Visionary mortgage leader recognized for innovation, advisor empowerment, and industry transformation

NEO Home Loans, powered by Better, today announced that Co-Creator and President of Retail Lending, Danny Horanyi, has been named a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard Award winner. The prestigious honor recognizes C-level executives and business leaders whose innovation and leadership are transforming the housing industry and moving markets forward.

The HousingWire Vanguard Awards highlight leaders driving growth across lending, servicing, investments, and real estate. Winners are selected for their vision, measurable impact, and ability to shape the future of housing.

“This recognition is really a reflection of the incredible people I work alongside every day,” said Horanyi. “We are proving that mortgage lending can be both high-tech and deeply human. By empowering advisors to focus on the moments that matter and leveraging AI to handle the rest, we are transforming not just the way mortgages are done, but the way financial confidence is built for families and communities.”

Horanyi has more than two decades of mortgage industry experience and has become a visionary force in combining AI-powered automation with human-first financial advice. Over the past year, he spearheaded the groundbreaking partnership between NEO Home Loans and Better, building a next-generation lending platform that enables advisors to scale production while delivering personalized client experiences.

Under his leadership, the NEO powered by Better model has delivered 125% above company projections in the first month post-transition, 100% above in the second, and a 20% year-over-year increase in gross margins, while maintaining profitability and operational scalability. NEO’s use of proprietary AI platforms such as Tinman^® and Betsy™ has reduced loan manufacturing costs, accelerated closings, and allowed advisors to potentially double monthly loan production without increasing headcount.

“The impact of Danny’s work transcends just one company,” said Chad Smith, President and COO of Better Mortgage. “His effect can be felt throughout the industry and will be a factor in reshaping the future of mortgage lending. His vision gives mortgage advisors their autonomy back and proves that innovation and human connection can coexist at scale.”

Beyond business performance, Horanyi is a leading advocate for mortgage advisor autonomy and financial literacy. He serves as a faculty member at The Loan Atlas, trains the next generation of professionals, is an ambassador for First Home IQ supporting first-time buyers, and is a sought-after speaker at major industry conferences.

“Danny’s leadership has elevated everything we set out to build at NEO,” said Ryan Grant, Co-Founder of NEO Home Loans and 2023 HousingWire Vanguard Award Winner. “His vision for blending advisor autonomy, client-first strategies, and cutting-edge technology has created a model for what the future of mortgage lending should look like.”

About NEO Home Loans powered by Better

NEO Home Loans powered by Better is a tech-forward mortgage company committed to reshaping the lending experience through education, transparency, and personalized strategy. NEO blends cutting-edge technology with expert human guidance to help clients make smarter financial decisions. With a national footprint and a local advisor model, NEO empowers mortgage professionals to scale their businesses with greater autonomy, efficiency, and impact. Learn more at neohomeloans.com.

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