The 12 Best Mortgage Brokers in San Francisco

JVM Lending suits buyers in a competitive bidding situation who need a fast, reliable close. The company works as a hybrid lender, combining in-house underwriting with access to broker pricing. Most purchase loans can close in as little as 10 calendar days, helped by full pre-underwriting of pre-approvals. Clients deal with a client advisor and specialist teams instead of commissioned loan officers. Buyers competing for a San Francisco home can write a stronger offer with a fully underwritten approval.

Straight Deal Mortgage suits buyers with a small down payment or a credit history that needs work. Vic Joshi, in the mortgage business since 1997, lists options from zero to 3% down and help qualifying with lower scores. He also arranges VA loans through VA-approved lenders, self-employed qualification, investor loans and reverse mortgages for retirees. The Oakland office on Telegraph Avenue works by appointment. First-time buyers can get a plan to qualify before they start house hunting.

EstaR Mortgage is a good choice for borrowers who want a broker that explains exactly how it is paid. The firm is an independent broker, not a bank, and shops each loan across more than 30 wholesale lenders. Its compensation comes from the lender and is shown on the Loan Estimate, with no charge for quotes or pre-approval letters. Programs include conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo and reverse mortgages. Comparison shoppers get a clear picture of fees before committing.

GMCC's Burlingame branch is aimed at buyers who need a specialist program, from large jumbo loans to foreign national financing. It lists jumbo loans with 10% down, bank statement loans for the self-employed and DSCR loans based on rental income. Bridge financing lets owners buy before selling their current home. A closing cost assistance program is also listed. Buyers on the Peninsula or in the city can explore options a standard lender would not offer.

SunnyHill Financial suits borrowers who want to price a loan online before talking to anyone. Its site includes a loan pricing tool and a rate quote request, and VA loans are a stated focus alongside FHA, purchase and refinance. The team includes several licensed mortgage advisors supported by in-house processors. It is licensed in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Veterans buying in San Francisco or relocating elsewhere can keep working with the same team.

Fresh Home Loan is a sensible option for owners who want to tap their equity, through a cash-out refinance, a HELOC or a reverse mortgage. The Alameda firm describes itself as a team of independent mortgage brokers led by Garrick Werdmuller. Purchase loans for first-time buyers and investors are also handled. Part of its site content is available in Spanish. Homeowners can compare several ways of releasing equity in one conversation.

Homepoint Lending is useful for buyers who need a government-backed or renovation loan rather than a plain conventional mortgage. Its list includes FHA, VA, USDA and the FHA 203K loan, which folds repair costs into the purchase. Fixed and adjustable terms, jumbo loans and reverse mortgages are also offered. The firm is licensed in California only and keeps a downtown office near Union Square. Buyers of a house that needs work can finance the purchase and renovation together.

Steven Hook is a good match for borrowers whose finances do not fit a standard application. He works as a mortgage broker through United American Mortgage Corporation and focuses on San Francisco loans. His work covers purchases, refinances, debt consolidation and commercial property loans. Owners of rental and commercial property can keep all their financing with one advisor. Borrowers with mixed income sources get one contact who knows where each case fits.

Fif Ghobadian fits high-earning and self-employed borrowers who need more than a standard conventional loan. As branch manager at OriginPoint in the Financial District, she offers jumbo loans, bank statement loans for the self-employed and physician loans. Foreign national financing, VA, FHA and HELOCs are also on the list. She has originated mortgages since 2004 and has a long background in finance. Doctors and founders with uneven income can compare several programs with one officer.

Tom Banducci is a strong fit for buyers of TIC units and condo conversions, two property types common in San Francisco. He handles complex scenarios such as cross-collateralized loans, as well as residential, multifamily and commercial financing. He has been a California licensed mortgage lender since 2002 and manages a branch of Cornerstone First Mortgage. The company acts as both lender and broker, with underwriting, processing and funding done in-house. TIC buyers deal with someone who already knows the paperwork.

Mike Koran is a natural first call for first-time and first-generation buyers looking at state assistance. His site walks through California Dream For All, the shared appreciation program that funds part of the down payment. He leads the San Francisco branch of Primary Residential Mortgage on 18th Street, with more than 20 years in lending. The company lends in California and five other states. Buyers hoping to use the program can get the required full pre-approval in time for registration.

Sean Byrne suits buyers with substantial assets who want a private banking style of service from a smaller firm. He spent a decade as a private mortgage banker at Wells Fargo before joining ProMortgage, a California mortgage company. He works from its San Francisco office on Union Street in Cow Hollow. The firm lists programs for first-time buyers, self-employed borrowers, investors and reverse mortgages. Clients moving from a large bank get a comparable process with a single advisor.