John Elias played an instrumental role in providing Guaranteed Rate with direction and meeting the shifting needs of its borrowers, referral partners and employees—all while creating new opportunities and partnerships for the company. 

When the pandemic began, Elias helped Guaranteed Rate adjust by encouraging its employees to adopt the company’s technology to close transactions remotely and safely. Guaranteed Rate’s loan officers were able to utilize the company’s existing technology, such as its FlashClose  platform, to meet the increase in volume. 

Under Elias’ leadership, Guaranteed Rate companies broke new company records almost every month this year, despite constant shifts in the marketplace and adapting to a remote workforce. In June, Guaranteed Rate locked a record-breaking $10.5 billion in loan volume and funded more than 21,000 loans for borrowers across the country. 

And Guaranteed Rate Affinity, a joint venture between Guaranteed Rate and Realogy Holdings Corp., which Elias helped launch in 2017, funded a record-breaking $1 billion in May and June 2020. Most recently, Elias provided executive oversight in the July launch of Proper Rate, a new independent retail mortgage lender and joint venture of Guaranteed Rate and @properties. 

Elias’ leadership and dedication to Guaranteed Rate not only helped the company adjust to changing landscapes due to the pandemic, but also enabled the company to continue to grow, innovate and succeed. 

He is constantly propelling Guaranteed Rate’s share in the industry, directing the company’s strategy as it moves into new markets, and guiding loan officers nationwide in serving as many homebuyers as possible.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
In college, I was thrown out at second base trying to turn a single into a double during a close game. My furious coach told me what he thought of my poor base running. Trying to explain myself, I said, “I thought…” He cut me off: “Don’t think! React!”