CrossCountry Mortgage Seeks Fees for Refinanced Loans
The lender is targeting former employees with repayment demands following the refinancing of mortgage clients.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Residential
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CrossCountry Mortgage has issued cease-and-desist letters to two former loan officers, Chad Barris and Ryan Devore, alleging they poached clients. The company is demanding financial repayment for refinanced loans involving prior customers.
Why it matters
This dispute highlights the strict non-solicitation agreements often embedded in loan officer employment contracts. Homeowners should understand that switching lenders may trigger legal maneuvers between their former and current mortgage representatives.
CrossCountry Mortgage claims Chad Barris refinanced $1.9 million across four loans and Ryan Devore refinanced $462,000. Recipients have 10 business days to respond to the letters issued October 29, 2026.
The players
CrossCountry Mortgage
A national mortgage lender headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, that manages large-scale home loan originations and servicing.
Chad Barris
A former loan officer who previously served clients under the CrossCountry Mortgage brand.
Ryan Devore
A former loan officer who previously managed mortgage originations for CrossCountry Mortgage clients.
The details
The repayment demands are based on a calculation of 75 basis points of the total loan amounts. CrossCountry Mortgage alleges that these specific borrowers were originally served while the officers were under their employ, triggering contractual repayment clauses. The company indicates that future litigation is considered reasonably likely if these demands are not met.
Timeline
April 12, 2025: Chad Barris ended his employment with CrossCountry Mortgage.
December 2025 – April 2026: Chad Barris closed four refinanced loans.
April 15, 2026: Ryan Devore ended his employment with CrossCountry Mortgage.
October 29, 2026: CrossCountry Mortgage issued the cease-and-desist letters.
10 business days after October 29, 2026: The deadline for responding to the company.
The Home Front
Restrictive covenants in mortgage lending are designed to protect the relationship between a brokerage and its established client base. This dispute over client poaching reflects ongoing efforts by firms to retain servicing rights and prevent the migration of borrowers to former employees.
Borrowers who recently refinanced with a new representative should confirm their documentation is complete. If you are contacted regarding your mortgage history, consult with a licensed attorney before providing information.
The takeaway
Companies frequently use legal channels to protect their borrower database during staff transitions. Keep documentation from your original loan origination on file, as you may be asked to verify your refinancing timeline if disputes between your past and present loan officers arise.
Further reading
Learn more about navigating home financing in the Residential section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HousingWire.
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