Inside the UWM Experience: What We Learned from Visiting One of the Largest Mortgage Lenders in America
By: Kyle Guldenpfennig, #TallMoneyMan, Mortgage Loan Originator & Host of The Lofty Lender Homebuyer Education Podcast
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at United Wholesale Mortgage
In this week’s episode of The Lofty Lender Homebuyer Education Podcast, my co-host, Charlie Chedester, and I took listeners behind the scenes of our recent trip to United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) — one of the largest names in wholesale lending and one of the key investors Midwest Family Lending works with.
We wanted to share not just what we learned, but how this trip reinforced our mission: to bring more value, better communication, and smarter technology to the clients and partners we serve every day.
First Impressions: A City Within a Campus
To paint the picture — imagine if all of Wells Fargo’s Des Moines campuses were combined into one massive site connected by skywalks. That’s UWM’s headquarters in Pontiac, Michigan.
Nearly 9,500 employees work on their campus, with everything from a doctor’s office and full tech center to gaming lounges and basketball courts (where their CEO, a former Michigan State player, occasionally joins the fun).
It’s not just impressive; it’s a reflection of a culture built around teamwork, positivity, and continuous improvement — values that Charlie and I deeply relate to in our own business.
Why We Went: Refreshing Our VA Knowledge
While we were there, we participated in UWM’s VA Loan Certification Course, spending a few days diving deeper into the nuances of VA home loans — one of the most powerful benefits available to our nation’s veterans.
We connected with loan officers from across the country, comparing experiences, discussing unique loan scenarios, and learning how other lenders approach creative problem-solving within VA guidelines.
For example, one key takeaway was that UWM’s underwriters go beyond simply checking boxes. They aim to find ways to make loans work within the rules, not reasons to deny them.
In one discussion, an underwriter even explained that future income may be considered if a veteran starts a new job within 60 days of closing — something that’s often misunderstood in VA lending.
That level of flexibility and “solution-first” mindset is exactly what helps us serve our clients better here in Iowa, especially veterans navigating the transition into homeownership.
3 Big Takeaways from Our Visit to UWM
After spending time on-site, Charlie and I agreed there were three major lessons every homebuyer — and even real estate partner — can appreciate:
1. Efficiency and Communication Matter More Than Ever
UWM excels in proactive communication. Their team calls regularly to check in, solve problems, and make sure files are moving forward.
For us as lenders, that translates to faster answers and smoother closings, which ultimately means a better experience for our clients.
And truthfully, that’s why we choose to work with partners like them — because good communication behind the scenes makes all the difference out front.
2. Technology Is Only as Good as the People Behind It
While automation and AI tools continue to improve the lending process, they’re only valuable when supported by real people who know how to step in when something doesn’t go as planned.
UWM’s latest income calculation tool is a great example — it uses AI to analyze pay stubs and determine usable income instantly, helping us confirm what underwriters will see before we ever submit the file.
That kind of tech gives us confidence, but it’s the human partnership behind it that makes it powerful.
3. Education and Continuous Improvement Keep Clients Winning
Whether it’s VA training, product updates, or underwriting refreshers, UWM constantly invests in education — and that ripple effect benefits everyone involved.
By staying sharp, we’re able to educate our clients more effectively and ensure every buyer gets the clearest path forward for their unique financial situation.
Beyond the Classroom: Building Stronger Partnerships
What stood out most wasn’t just what we learned — it was how aligned UWM’s culture is with our own values.
They focus on service, transparency, and creating success stories for both their employees and lending partners. That mirrors how we approach our own clients: we don’t just want to close loans — we want to help people make smart, confident financial decisions for their future.
As Charlie put it best:
“If everyone — from the realtor to the underwriter — is striving for the same outcome, we all win.”
Final Thoughts (and a Little TSA Humor)
Of course, no trip is complete without a few hiccups. Between our missing TSA PreCheck and getting patted down in Detroit (“Apparently I look dangerous because I’m tall,” I joked), it reminded us that a little patience and preparation goes a long way — in travel and in lending.
At the end of the day, this trip wasn’t just a professional development exercise. It was a powerful reminder that great lending is about great partnerships, continuous learning, and a shared commitment to making homeownership easier for everyone.
Listen to the Full Conversation
For the full story — including our funniest travel moments, our insights from UWM’s VA course, and what’s next for The Lofty Lender — listen to this week’s episode:
🎙️ “Inside the UWM Experience” on The Lofty Lender Homebuyer Education Podcast.
📲 Search for “The Lofty Lender” with #TallMoneyMan wherever fine podcasts are downloaded.
