Volume 1 · Issue 3 · April 2026
In This Issue
Managing Partners
Letter from David & Michael

Spring Into Action: Elevating Our Impact

Spring is no longer just a date on the calendar — it is here. You can see it in the blooming landscape, feel it in the air, and yes, even sense it in the pollen. In nature, this is the season of shooting out growth and new beginnings. At NorthStar Mortgage Advisors, April is the month that separates intentions from actions.

The numbers we post right now will set the tone for all of Q2 and, ultimately, our success for the entire year. This is the buying season where we make our mark. To meet this moment, we must be relentless in the pursuit of our goals.

Conversations Equal Contracts

Tim Davis says, "Conversations equal contracts." To grow, we must be willing to have more of them. But it isn't just about quantity — it's about delivering maximum value to every consumer and referral partner.

Value is more than just providing a competitive rate. It is about being a Trusted Advisor who helps clients understand the "why" behind their financial decisions. We provide clarity on their immediate needs — payment and cash to close — while guiding them toward long-term wealth:

  • Calculating the actual payoff of a rate buy-down.
  • Explaining the ROI of an extra annual payment.
  • Sharing the power of the Time Value of Money — paying back debt with inflated dollars.
  • Counseling them on avoiding consumer debt to use their mortgage as a true wealth-builder.

The Power of the Ask

We cannot be passive. Ask for the business! Don't wait until the end of the transaction. Ask once they are prequalified. Ask the agent when you deliver the PQ letter. Ask during processing and at the closing table.

Ask them to be a part of your business and help you grow it. Ask for the review. Ask your referral partners how they are growing their business and how you can provide next-level service to help them get there.

Growth Through Innovation

Do not settle for what worked in the past. To achieve different results, we must do things in a better way. I am asking every one of you to be AI Enabled! Use our tools, leverage the strength of our group. This season is about taking that next step and refusing to stay stagnant.

Let's carry the momentum from the IMPACT Gala into the field. The market is moving, the clients are ready, and your team is behind you.

Let's go out there, deliver maximum value, and make this next quarter matter.

Be RELENTLESS in the pursuit of your goals! Your family and future self are depending on it.

— David Stallings, Managing Partner

The Driver's Seat

There's a metaphor I come back to often when I think about leading through change. Going 80 miles an hour in the driver's seat feels completely different than going 80 miles an hour in the passenger seat. Same speed. Same road. But the driver has the steering wheel, the sight lines, and the context for every turn. The passenger just feels the speed — and speed without context creates anxiety, not momentum. That's something I never want to lose sight of as we continue building.

Here's the reality: our industry is changing faster right now than at any point in my career. Artificial intelligence isn't coming to the mortgage business — it's already here. The companies that figure out how to use it well will deliver a better experience to their clients, become indispensable to their referral partners, and create careers worth building for their people. The companies that wait will spend the next three years wondering what happened.

We are not going to be the ones wondering what happened.

But I also know this — the pace of change we're operating at can feel overwhelming if you don't have context for why we're moving and where we're headed. When leadership introduces new tools, new systems, or new ways of doing things, we're in the driver's seat. We've studied the road. We know why we're accelerating. But if we're not intentional about bringing our team into that same seat — giving them the wheel, the map, and the confidence to navigate — then all we've done is made them passengers in someone else's vision.

That's not who we are.

We don't implement change for the sake of change. Every tool we bring to NorthStar — every system, every piece of technology, every process improvement — exists to put you in the driver's seat of your own career. To help you serve your clients at a level your competitors can't match. To make you the kind of partner that realtors and builders trust with their most important relationships. Not to add complexity to your day, but to remove it. Not to make you feel like the road is changing beneath you, but to give you the confidence to own the road ahead.

The speed isn't slowing down. The industry won't wait for us to get comfortable. But change at 80 miles an hour is only uncomfortable when you don't have your hands on the wheel. Our commitment — my commitment — is to make sure you always do.

My ask from each of you: please take the time to learn what's new, ask the "why" questions, and as always, call us if you are feeling uncomfortable.

Be Great Today!

— Michael Stallings, Managing Partner
🏗
Builder Division
Kelly Rockouski

The NorthStar Builder Division has demonstrated continued development while generating brand awareness throughout the Southeast. Our team remains highly involved in the Greater Atlanta Home Builder Association by attending weekly events, maintaining a continued presence at various charity and philanthropic organizations, and staying active on LinkedIn for B2B engagement.

There are over 200 active builder prospects in the database, all ranked in priority of importance. The Builder Division is positioned for continued expansion, with focus over the next two quarters on geographic growth into the Southeast and leveraging the CRM platform to optimize builder division awareness. We are confident the Builder Division will continue to be a primary driver of NorthStar's overall growth toward our $1B goal.

2026 Targets

Volume
$150M

Approx. 500 homes in builder loan volume

Expansion
10-15

New active builder partners across the entire SE

Efficiency
50%

Converting active builders to preferred lender status

Our partnership with Adams Homes isn't transactional — it's strategic. When they're projecting 7,000+ homes this year with major expansion across the Southeast, that's not just their growth story. It's ours. Every lot they acquire is a family we can serve. That's the NorthStar advantage: we don't just do loans for builders. We grow with them.

— Michael Stallings, Managing Partner

Current Status & Recent Wins

  • C2P Initiative: Construction-to-Perm strategy is underway with a goal of at least 50 C2P homes this year. Finalizing the C2P flyer with Canopy.
  • Account Management: Weekly backlog meetings are running consistently for both Adams Homes (Mondays 12:30 PM) and Davidson Homes (Mondays 12:00 PM).
  • Tech & Marketing: Moving toward digital-first lead capture through the CRM, including QR codes and mobile app cards for builder sales teams to use in the field.
  • DC Expansion Trip (April 28–29): Meetings scheduled with GROWTH Homes President, Stanley Martin Homes, and Rock River Homes — furthering our Southeast and mid-Atlantic growth strategy.

April Events & Engagement

April 1
Atlanta North Adams Homes Day — visiting all communities (Laura)
April 2
Adams Homes Women and Wine Day — Atlanta North
April 2
GAHBA Active Adult Luncheon — Cumming
April 6
Adams Homes Raleigh Division — Virtual Meeting (North Carolina)
April 10 · 3:00–5:00 PM
HBA Chattanooga Networking Event — Masters Party
April 14 · 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Home Builders Association of Chattanooga Meeting
April 14
Chattanooga Builder Day — Pratt, Empire, Greentech, Smith Douglas, Curate, Brown Haven, KM Homes & more
April 14 · 9:00–11:00 AM
Professional Women in Business — GAHBA Coffee & Connections, Decatur
April 15 · 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Builder, Lender & Developer Council — GAHBA Offices
April 16 · 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
NAMAR Real Estate & Business Partners Expo — Coolray Field, Lawrenceville (with Laura & Rachel)
April 17
Adams Homes Management Team Golf Day — Hawks Ridge
April 20
Adams Homes Raleigh Division — In-Person Meeting (North Carolina)
April 21 · 9:00 AM
SMC Market Update Breakfast — GAHBA Office
April 21 · 11:30 AM
Custom Builders Luncheon — Cumming
April 23 · 5:00–7:00 PM
Forsyth & Fulton GAHBA Happy Hour/Social
April 25
Adams Homes — Oakview Community Atlanta South Sponsor Event
April 28–29
Washington, D.C. — GROWTH Homes, Stanley Martin Homes & Rock River Homes meetings
April 30
Cobb/Cherokee Luncheon — GAHBA

Key Builder Accounts

Adams Homes — Approx. 7,000+ homes this year across GA, FL, NC, SC, and TX. Weekly Monday Backlog Meetings at 12:30 PM with Matthew Abraham, Maddie Eifert, and Kayla. Growth includes 700 lots in Brunswick/Savannah, 1,200 lots in Charleston, 500 lots in Greenville, 4,000 homes in Florida, and 500 lots in Texas. Homebuyer seminars, CE classes, and sponsorship events ongoing. Working on dates for Birmingham, Greenville, and Huntsville community locations.

Davidson Homes — Weekly Monday Backlog Meeting at 12:00 PM. David and Kelly met with Sarah Banks to review the backup partner agreement. Continued visibility in their communities — digitally, in person, and via virtual homebuyer seminars — remains a priority.

Paran Homes — Rachel is actively promoting an Open House with 2.99% financing to move final inventory.

GROWTH Homes — Bo and Kelly conducted a dinner with senior leadership and key management for GA and AL. Expansion into TX and SC is underway.

Meritage Homes — March 31 luncheon with Division President Luke Lauritzen in Alpharetta to discuss lender options.

Americas Home Place — Final C2P Training completed February 5, 2026. Launch details include website updates, flyers, overview/plan, and LO introductions via call and site visits.

Active Business Development — April Focus

We are currently in active development with the following builders:

  • Kerley Family Homes
  • Stanley Martin Homes
  • Kolter Homes
  • Windsong Communities
  • Southwyck Homes
  • Landmark Fine Homes
  • Meritage Homes

Strategic Focus

  • Sales Manager Alignment: Communicating directly with local sales managers to ensure they understand our programs, including the new C2P flyer.
  • Identifying Roadblocks: Investigating specific challenges or lender competition at each site.
  • Preferred Status: Pushing to become the "first choice" lender to help hit our 50% conversion goal.
  • Team Growth: Actively recruiting 2–4 new builder-specialized LOs to support expansion in FL, SC, NC, TX, and AL.
Operations
Maddie Eifert
Maddie Eifert

March was such a fun and energizing month for our team. Between the company Gala and the opportunity to connect in person, it was incredibly refreshing to spend time together. With so many of us working remotely or across different locations, those moments to gather, build relationships, and put faces to names — especially with our newer team members — are so valuable.

I also want to take a moment to recognize just how strong our Loan Partner group is right now. March brought a high volume of loans paired with an increase in shorter closing timelines — and the way this team showed up was nothing short of impressive. There have been many late nights across the group, with team members working well into the evening to ensure files continue moving forward.

🌟 Team Shoutout

This month, my shoutout goes to all of our Loan Partners. Your dedication, work ethic, and commitment to getting the job done does not go unnoticed. The loans are getting more complex, timelines are getting tighter, and yet you continue to push forward, support one another, and deliver for our clients and partners. I am truly proud of this team.

🔧 Opportunities & Process Improvements

One of the biggest challenges we saw this month was the volume of loans coming in with shortened closing timelines and incomplete setup. While we can absolutely manage and succeed with occasional rush files, it becomes significantly more difficult when the majority of incoming loans fall into that category.

To be specific — when key items such as a fully completed application, accurate income documentation, and a clear structure of the loan are not in place upfront, it often adds at least an extra day (if not more) to the process. That delay compounds quickly across a full pipeline and makes it harder for Loan Partners to maintain efficiency and deliver the level of service we strive for.

Action Required — Clean File Setup

  • Ensure a fully completed application is in place before submission. Incomplete applications are one of the leading causes of processing delays.
  • Confirm accurate income documentation is collected and clearly organized upfront — don't wait for underwriting to flag it.
  • Provide a clear loan structure from the start. Loan Partners need full context to move efficiently, especially on complex or rush files.
  • Allow appropriate time to work loans. Setting up clean, complete files from the start makes a meaningful impact on turn times, communication, and overall client experience.

👏 Cross-Team Appreciation

I also want to give a shoutout to our Underwriting team. The partnership and communication we are seeing continues to improve, and it makes a huge difference in helping us navigate these tighter timelines. Your collaboration and willingness to work through complex scenarios alongside our team is greatly appreciated.

Thank you again to everyone for your continued hard work, resilience, and commitment. I'm excited to keep building on this momentum as we move into the next month.

📈
Enterprise Development
Strengthening the Recruiting Process
Jennifer Collins

In March, Enterprise Development continued to build on our foundation by partnering closely with leadership to refine, streamline, and finalize the recruiting process across key roles. Our focus was on creating a more consistent, efficient, and scalable approach — ensuring alignment from initial outreach all the way through onboarding.

Through ongoing collaboration and feedback, we enhanced process clarity, strengthened communication touchpoints, and helped establish a more structured experience for both candidates and internal teams. These improvements are designed to support long-term growth by attracting, selecting, and onboarding top talent more effectively.

What We're Hearing

Teams are already seeing increased clarity and consistency throughout the recruiting process, creating a smoother and more confident experience for everyone involved.

What's Next

As we move forward, we will continue to monitor adoption, provide ongoing support, and identify opportunities to further optimize and scale recruiting and onboarding efforts across the organization.

🎉
Welcome to the NorthStar Family!
We're excited to celebrate the newest members who have joined our team over the past 90 days.
Name Position
Christian BrosseauLoan Officer Assistant — Zack Creasia's Team
Becky PowellLoan Officer Assistant — Kelsey Wetzel's Team
Dekota OechsleHybrid Agent — Jen Broome's Team
Joshua BoydHybrid Agent — Jen Broome's Team
📋
Underwriting Manager
Nancy Fowler
Nancy Fowler

How We Operate

The Underwriting Team operates as a true team — not as individuals. Members cover each other to handle file overloads, swap files, and help clear conditions, maintaining constant and consistent communication throughout the day.

Team members reach out to bounce scenarios or questions off each other after completing their own necessary research.

This month, Zeke Patton has been officially introduced to the Underwriting team. Following the resolution of month-end urgencies and completion of a major phase of his training, Nancy provided the team with an overview of Zeke's professional background and experience. All current Underwriters were asked to proactively reach out to welcome him and build connection from day one. We're glad to have you, Zeke!

Points of Friction — Action Required

  • Read your AUS findings carefully — do not skim. There is critical information embedded in every finding. It tells you the minimum required investment on FHA loans, whether you need 1 or 2 months of bank statements, and whether you have Day 1 Certainty. Use it.
  • Review asset statements for undisclosed debts. This step is non-negotiable and must happen before submission.
  • FHA Refinances — Properties Owned Under 12 Months: For properties owned less than 12 months, we cannot use the current appraised value. The loan must be based on whichever is lower: the new appraised value or the original purchase price. A task has been added with a specific question to catch this.
  • Self-Employed Income Calculators: Be sure to use only the FNMA/FHLMC worksheets. No exceptions.
  • PUD vs. SFR Classifications: A recent file had a PUD correctly identified, but the property type was left as "detached single family" — this threw off the AUS and created significant issues at loan sale. If the classification is missed, the underwriter must go directly to Fannie Mae to get it corrected. That is a huge extra step. Double-check property types before moving forward.
🔑
Closing/Funding
Edwin
Edwin

🌟 Team Shoutouts

A huge shoutout to Tommy and Sandi for continuing to step up to every challenge and handling the massive volume of files coming our way. I want to specifically recognize Sandi for the incredible growth in the volume of fundings she can handle. She stepped up while Edwin was away on a busy Friday and managed the funding queue entirely on her own — no backup needed. That is next-level ownership, and it does not go unnoticed.

This Month's Focus: Accuracy at the Finish Line

This month, Edwin is challenging himself and the entire closing team to eliminate post-closing and QC findings by focusing on accuracy. Receiving an email about a file that closed months ago is a pain point for everyone involved — the closing team, the loan team, and ultimately the client.

By taking one extra minute during funding review to ensure every document is present and every scan is crystal clear, we save our future selves from ever having to revisit a file. The goal is simple: once a file leaves our desk, it never comes back.

🌟
Team Building
IMPACT Gala Recap — March 2026

On March 13–14, NorthStar Mortgage Advisors gathered for the 2026 IMPACT Gala — an evening of celebration, recognition, and connection that reminded every person in the room why this company is different. Dressed to impress and surrounded by the people who make this team what it is, the night was everything we work hard all year for.

From the cocktail hour on the terrace to the awards ceremony inside, the energy was electric. The room was filled with people who genuinely care about each other's success — and that's not something you can manufacture. You earn it, one relationship at a time.

IMPACT Gala 2026 Cocktail Hour

🏆 Peer Awards — Recognizing Our Best

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was the Peer Awards — recognition voted on by the team, for the team. This year's Unsung Hero Award, given to the person whose quiet efforts make a big impact, went to Matthew Abraham, Director of Financial Operations. The room erupted. It was the kind of moment that says everything about the culture we've built here.

Matthew Abraham - Unsung Hero Award IMPACT 2026 Trophy Photo IMPACT 2026 Team Photo

Congratulations to all of this year's award recipients. Being recognized by your peers is one of the highest honors in any organization — and this team doesn't take that lightly.

🏆 Loan Officer of the Year — Clayton Tyrel

Clayton Tyrel
Clayton Tyrel
🏆 Loan Officer of the Year

Clayton's performance in 2025–2026 has been nothing short of exceptional. Leading the company in funded volume month after month, he has set the standard for what elite production looks like at NorthStar. But beyond the numbers, Clayton leads with character — showing up for his clients, his teammates, and his community in ways that reflect everything this company stands for. This award is well-earned, and we couldn't be more proud to call him one of our own. Congratulations, Clayton! 🎉

🏅 IMPACT 2026 Top Producers

The Gala also celebrated our Top Producers — the advisors who showed up, put in the work, and delivered for their clients and their teams. Congratulations to everyone recognized on this year's list.

NorthStar IMPACT 2026
Lee Brown
Jay Alexander
Mitch Feraco
Judy Reese
Jerahme Wetzel
Wes Kelley
Zack Creasia
Heather Gravley
Jennifer Collins
Drew Lingo
Rebekah Wagers
Jared Hudson
Laura Royal
Gage Dollar
Keith Queen
Dexter Gaines
Cole Harmon
Clayton Tyrel
Kelsey Wetzel
Rachel Benton
Jen Broome
Stephen Templeton
Wes Barclay
Meredith Waddell
Stephen Shields
Brett Turner
Armond Knowles

The IMPACT Gala isn't just a party. It's a checkpoint — a moment to look around the room, see how far we've come, and recommit to where we're going. Here's to the people who make NorthStar more than a company. They make it a family.

Market Pulse
April 2026
April 2026 Market Snapshot
What Advisors Need to Know This Month
📊 Rates

The 30-year fixed remains in the mid-to-upper 6% range. While buyers continue to hope for a rate drop, stability is the story — and stable rates are something clients can plan around. Your job is to help them stop waiting and start buying.

🏘 Inventory

Spring listings are coming online. The $350K–$550K range is seeing increased activity as sellers who delayed through winter start re-entering the market. First-time and move-up buyers are competing — and they need pre-approvals in hand.

🏗 Builder Activity

Builder momentum continues to build. New C2P opportunities and lot acquisitions across the Southeast are creating a steady pipeline for advisors connected to our builder network. If you're not plugged into Kelly's builder channel, reach out now.

💡 Buyer Sentiment

The "wait for lower rates" crowd is continuing to shrink. More buyers are doing the math and realizing that buying now at a slightly higher rate beats competing for a more expensive home six months from now. Arm your clients with that data.

🎯 The April Opportunity

April and May represent the peak of spring purchase volume. Every pre-approval you complete this week is a potential closing in 30–45 days. The advisors who close big in May started stacking their pipelines in April. Build now.

📣
Marketing
Lauryn Hopson
Lauryn Hopson

March Spotlight: Leading with Consistency

Jay Alexander

A huge shoutout to Jay Alexander for his outstanding video content and genuine consistency on social media. Jay isn't just posting — he's showing up with purpose, delivering real value to his audience, and building the kind of trust that turns followers into referrals. His content is a great example of what it looks like when an advisor owns their digital presence. Give him a follow: @jthedrummer1 Keep crushing it, Jay! 🎬

April Marketing Focus: Build a Campaign, Not Just a Post

One of the most powerful things you can do for your marketing this spring is to stop thinking in individual posts and start thinking in campaigns. A flyer is not the finish line — it's the starting gun.

Whether you requested a custom flyer from marketing or used one of the ready-made assets available to you, that piece of content represents a topic your audience cares about. Don't let it live and die in a single post. Build on it.

Here's what a simple campaign looks like in practice: you share a flyer about down payment assistance programs. That flyer becomes a Reel where you explain who qualifies. That Reel sparks a story where you share a quick client win related to that program. That story leads to a post asking your audience a question about their homebuying timeline. Four pieces of content. One topic. One consistent message that compounds in your audience's mind.

Consistency on a topic builds authority. When someone in your network thinks about down payment assistance — or construction loans, or refinancing, or first-time buying — they should think of you first because you've been the one talking about it.

The flyers and assets are already built. The only question is whether you're going to let them do one day of work or four weeks of work. Use what's available to you, and then keep the conversation going.

📊
Production
March 2026 Numbers
Total Volume
$59.5M
Funded
Units Closed
183
Transactions
Production Report
2025 YTD vs. 2026 YTD
January–March funded volume — year-over-year comparison
Jan–Mar 2025 YTD
$129.3M
Company-wide funded
Jan–Mar 2026 YTD
$161.4M
Company-wide funded
+24.9%
YTD Growth
+$32.1M
March 2025
$54.7M
Company-wide funded
March 2026
$59.5M
Company-wide funded
+8.8%
March YoY Growth
+$4.8M
Top Advisors
1
Clayton Tyrel
Clayton Tyrel
$9,155,988
27 families
2
Gage Dollar
Gage Dollar
$4,999,467
16 families
3
Wesley Kelley
Wesley Kelley
$4,511,210
9 families
Top Team Advisors
1
Clayton Tyrel
Clayton Tyrel
$9,155,988
27 families
2
Zachary Creasia
Zachary Creasia
$3,707,288
10 families
3
Drew Lingo
Drew Lingo
$3,066,359
11 families
Top Independent Advisors
1
Wesley Kelley
Wesley Kelley
$4,511,210
9 families
2
Jerahme Wetzel
Jerahme Wetzel
$2,689,204
7 families
3
Stephen Templeton
Stephen Templeton
$2,603,148
7 families
Full Leaderboard
# Mortgage Advisor Volume Families
1Clayton Tyrel$9,155,98827
2Gage Dollar$4,999,46716
3Wesley Kelley$4,511,2109
4Zachary Creasia$3,707,28810
5Drew Lingo$3,066,35911
6Jerahme Wetzel$2,689,2047
7Stephen Templeton$2,603,1487
8Stephen Shields$2,361,2948
9Jay Alexander$2,352,3666
10Keith Queen$2,027,9846
11Michael Stallings$1,892,3966
12Lindsey Limardo$1,825,7155
13Rebekah Wagers$1,764,6275
14Mitchel Feraco$1,611,5434
15Rachel Benton$1,279,8093
16Jen Broome$1,239,9775
17Dexter Gaines$1,206,6236
18Nathan Duce$1,201,6066
19Wesley Barclay$1,183,8102
20Heather Gravley$936,1963
21Laura Royal$905,8114
22Joseph Brown$889,0172
23Hayley Sansing$869,2743
24Jason Cryder$766,1251
25Meredith Waddell$687,9373
26Jennifer Collins$663,6722
27Judith Freve Reese$644,1305
28Kicha Gaskin$547,6822
29Robert Upchurch$493,1952
30Kelsey Wetzel$459,1302
31Cole Harmon$310,0001
32Jon Howell$222,2221
33Chris Stacy$198,0001
34Macie Baglin$135,8001
35Rachel Duce$81,0001
This Month's Focus
April Priority: Build the Referral Pipeline
Spring buyers are ready. Are your referral partners working for you?

The best closings in May start with the conversations you're having with realtors and partners right now. Spring is peak season for purchase business, and the advisors who dominate this quarter don't just wait for referrals — they build systems to generate them consistently.

Your action item this month: Identify your top 10 referral partners and schedule a touchpoint with each of them before April 30. Not a text — a real conversation. Ask them: "Who's getting ready to buy this spring?" Be the first name they think of when a buyer needs a lender.

Here's your playbook
  1. 1
    Run the New Agent Playbook in your CRM. If you have a list of realtors you haven't connected with in 60+ days, activate the campaign now. It's 12 days of automated outreach that keeps your name in front of them while you focus on closing.
  2. 2
    Post once a week — minimum. Your social media presence is a referral engine. Realtors check your content before they recommend you. Show up in March. Be consistent in April. The trust compounds.
  3. 3
    Use the pre-approval as a relationship tool. Every pre-approval you issue is an opportunity to impress a realtor. Fast turnaround, clear communication, and proactive updates will get you recommended to their next buyer before the current one closes.
The advisors who build the deepest referral relationships in spring will carry that momentum all the way through Q3. Start building now.
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