- 30+years in mortgage lending
- 2 stateslicensed in California and Nevada
- 9 loan typesfrom first homes to investment property
- 20new-home communities supported over about 10 years
About Michele
More than three decades in mortgage lending.
I have been in mortgage lending for more than 30 years and am licensed to originate mortgage loans in California and Nevada.
My experience includes purchase and refinance lending, conventional, FHA, VA and jumbo financing, along with extensive experience working with builders, real estate agents, move-up buyers, self-employed borrowers and clients with more complex financial situations.
Earlier in my career, I spent many years as a preferred lender for new-home builders, including approximately 10 years supporting 20 new-home communities. That experience taught me the importance of accurate pre-approvals, proactive communication and keeping transactions moving toward a successful closing.
One of my strengths is looking beyond the obvious answer.
When a borrower has a complicated income, credit or financing situation, I enjoy digging into the details, understanding the available options and finding a workable path when one exists.
After more than three decades in mortgage lending, I understand that every borrower and every transaction is different. My goal is to provide experienced mortgage guidance, clear communication and a high level of personal service from the first conversation through closing and beyond.
Home base
Rooted in Sacramento.
Based in Sacramento, I work with homebuyers, homeowners, real estate investors and real estate professionals throughout California and Nevada.
Not one market
The map is bigger than my hometown.
While Sacramento is my home market, my business is not limited to the greater Sacramento area.
Licensed in two states
California and Nevada.
Wherever you are buying or refinancing in either state, the first conversation is a phone call away.
Loan options
Find the loan that fits your situation.
Pick what describes you to see where most people in your situation start. Every file is different, so treat it as a starting point for our conversation.
Showing all nine loan types.
Buy
Purchase
Financing to buy a home, whether it is your first, your next or an investment property.
Refinance
Refinance
Replacing your current mortgage with a new one, for example to change your rate, your term or your loan type.
Refinance
Cash-out refinance
Refinancing for more than you currently owe and receiving the difference in cash, drawn from your home's equity.
Program
Conventional
Loans that are not insured or guaranteed by the government, generally following Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines.
Program
FHA
Loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration, often used by buyers with smaller down payments.
Program
VA
Loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses.
Program
Jumbo
Loans above the conforming loan limit, for higher-priced homes.
Self-employed
Bank statement
For self-employed borrowers: income documented with bank statements rather than tax returns.
Investor
DSCR and investor
Investment property loans qualified primarily on the property's rental income, measured by its debt service coverage ratio.
How it works
From first call to closing, and beyond.
A conversation
We talk through your goals, your timeline and your finances, so you have a clear picture of your options.
Pre-approval
I review your income, assets and credit up front, so your pre-approval is built on the details.
Application
You apply online through loanDepot. I keep you, and your agent, updated as your loan moves forward.
Closing and beyond
One experienced lender to call, from the first conversation through closing and after.
For Realtors
A lender partner who keeps your deals moving.
If you are an agent looking for a lender who keeps you and your clients informed from pre-approval to closing, let's talk.
Strong files
- Fast, thorough pre-approvals
- Strong upfront review of income, assets and credit
- Experience with complicated and self-employed borrowers
- Help structuring challenging transactions
Communication
- Regular transaction updates
- Proactive communication with both the agent and client
- Weekend availability when needed
- A long-term relationship approach rather than transaction-only service
Experience
- More than 30 years of mortgage experience
- Extensive new-construction and resale experience
- Strong knowledge of conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo and investor financing
FAQ
Questions I hear often.
Don't see yours? Call or email me. There's no such thing as a silly mortgage question.
What's the difference between prequalification and pre-approval?
A prequalification is an early estimate based on what you tell me. A pre-approval goes further: I review your income, assets and credit documents, so sellers and agents can see your financing has been looked at closely.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the loan program, the property and your finances. Some programs allow a smaller down payment than many people expect. We'll look at which options fit you and what each one means for your monthly payment and costs.
What is mortgage insurance?
Mortgage insurance protects the lender if a loan isn't repaid. It's often required on conventional loans with a smaller down payment, and FHA loans have their own mortgage insurance. Whether it applies, and for how long, depends on the loan. I'll walk you through it for your situation.
I'm self-employed. Can I still get a mortgage?
Self-employed borrowers have options, including loans that document income with bank statements rather than tax returns. Every file is different, so the best first step is a conversation about how your income is structured.
What documents will I need?
Usually proof of income (such as pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns), recent bank statements, and a photo ID. The exact list depends on your loan and your situation, and I'll give you a checklist so nothing is a surprise.
How long does it take to close?
It varies with the loan type, the property, the appraisal and how quickly documents come in. When we talk, I'll give you a realistic timeline for your loan and keep you, and your agent, updated along the way.
Why don't you list rates on this site?
Your rate depends on your credit, your loan type, your down payment, the property and the market on the day you lock. A rate posted on a website may not be what you'd actually be offered. I'd rather go over real options based on your situation.
Get started
Every borrower and every transaction is different.
Tell me about yours. Apply online, or reach me directly.