Going to a random internet lender can be one of the biggest financial mistakes you make in purchasing a home. Late closings, tacked-on fees and changed interest rates are all reasons why. Please use a referral (if not mine, then one from someone else you trust). Also, it is a financially smart decision to shop around when possible.
By the way, I get nothing from recommending the following lenders except the peace of mind that comes from knowing you will be taken care of properly. But tell them I sent you; it always helps.
From anyone you contact regarding getting approved, ask for an official estimate of closing costs. Lenders can only control the interest rate and the 800-line item fees on this sheet, so there is no need to compare any of the rest of the closing costs, as these are property- and settlement company-specific. The official APR will give you an across the board comparison between lenders’ fees and rates. Know though that until the day you lock in (when you are under contract), no rate is ever guaranteed.
Lenders I Recommend and Trust
Jon Okun, Prosperity Home Mortgage
7700 Old Georgetown Road #120, Bethesda MD 20814
Cell Number: (443)610-8371
jonathan.okun@phmloans.com
Website/Online Application
Jon gives EXCELLENT customer service and is one of the quickest and most responsive lenders I know – I’ve used him personally several times. He is very knowledgeable, competitive and has tons of different loan programs. Highly recommended; he lends for coops as well. Jon was ranked in the top 150 loan officers in the country for volume (Scotsman Guide).
Mya Tran-Harter, InterCoastal Mortgage
Intercoastal Mortgage
11325 Random Hills Road, Suite 600, Fairfax, VA 22030
Cell: 703-851-1810 / Email: mtran@icmtg.com
Website/Online Application
Quick and excellent service. Because of their ability to keep some portfolio loans, InterCoastal has some programs that others might not (eg: investor loans for high investor-owned condos). She also does construction/renovation loans.
David Latimer, Wells Fargo
mobile: (301) 442-2704
david.latimer@wellsfargo.com
Website/Online Application
David is an experienced direct-lending loan officer who works directly for the bank. He has access to some Community Lending programs, which can give credits of up to $15k for homes in certain census tracts.
Francki DiFrancesco, OriginPoint
mobile: (301) 938-3296
office: (703) 647-5976
francki.d@originpoint.com
Website/Online Application
Francki has been in the business for a long time and is great – OriginPoint is a Compass-affiliated company, and they may have some programs that others don’t. They’re also an option for Bridge Loans.
Scott Davis, First Savings Mortgage
First Savings Mortgage
211 North Union Street Suite 240, Alexandria, VA 22314
Cell: 202-486-8389 / sdavis@firstsavings.com
Website/Online Application
Scott is a great lender who I have used personally. Processing and underwriting are done in office. Can do construction and new build loans.
Mario Carpio Diaz, Sandy Spring Bank
Sandy Spring Bank
1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20004
Cell: 202-459-7826 / mdiaz@sandyspringbank.com
Website/Online Application
Mario is great to work with and also is a Spanish speaking agent.
Greg Kingsbury, Vellum Mortgage
115 West Street, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401
Cell: 301-254-1486 / gregory.kingsbury@gmail.com
Website/Online Application
A Compass partner. Responsive and competitive.
Renovation/Construction Lender
Mya Tran-Harter, InterCoastal Mortgage
Mya Tran-Harter
Intercoastal Mortgage
11325 Random Hills Road, Suite 600, Fairfax, VA 22030
Cell: 703-851-1810 / Email: mtran@icmtg.com
Website/Online Application
Over half of Mya’s business is construction loan. She’s a pro!
Greg Scholl, Prosperity Mortgage/Wells Fargo
7901 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone Number: (301) 650-4418
Email: greg.scholl@wellsfargo.com
http://www.gregscholl.com
He specializes in renovation loans and construction loans. He knows his stuff! Greg is a great resource for finding out about the construction loan process, whether FHA, Streamline or regular construction loan. It is a complicated process, and he is there the whole way through for his clients.
Greg Kingsbury, Vellum Mortgage
115 West Street, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401
Cell: 301-254-1486 / gregory.kingsbury@gmail.com
Website/Online Application
A Compass partner. Scott is a great lender who I have used personally. Processing and underwriting are done in office. Can do construction and new build loans.