Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Duval.
Hi Audrey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It all started back in 2016, when I became a Retail Mortgage Loan Officer for Oxford bank. During my first ever client in-person mortgage application appointment, after listening to my client’s story, I quickly realized that being a mortgage loan officer was far more than just running numbers and following guidelines. I had the opportunity to help change people’s lives for the better, and that was the fuel that kick started my whole career.
In 2018, I was offered a position at United Wholesale Mortgage, where I was able to learn the ins and outs of the mortgage wholesale channel. I found that mortgage brokers were able to offer their clients customized loan programs that fit their needs and financial situation, instead of trying to fit clients in the few loan programs that the bank offered. The ability to customize loan programs to each individual transaction/client was the game changer for me. So, in 2021, I decided to move to the wholesale channel, becoming a mortgage broker licensed in the state of Michigan. I hit the ground running self generating my own business. By the end of my first year, I closed 8 loans and became the preferred lender for 9 individual real estate agents. And as the years went on, the more I found myself wanting more out of this career. I wanted to help other loan officers/mortgage brokers and I wanted to start my own company.
Fast forward to the end of 2025, I decided I was going all in on myself and take the chance of opening my own mortgage company. I met with multiple broker owners, discussing partnerships and etc, determined to make it happen. As of February 2026, my mortgage company, Exclusive Home Loans went live! In 6 short months, 2 loan officers joined my team, and we are on pace to double if not triple our business in one year!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road leading up to now has been nothing but pot holes galore! Sometimes, leaving me stranded with a flat tire, other times smooth sailing. But, that is just a part of life and I had to learn how to roll with the punches. When I first started out in the mortgage industry, the biggest struggle I dealt with for a few years, was how small the industry actually is and how no one knew my name. Self generated business in itself is a difficult road alone, but not having any connections or previous experience in the mortgage industry, creating a name for myself and establishing trust with clients to entrust me with their mortgage was the hardest, yet most rewarding struggle I dealt with along the way. Now, I have a 5 star google review and have maintained the 5 stars only throughout my entire career. This alone, has helped establish trust with my new and past clients, meanwhile, securing new referrals from past clients and business partners.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Exclusive Home Loans?
Exclusive Home Loans was created with the intent to become Michigan’s all-in-one go to mortgage company that can be trusted to help all of Michigan with their mortgage needs, whether that be purchases, refinances, home equity lines of credit, or home equity loans. We strive to be Michigan’s trusted loan advisors that will go above and beyond for our clients, to help find a way to turn their dreams into a reality. We do this by creating easy, step by step, customized plans that help our clients get to the closing table with ease and a great experience. We strive to empower Michigan homebuyers with the tools and knowledge that ensures a successful and easily achieveable outcome.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Leaving my corporate job and becoming a licensed mortgage broker was taking a huge risk in itself, as the majority of these positions are commission only, self-generated business. It takes a while to generate a pipeline of consistent business and ultimately receiving a consistent pay check each month. Working hard every single day, without a guaranteed pay check, is the one of the biggest reasons loan officers leave the industry.
There were many months, where the only deal I had in process for the whole month, that went south and ultimately became a dead deal. All the hard work, late nights, calls on the weekend, or updating pre-approvals and running numbers for your client, does not guarantee a pay check. I believe taking risks is the only way to succeed, and as long as I was betting on myself, I could not fail.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://myexclusiveloans.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loansbydrey?igsh=MWMzajUwZXdsMjk4OQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DByk7BmvV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
