A 2% Advantage You Can Use Your Way
Brian Livingston
10 min read
Jul 5, 2025
The Elite Partner Program: A 2% Advantage You Can Use Your Way
Buying a home feels harder than it used to. Even qualified buyers find themselves stuck between high monthly payments and massive cash requirements at closing. While everyone talks about interest rates, the real problem often comes down to having enough money upfront or managing that monthly payment long-term.
There's a straightforward solution that gives you real financial flexibility. The Elite Partner Program from United Direct Lending puts actual dollars in your corner, and you get to decide exactly how to use them.
Why I Created the Elite Partner Program
Too many solid buyers were getting pushed to the sidelines. They had good credit, steady income, and were ready to buy. But they kept hitting the same wall: either the cash needed at closing or monthly payments that stretched their budget too thin.
I wanted to create something that gave customers a genuine advantage. The goal was simple: put real money toward what matters most to each buyer. Some need help with upfront costs. Others want a lower payment they can live with for years. The Elite Partner Program delivers both options.
This isn't about complicated formulas or fine print that sounds good but doesn't help. It's about giving every buyer the same kind of edge that cash buyers have - real dollars that make the difference between getting the home you want and walking away frustrated.
What the Program Is
The Elite Partner Program gives you a 2% lender credit based on your total loan amount. That's not 2% of your down payment - it's 2% of the entire mortgage loan.
Here's how it works. You pick one of two paths:
Path 1: Use the credit toward closing costs to reduce your cash needed at closing.
Path 2: Apply the credit as a permanent rate buydown to lower your monthly payment and total interest over the life of the loan.
A real example makes this clear. If you're getting a $600,000 mortgage, your Elite Partner Program credit equals $12,000. You can put that entire amount toward closing costs, or you can use it to permanently buy down your interest rate. The choice is completely yours.
You don't need to join anything or pay membership fees. Just apply with an Elite Partner Loan Officer through UDL Mortgage and ask for the Elite Partner Program when you start your application.
How EPP Makes a Real Difference for the Customer
The closing cost credit path tackles the biggest barrier most buyers face. When you can cover lender fees and third-party costs with your credit, you need significantly less cash at closing. This is especially helpful for first-time buyers who have saved for a down payment but didn't account for all the additional costs that pile up.
The permanent rate buydown path focuses on long-term affordability. Instead of accepting today's rate, you use your credit to secure a lower rate that stays with you for the entire loan term. This reduces both your monthly payment and the total interest you'll pay over 15 or 30 years. The savings add up to much more than the original credit amount.
Both options give you confidence in your decision. When you can see side-by-side scenarios showing exactly how each path affects your finances, you make faster decisions with fewer second thoughts. You know the numbers work before you sign anything.
The program also keeps future options open. Interest rates change, and your financial situation evolves. If refinancing makes sense down the road, we'll review those options with you. The Elite Partner Program is about building a relationship, not just closing one loan.
How EPP Helps Elite Partner Realtors Sell More Homes
Real estate agents know that financing often determines whether a sale happens. The Elite Partner Program gives agents a powerful tool to help their clients succeed.
The permanent rate buydown option can help buyers qualify for more house at a comfortable monthly payment. When the payment fits their budget easily, they can consider homes they might have passed up otherwise. This expands the pool of properties agents can show.
The closing cost credit removes friction for buyers who have saved for a down payment but are stretching to cover everything else. Agents spend less time hunting for lower-priced alternatives when buyers can handle the upfront costs of homes they actually want.
The program motivates buyers who have been sitting on the fence. A meaningful financial benefit often pushes people from thinking about buying to actually making offers. Agents see more serious buyers instead of endless lookers.
Satisfied buyers become repeat customers and refer friends and family. When someone has a smooth buying experience with real financial benefits, they remember both their agent and their lender. This builds the foundation for long-term referral business.
How It Works (3 Steps)
Step 1: Apply with an Elite Partner Loan Officer at UDL Mortgage and mention the Elite Partner Program during your initial conversation.
Step 2: Choose your path after reviewing the numbers. Your loan officer will show you exactly how the closing cost credit affects your cash needed at closing, and how the permanent rate buydown changes your monthly payment and total loan cost.
Step 3: Lock your rate and close your loan with regular updates sent to both you and your real estate agent throughout the process.
The entire process focuses on transparency. You see all the numbers before making any commitments. There are no surprises at closing, and no hidden costs that show up later.
Ready to Get Started?
Buyers: Get your personalized 10-minute Elite Partner Program plan. Contact an Elite Partner Loan Officer at UDL Mortgage to see exactly how the program works with your specific situation.
Agents: Request the Elite Partner Program Listing Toolkit, which includes payment comparison flyers and conversation scripts you can use with potential buyers.
The Elite Partner Program represents a different approach to mortgage lending. Instead of accepting standard terms, you get options that fit your specific needs. Whether you need help with closing costs or want a permanently lower payment, the program puts you in control of how to use your advantage.