At Homestead Financial Mortgage our in-house underwriting team drives faster, more reliable loan decisions and seamless collaboration across every department. In early 2012, our Underwriting Manager Rob Detz, left a leadership role at Wells Fargo to help launch that very in-house program here. Since then he has built the department from the ground up, earning unsupervised VA loan authority in 2015 and shaping a culture defined by an open-door policy and rapid adaptation to market changes. In this Q&A we’ll explore his career arc, his proudest achievements, what makes our culture unique, and why he still wakes up excited about the future of Homestead.
Q: How did you get started in your career, and what led you to Homestead?
A: I originally got into the mortgage business in 2004 through a college friend and started my career as a Loan officer. I worked in that role until 2008 when the housing market crashed. After that, I joined Wells Fargo as a processor and later tested into the Underwriting Department. I was promoted several times and eventually became an underwriting manager.
In early 2012, I sensed that the St. Louis location was going to be shut down. Around that time, another friend who worked at Homestead as a Loan Officer introduced me to two of the company’s owners, Jayson Hardie and Greg Aftayev. Homestead was just starting in-house underwriting, moving away from non-delegated underwriting, and the timing was perfect.
Q: What’s your favorite memory or proudest moment since joining the Homestead family as the Underwriting Manager in 2012?
A: When I joined Homestead in 2012, I was the only underwriter on staff. Since then, I’ve grown the department and was promoted to Underwriting Manager in 2015. My proudest moment was when the company obtained unsupervised authority for VA loans. This allowed us to efficiently and effectively serve Veteran borrowers by streamlining the VA loan process and reducing administrative hurdles.
Q: What’s something unique about our company culture that stands out to you?
A: The open-door policy—at every level, including ownership. We have structure, but it doesn’t feel overly “corporate.” That openness creates a strong sense of trust and collaboration.
Q: What excites you about the future of Homestead?
A: I appreciate how quickly we adapt to changes in the market and our industry—whether that’s updated loan guidelines, new technology, AI tools, or shifting customer wants and needs. Staying ahead of the curve helps us grow and be a leader in the industry.
Q: If you could give advice to someone considering joining Homestead, what would it be?
A: Be coachable. That goes for new hires and current employees alike. I’m still learning new things every week. The ability to adapt, learn, and grow makes everything better, in both life and business.
At Homestead we know that combining in-house underwriting with an open-door ethos builds trust, drives innovation, and empowers our team to deliver exceptional service—especially for Veterans and first-time homebuyers. Our Underwriting Manager’s journey proves that when you stay coachable, supported, and ready to adapt, you can make a real impact. If you’re looking for a workplace where your expertise shapes policy, your voice is valued from day one, and growth opportunities abound, we’d love to welcome you to our family.