star
You've read about the lies, the trickery, the nasty secrets, and all the rest that goes on in this shark-eat-shark business.  Imagine being a loan officer with high morals and integrity trying to compete, trying to make a living for your family.  It's not easy.

These good people are the real Stars of the mortgage business.  They rock!  They deserve respect, and hand-written thank you cards, and letters of commendation to their bosses, and most of all, your recommendation to others. 
Help keep the Mortgage Stars in business.

Below are loan officers and their contact information, listed by area, who have been nominated by other good folks such as yourself and approved by me. Which means, I've reviewed, scrutinized, and approved their sample, typical Good Faith Estimate.

Please do not abuse them by taking their time with phone calls and emails if you have no intention of closing a loan with them. 

Do not shoplift their time: Remember, they work on commission and only get paid when your loan closes. It's unethical to ask them to counsel you about your credit and financing, and then trot off to another lender. Be honest about where you're at in creating your "Short List" and making a commitment.

Recommended Loan Officers


I recommend these loan officers. They have committed to the following standards:

1. No bogus junk fees.

2. Full disclosure of YSP, the back-end commission. (Unless they are a bank or a direct lender, as explained in my book.)

3. Keep you informed of your loan process, so you know what's going on (via email, phone, or other system you agree upon).



MULTIPLE STATES: MO, MN, MI, MD, PA

Ross Augustin
Conventional and Non-conforming, including No Doc loans
Old Cornerstone Financial
(314) 484-6863


CALIFORNIA STATE

Rick Pelleriti
1st Capital Mortgage
Offering retail, wholesale, and below wholesale
Excellent commercial financing available, nationwides
www.upfrontmortgageplanner.com

(408) 672-1980



OREGON STATE

Michael Dolan
BrokerPro Mortgage
Commercial and Residential Mortgages
"Keeping You Fully Informed from Application to Close"

(503) 287-4876
www.brokerpromortgage.com


WASHINGTON STATE

Sara Semingson, Manager
Affordable Mortgage Solutions
Highly Recommended Honest Professional
Purchase and Refinance Specialist, all credit types

(206) 957-1869


IDAHO & EASTERN WASHINGTON

John Sweeney
First Priority Mortgage
Investment Property Specialist
Residential & Investment Loans

(888) 626-0626
(509) 462-0626 (Spokane Valley)


FLORIDA & SOUTHEAST

Lynwood Smith
Mortgage Banking Associates
Highly Recommended Expert Broker
Conventional, FHA, VA, and Manufactured Homes

www.mtgbanking.com
(800) 605-1899

Joe Hartshorne
"Joey the Banker"
Stockton Turner & Comany Mortgage Bankers
A Banker with Excellent Loan Pricing
(321) 288-2419 cell
(800) 869-0005


NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, NORTHEAST & EAST COAST

Rick Cashman
Chase Home Lending
Expert Counsel for Home Buyers and Refinancing
(516) 458-7320 cell


Submit a Recommendation

I need your recommendations for other areas, including Canada and the United Kingdom. To nominate a Mortgage Star, send an email to Carolyn at AskCarolynWarren dot com. Provide contact information and tell me what your experience was in working with this person.

Submit a Rant

If you have a story of loan abuse you'd like to share with the public, in the interest of helping other good folks avoid having a bad experience, please email me at Carolyn at AskCarolynWarren dot com. To have your story considered, tell just the facts. If your emotions are flying out of control such that you're name- calling and swearing, then don't bother emailing me until you calm down. I'll just think you're crazy and delete your email. But if you have a true story and can tell it succinctly and rationally, then I'd like to hear from you.