Atlantic Coast Mortgage has appointed Keith Cross as senior vice president of builder relations, a move designed to strengthen the lender's position within the single-family construction market across its operating footprint.
Cross will oversee builder partnerships spanning 42 states and Washington D.C., focusing on deepening relationships with developers and construction firms that drive new home sales volume. The hire signals Atlantic Coast Mortgage's commitment to capturing share in the builder finance segment, where lenders compete aggressively for construction loans, permanent financing, and referral relationships.
Builder relations roles concentrate on three core functions: securing construction loan originations, placing permanent mortgages with homebuyers purchasing new construction, and cultivating referral networks that funnel both clients and business to the lender. Cross's appointment indicates Atlantic Coast Mortgage plans to expand its builder footprint beyond its traditional markets.
The hire comes as major lenders intensify competition for builder business. Larger players like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Pulte Mortgage maintain dedicated builder divisions with deep regional presence. Smaller and regional lenders like Atlantic Coast Mortgage pursue similar strategies to compete for loan volume and gain market traction.
For builders, Cross's appointment means another lender actively courting construction and permanent financing relationships. Builders benefit from expanded lender competition, which typically improves loan terms, flexibility on documentation, and speed of closing. For homebuyers purchasing new construction, more active builder lender recruitment can influence pricing and financing options, since builders often negotiate preferred lender arrangements affecting buyer choices.
Atlantic Coast Mortgage operates primarily in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions historically, though its 42-state footprint reflects substantial geographic expansion. The builder relations push signals the lender's growth strategy targets construction-heavy markets where new home starts remain strong relative to existing inventory constraints.
Cross's exact background and tenure were not disclosed in the announcement, though his title indicates