Premier Plus Lending has established an in-house underwriting team as part of a broader investment in its operations.
The new underwriting division will be led by Dana Agosto, a mortgage industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in underwriting, operations, processing, funding, lending, and senior management. Lindsay Rittmiller, an experienced mortgage operations leader, will join the team overseeing underwriting, processing, and workflow management.
According to Premier Plus Lending, the new division will give LOs direct access to experienced underwriting professionals, enabling faster problem-solving, greater flexibility on complex loan scenarios, and improved communication throughout the lending process. The company also said the move will help expand its product offerings, strengthen investor relationships, and create new opportunities for borrowers.
"This is about building a stronger foundation for the future," Agosto said in a statement. "By bringing underwriting in-house, we're creating a more connected process, improving communication across teams, and giving our loan officers and clients direct access to experienced decision-makers. It's a significant step forward in delivering the level of service, responsiveness, and expertise that Premier Plus Lending is known for."
The announcement comes as the Sherman Oaks, Calif.-based lender continues investing in its people, technology, and infrastructure to support its expansion.
"As we've grown, we've remained committed to building a company that delivers both exceptional service and operational excellence," CEO Artin Babayan said. "Establishing an in-house underwriting team is a natural next step in that evolution. Dana and Lindsay bring an incredible depth of experience, and their leadership will help us create a more efficient lending process while expanding opportunities for our clients, referral partners, and loan officers."
Founded in 2023, Premier Plus Lending said it surpassed $500 million in loan production in 2025, reporting 70% year-over-year growth in loan volume and a 59% increase in loans closed.
