Maui-Based Mortgage Lender Extends Reach

Robin Wagstaff. Courtesy photo.

Robin Wagstaff, vice president of mortgage lending NMLS 774552 at Guaranteed Rate’s new Maui office, has been appointed one of the financiers for several residential projects throughout the Hawaiian Islands, including Brookfield Residential Hawaii (Hawai‘i Island and Kaua‘i), the Kohanaiki Golf & Ocean Club (Hawai‘i Island) and Ritz-Carlton Residences in Waikiki, Park Lane Ala Moana.

Mortgage lending is a fiercely competitive industry, but Wagstaff forged his path to success through outside-of-the-box thinking and strategic networking.

Two years ago, the Maui-based lender decided to try something different—he leveraged his business contacts and tapped into residential projects on other islands, outside of his current market on Maui.

“I did some research and discovered there were quite a few opportunities on the outer islands,” Wagstaff explained. “So, I reached out to some of my contacts, and shortly after, I was on a flight over to make a presentation.”

The move paid off: In the past two years, he has amassed an extensive portfolio and is assisting in financing roughly $3.8 billion in new inventory across the state. Also, to date, he is the first Maui-based residential financier to venture beyond his home market and work remotely at such a high level.

Wagstaff carries a strong background in private mortgage banking, with 12 years in the lending industry. On Maui, some of his past work includes the 700-unit Honua Kai Resort & Spa in Kā‘anapali, and Ho‘olei Townhomes in Wailea Resort.

“My experience working with Robin at Honua Kai, and now at other properties throughout Hawai‘i, is that his strength has been to work to truly understand the property and its unique buyer profile before suggesting a financial product or solution,” said Erica Alm, principal with PowerPlay Destination Properties whose firm is leading the sales at Kohanaiki, and more recently, at the Montage Kapalua Bay.

“He has created a number of programs that highlight products relevant to the buyer, as well as a platform where the buyer has choice and some flexibility to select an avenue that works for their financial goals,” Alm continued. “That personal touch has made a significant difference. I appreciate the extent to which Robin not only offers the clients something that fits their needs, but also works with them closely through what can be an arduous process.”

The Maui-grown businessman and Seabury Hall alumnus is a graduate of Colorado State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business and applied human science. Over the years, he has been regionally and nationally recognized as one of the top-producing bankers in the nation.

Wagstaff has also been recognized by Pacific Business News as one of its “People Who Make Hawaii Work” and “Top Forty Under 40.” In addition, Wagstaff has been published nationally in Investor’s Business Daily and Mortgage Originator Magazine.