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.