Episode #222: From Banker to Broker – Melissa Rifai’s Journey to Building Hyve Home Loans

In this episode of the Broker to Broker podcast, host Marc Summers sits down with Melissa Rifai, Broker Owner at Hyve Home Loans, to explore her transition from the banking world to the broker channel.

Melissa shares her candid insights on the challenges, surprises, and triumphs of making the switch, including a costly early mistake that taught her a critical lesson about settlement services.

Key topics include:

• Overcoming Fear of Change: Melissa reflects on the mental hurdles of leaving the "comfort" of banking and the text from a former colleague that almost tempted her to turn back.

• Debunking Myths: Why the stability of banking isn’t always what it seems—and how brokers can thrive without relying on bank-fed leads.

• Market Mindset: Why today’s loan officers must "plant new trees" instead of waiting for rates to drop, and how to reframe the "high rates" conversation with clients.

• Community Power: How the Brokers Are Best Facebook group and AIME’s Fuse conference became lifelines for Melissa as she built her brokerage from scratch.

Packed with practical advice and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering the banker-to-broker leap or looking to reignite their hustle in a tough market.

Listen now to learn why Melissa declares: "Brokers are best—for me!"