Having a role from start to finish in something as meaningful as buying a home brings loan officer Ryan Van Auken great joy. Based in Waltham, the former commercial lender made the move to residential mortgages three years ago, and he’s happy he did.

In those three years, Van Auken has already seen hundreds of different loan scenarios, so many that he has become known as a mortgage guidelines guru. “I take pride in demystifying the mortgage experience for what many people would consider to be complex loans,” he says. “This comes from being a student of my craft and knowing guidelines, but also from knowing where to turn when I come across something I may not be familiar with.”

Clients describe Van Auken as relatable and trustworthy. His availability to clients is the foundation on which he has built his business. “When you work with me, you work with me,” he explains. “You’re not talking with someone else; you’re not being passed off to another person. You are getting 100 percent of my undivided attention.”

Van Auken is especially proud of being named to Guaranteed Rate’s President’s Club in 2023, what is widely considered the hardest year for mortgages. He describes the achievement as a reflection of the hard work that has gone into the last couple of years.

The new dad enjoys spending as much time as possible with his family. He also plays as much golf as his schedule allows and is an active member in his church community.

Guaranteed Rate, Inc. is a private corporation organized under the laws of the state of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any other government agency.