Community Highlights: Meet Rachel Benton of NorthStar Lending – Team Rachel Benton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Benton.

Hi Rachel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When people ask how I got started in the mortgage world, I always smile—because this career wasn’t something I just stumbled into overnight. It’s been a journey that started long before I ever originated my first loan.

Before I officially joined the mortgage industry in 2015, I was already working with real estate in other ways—through underwriting and property management. That early experience gave me a strong foundation in evaluating risk, understanding how properties are managed, and seeing first-hand how real estate decisions impact families and communities.

In 2015, I decided to take the leap into mortgages. I began as a loan processor, learning the ins and outs of guidelines, documentation, and how to structure files for approval. Processing taught me patience, precision, and how important it is to communicate with every party involved. For about 2.5 years, I worked behind the scenes making sure loans were packaged perfectly—before realizing that my true calling was on the front end, helping clients directly.

That’s when I became a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator. It was the best decision I could have made. As an originator, I’ve been able to blend my technical background with my passion for people. Every deal is more than just a loan—it’s a story: a veteran using a VA loan to buy his forever home, a first-time buyer getting the keys after thinking it wasn’t possible, or a builder finding the right financing solution to keep projects moving.

Since then, I’ve built my career on relationships and results. My background in underwriting helps me think like an underwriter before a file even goes in, while my processing experience ensures I know how to keep things smooth for my clients, agents, and builder partners. And every day, I get to combine that knowledge with a heart for service.

Today, I’m proud to say I’ve been in this industry for a decade—and I still wake up excited to do what I do. What began as a job has become a passion and a calling, and I’m only just getting started.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most journeys worth taking, mine has had its share of bumps along the way.

When I first started, I had to prove myself in an industry where experience and trust mean everything. Moving from processing into originating was exciting, but it also meant stepping out from behind the scenes and putting myself out there. Building a name, earning the trust of realtors, and showing clients that I could deliver wasn’t something that happened overnight—it took consistency, late nights, and a lot of learning by doing.

There were moments of doubt, times when guidelines seemed to change overnight, and deals that fell apart after weeks of hard work. Like anyone in lending, I’ve had to make difficult calls to clients when things didn’t go as planned. Those conversations taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of over-communicating with both clients and partners.

But through it all, one thing has remained true: I’ve never had a loan I originated fail to make it to the closing table. It hasn’t always been easy, and sometimes it’s meant rolling up my sleeves and finding creative solutions, but I believe in fighting for my clients until the keys are in their hands.

One of the biggest challenges was balancing the technical side of the business—guidelines, underwriting, compliance—with the relationship side. Early on, it felt like a tug-of-war, but I’ve since learned how to marry the two. My background in underwriting and processing helps me structure solid files, while my passion for people drives me to keep communication clear, honest, and supportive.

Looking back, every struggle was really a lesson. Each one sharpened my skills and shaped the way I serve today. I don’t see the hard times as setbacks—they were stepping stones that helped me grow into the Mortgage Loan Originator I am now.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about NorthStar Lending – Team Rachel Benton?
At NorthStar Lending – Team Rachel Benton, my mission is simple: to guide people home with expertise, integrity, and heart. Just like the North Star has always been a trusted point of direction, my team and I strive to be that steady guide for buyers, homeowners, investors, builders, and realtors navigating today’s mortgage world.

I help clients with home purchases, refinances, and creative lending solutions tailored to their needs. I specialize in working with:

First-time homebuyers – walking them through the process step-by-step so it feels exciting, not overwhelming.

Investors – structuring DSCR and creative loan products to help grow their portfolios.

Builders & Realtors – partnering to create seamless transactions, offering education, and helping get more buyers into homes.

Current Homeowners – refinancing to lower rates, shorten terms, or tap equity for future goals.

Veterans & Service Members – making the most of VA benefits with care and expertise.

I’m known for my creativity in structuring loans, my deep program knowledge (FHA, VA, Conventional, USDA, Down Payment Assistance, DSCR, ARMs, and specialty products), and my relentless dedication to getting loans to the closing table. With a background in underwriting and processing, I know how to think ahead, prevent hiccups, and deliver on my promises.

What sets Team Rachel Benton apart is that I treat every file like it’s family. I don’t just look at numbers—I look at people, goals, and long-term outcomes. My referral partners know they can trust me to communicate, fight for clients, and find solutions when others might say “no.” And I’m proud to say I’ve never had a loan I originated fail to close.

Brand-wise, I’m proud that NorthStar Lending – Team Rachel Benton is recognized not just for getting deals done, but for making the process smooth, educational, and personal. Whether I’m hosting a CE course for realtors, walking a builder community, or sitting down with a first-time buyer, my brand represents guidance, trust, and partnership.

When you work with me, you’re not just getting a lender—you’re getting a teammate. I’m here to help you buy, invest, build, refinance, or partner smarter, with a steady hand and a strategy that puts your goals first. No matter where you are on your homeownership or investment journey, I’ll be your North Star.

What matters most to you?
At the heart of everything I do are three values: family, trust, and integrity.

Family – My biggest “why” will always be my own family—my husband, Tom, our two-year-old little boy, Stetson, and our miniature dachshund, Winnie. They remind me daily why home matters, and I carry that same perspective into my work. For me, every loan isn’t just about numbers—it’s about helping other families find the place where their own memories will be made.

Trust – Mortgages are one of the biggest financial decisions people will ever make. My clients and partners trust me because I deliver on my promises, communicate clearly, and work tirelessly to get them to the closing table with confidence.

Integrity – To me, integrity means doing the right thing—even when no one is watching. It means being honest about what’s possible, setting realistic expectations, and never cutting corners. My reputation is built on serving others the way I’d want someone to serve my own family.

These values aren’t just part of my business—they’re the foundation of NorthStar Lending – Team Rachel Benton and the reason I love what I do every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://northstarlending.com/rachel-benton/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MortgagesByRachel/

Image Credits
Jill Monroe