Meet Erica Benvenuto | The Loan Queen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Benvenuto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important factor behind the success of my brand is being authentically myself. Know your products, bring value, provide education, but always be yourself. You’re not for everyone, so don’t try to fit a mold that isn’t you. Be authentic and you’ll attract like-minded people that you enjoy working with.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started working in wholesale mortgage when I was 16 years old copying funded files. The Transbox days. It kept me out of trouble, which seemed to be the path I was headed. I worked after school and during the summer and before I knew it, I was genuinely intrigued by my older, successful colleagues. At 18 I became the full-time receptionist when my friends went to college, then I drew loan docs, then became a funder, account manager, and finally got into sales at 22 when I became the youngest Account Executive in the branch. After the market crashed in 2008, I had to adapt. I was pregnant with my first daughter. I got my insurance license, but knew pretty quickly that wasn’t for me. Next, I became a Trustee Sale Officer and foreclosed on commercial properties. I had my second daughter around this time. There was no shortage of foreclosures, so that kept me busy for a while, but I ultimately found my way back to the mortgage biz. I began recruiting in the retail space. I loved it. I love people. Having a pipeline of people, instead of loans, was fun. It was only a matter of time after collecting candidate paystubs and pipeline reports that I got the urge to get back into the sales side. Where the money was. I got my license and was given the opportunity to recruit and do loans at the same time. Then the pandemic hit and rates dropped like crazy. I didn’t have enough time to do both. I went full time as a Loan Officer and haven’t looked back. I am truly passionate about what I do and love making the dream of homeownership a reality. Especially when my clients didn’t think it was possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a pretty simple person. I enjoy riding my bike in Santa Monica or just relaxing at the beach. A local comedy show or bar hopping down Ventura Blvd in the San Fernando Valley is always a good time. All of my best friends grew up with me in the valley, so this is home. I am a true valley girl, through and through.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shouts to the people that have supported me from day one. My business is mostly referral-based. I would not be successful without the support and trust of my clients and referral partners.

Website: EricaTheLoanQueen.com

Instagram: @erica_the_loan_queen

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-benvenuto-60628822

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erica.dove

Other: TiKTok @erica_the_loan_queen