National mortgage lender and servicer Planet Home Lending has announced the appointment of Kris Kehl as senior mortgage loan officer to bolster its retail lending presence in California. Kehl brings more than 22 years of industry experience to the role, with a track record of fostering strong client relationships rooted in communication, accessibility, and trust.
In his new role, Kehl will focus on serving homebuyers and collaborating with real estate professionals across the state as part of Planet’s distributed retail team. His expertise spans a broad spectrum of home financing products, including conventional loans, FHA, VA, USDA, and reverse mortgages, alongside a full range of Non-QM loan options tailored for business owners and investor clients.
"Affordability is a key concern for many of the homebuyers I'm working with in today's market," Kehl said. "I encourage first-time buyers to think about homeownership as a long-term wealth-building strategy. For many people, an entry-level or transitional home is a smart first step that builds equity and creates real opportunity over time."
Matt Payan, SVP of national production for distributed retail at Planet, added: "Kris brings an exceptional ability to serve homebuyers and their real estate agents. His depth of experience and commitment to helping borrowers find realistic paths to homeownership make him a great addition to our team."
Kehl’s addition to Planet’s West Coast operations is the latest move by the firm to increase its footprint after the recent announcement that Planet Financial Group has launched Planet Insurance Agency, a new business unit designed to simplify the insurance experience and provide a more personal, transparent approach for customers seeking to protect their homes, belongings, and families.
The launch comes as insurance costs rise and policy renewals become more complex in certain markets. Planet Insurance aims to help customers better understand their options, evaluate their coverage needs, and make more confident decisions about protecting what they’ve built.
