Inside the Lender’s Desk – What underwriters are really looking for—and what brokers misunderstand. Fewer Files, Bigger Margins – How her model changed after working inside the lending world. Trust Over Tactics – Why building relationships and being proactive creates smoother deals. Keeping Clients Calm – How Tracie translates lender logic into c