Checklist for Retention Strategy to Maximize Portfolio Recapture

Acquiring a new mortgage borrower costs twice as much as retaining an existing one. Yet, many lenders default to mass email and direct mail blasts rather than structuring data-driven, borrower-specific retention strategies.

Here's a checklist for retention to ensure campaigns are strategic, measurable, and truly driving funded loans

Are we segmenting our portfolio based on borrower behavior?

  • Are we identifying high-risk borrowers likely to refinance elsewhere?
  • Are we segmenting based on payment behavior, loan age, and rate sensitivity?
  • Are we prioritizing segments where we can offer a clear financial advantage?

Are we tracking response fatigue?

  • Are we measuring engagement trends over time (declining open rates, higher opt-outs)?
  • Are we adjusting frequency based on borrower response history?
  • Are we suppressing borrowers who haven’t engaged after multiple outreach attempts?

Is our retention messaging dynamic and borrower-specific?

  • Are we still relying on generic “It’s time to refinance” messages?
  • Are we leveraging borrower data (loan terms, rate history, credit changes) to customize offers?
  • Are we adjusting messaging based on past interaction levels?

Are we proactively identifying and addressing borrower needs?

  • Are we offering rate modifications for at-risk borrowers before they shop elsewhere?
  • Are we monitoring home equity growth to present timely cash-out refinance offers?
  • Are we using servicing touchpoints (payment history, customer service calls) to predict churn?

Are we measuring the real impact of our retention campaigns?

  • Are we tracking retention conversion rates, not just email open rates?
  • Are we calculating cost per retained loan (CPRL) and comparing it to new acquisitions?
  • Are we monitoring how long retained borrowers stay after engaging with an offer?

Are we diversifying our retention channels?

  • Are we only relying on email, or do we incorporate direct mail, outbound calls, and SMS?
  • Are we testing social and display retargeting for borrowers showing rate-shopping behavior?
  • Are we adjusting messaging and cadence across different channels for higher response?

Are we avoiding “one-size-fits-all” retention offers?

  • Are we segmenting offers based on borrower rate vs. market rate sensitivity?
  • Are we tailoring offers based on loan balance, LTV, and property type?
  • Are we running A/B tests on different incentive structures (rate discounts vs. closing cost reductions)?

Are we leveraging automation without making our campaigns impersonal?

  • Are we using automated triggers for retention outreach (e.g., when a borrower’s rate is above-market)?
  • Are we balancing automation with real-time borrower insights and personalized engagement?
  • Are we ensuring our CRM workflows reflect borrower actions and engagement levels?

Are we tracking lead leakage within our retention funnel?

  • Are we measuring how many engaged borrowers never proceed to application?
  • Are we analyzing drop-off points within our sales follow-up process?
  • Are we reviewing why some retained borrowers still refinance elsewhere?

Are we aligning retention goals with broader business objectives?

  • Are we prioritizing retention for loan types that maximize margin?
  • Are we aligning sales incentives with retention success (not just acquisition)?
  • Are we continuously refining our approach based on campaign learnings?

Final Thought:

Retention isn’t just about lowering cost per funded loan—it’s about knowing when, how, and why to engage your existing borrowers. Mass marketing without data-driven segmentation and tracking leads to diminishing returns.

Use this checklist for retention to audit your efforts, refine your strategy, and drive better portfolio recapture.

Scroll to Top