Direct Lender

Lenders like to say they are direct. They also say they are big or have assets or they are fast. They just might be wearing a funny hat and can't close your home on time

Here are the top twenty Companies and banks that Closed Mortgage Loans in the United States in 2012.

	Flagstar Bank	Troy, MI	$53,586,827,000	94%/6%	221,237	$26,612,567,904	2,871	50	20
2	Guaranteed Rate	Chicago, IL	$14,710,666,093	0%/100%	53,411	$6,800,000,000	750	49	12
3	Freedom Mortgage Corp.	Mount Laurel, NJ	$13,772,356,120	71%/29%	65,163	$3,589,663,484	125	50	23
4	PrimeLending, PlainsCapital Company	Dallas, TX	$13,735,022,825	0%/100%	66,670	$8,787,254,188	1,185	50	27
5	Stearns Lending Inc.	Santa Ana, CA	$11,810,814,448	82%/18%	48,655	$5,692,804,090	560	49	23
6	Pinnacle Capital Mortgage	Roseville, CA	$7,647,142,667	32%/68%	29,732	$4,999,555,953	995	13	5
7	Sierra Pacific Mortgage Co. Inc.	Folsom, CA	$7,559,405,058	75%/25%	29,917	$5,162,249,725	368	48	27
8	Mortgage Master Inc.	Walpole, MA	$7,305,861,638	0%/100%	23,809	$5,285,471,564	250	22	25
9	United Shore Financial Services LLC	Troy, MI	$7,041,740,634	88%/12%	34,091	$1,797,284,739	75	49	27
10	Fremont Bank	Fremont, CA	$7,000,016,431	24%/76%	25,024	$3,771,706,000	33	3	49
11	George Mason Mortgage LLC	Fairfax, VA	$6,577,775,135	38%/62%	18,617	$3,893,934,538	155	10	26
12	W.J. Bradley Mortgage Capital LLC	Centennial, CO	$6,495,740,657	0%/100%	22,187	$2,378,546,301	440	22	11
13	Guild Mortgage Co.	San Diego, CA	$6,441,077,578	10%/90%	31,691	$3,571,310,464	802	37	52
14	Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.	Sun Prairie, WI	$6,001,390,613	8%/92%	29,377	$3,609,673,149	522	45	16
15	Caliber Funding LLC	Irving, TX	$5,484,274,224	65%/35%	23,068	$891,506,517	211	47	5
16	Cole Taylor Mortgage	Ann Arbor, MI	$5,187,000,000	81%/19%	20,617	$1,880,000,000		41	3
17	Primary Residential Mortgage Inc.	Salt Lake City, UT	$4,990,129,796	0%/100%	25,715	$3,473,560,028	831	50	14
18	New Penn Financial	Plymouth Meeting, PA	$4,773,680,000	41%/59%	19,268	$1,492,728,813	468	46	5
19	Academy Mortgage	Sandy, UT	$4,663,752,424	0%/100%	25,935	$3,327,846,391	705	44	25
20	Mortgage Services III LLC	Bloomington, IL	$4,599,082,172	80%/20%	20,699	$2,880,410,086	122	42	6

W.J. Bradley was number 12 last year and in June of 2013 we were number five. The only Bank on the list is Flagstar - forget about Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America they aren't in the top 150.

My company has the smallest number of  mortgage loan originators in the top 50. We also have the fastest turn time. Caroline Gerardo with W J Bradley closed purchase loans in eleven days. Think of me as the little engine that could. Call and find out what is the difference between a real direct lender who has assets to weather the storm.

(949) 637-8190  C. G. Barbeau  NMLS # 324982

Free Sweet Pea Seeds Offer

 

Sweet Pea Offer to my readers

Foreign National Mortgage Loan

Items needed for a mortgage loan upfront:

Gather all these in pdf format, break into two or three emails to send smaller files

Past two years Federal Tax returns signed From your country & United States returns with rentals

Past 90 days actual bank statements (not online printouts). Online printouts are when you just download a screen print. Instead, go to "print a statement" and save as pdf. in your computer to forward.

All deposits larger than $500. that are not payroll must have a paper trail

Two types of ID : driver’s license / passport copies
Sign the attached five forms

credit card for $150 international credit report
four credit references written on the Loan Application 1003

Complete 1003 mortgage application

Schedule of real estate owned

Mortgage bill, front page of fire insurance, and property tax bill

Current paycheck stub for 60 days

All loans are full recourse and in the Borrower’s name. Foreign Nationals can get loans in the U. S. but you need to establish credit in the American system as rates are partly driven by FICO score. A Canadian will only have a Beacon score, but can establish Experian, Tran Union and Equifax files by opening small secured VISA or Mastercards with American companies.

 

 

Establishing credit in the U. S. will also be helpful in opening American bank accounts as you will need to pay bills in American dollars and receive rents in our exchange.

We DO NOT loan to LLC’s or entities. If you went to a seminar that told you to invest in different LLC’s to avoid lawsuits or taxes you wasted your money on the seminar.

Acquiring a mortgage on Residential property in the United States is full recourse and in your name or as Joint Tenants. Getting a loan after the crash of 2008 is not simple or easy. If you do not want to provide some of the paperwork you will not get a low interest rate.

 I also have low documentation loans available but the mortgage Rates are more than double because of the risks. Low doc loans start at eleven percent and can be as high as thirteen percent for non-owner occupied foreign nationals buying in the U. S.

 

 

58 Carlsbad Open House

Holding Open House with my friend Darlene Kelly CFL Real Estate at
58 Carlsbad, Aliso Viejo California
Sales price of this condominium is $369,900.00
2 bedroom 2 baths
Built 1996

open 12- 5 today Saturday 8/10/2013

Ocean View Lot Auction

Ocean View Lot in  Monarch Beach Auction

 $2,300,000 for a 14 Acre lot with just a little slide problem.
The Coastal Commission will allow you to build a 18000 square foot house.
This Dana Point address will never have comparables BUT the views are stunning.
Because the lot is cut into the hillside you could see to San Diego California on a clear day

Save Money - Free Refinance Review

 

 

Easy project for home gardens and Cheap! Galvanized Wash tub  recycled into planter. Poke holes in the bottom with a hammer and nail, add six inches of gravel then compost and save cuttings of a variety of succulents. Keep adding new pieces as you see which ones survive- rarely or never water

 

Reduce your payments or

increase your home’s value

Traditionally, homeowners resort to refinancing whenever they believe they can

reduce their monthly mortgage payment by a lower rate or by debt consolidation.

Let’s say refinancing will save you $150 a month due to a common reason today, paying off

other high interest rate debt. That’s good news, but you have to weigh these savings against

other factors such as having less to write-off in taxes, and in recouping refinancing costs.

An additional reason to refinance is to make home improvements. Rather than move up to a

larger home with higher property taxes, many Americans have elected to stay put.

 

I will review if we can get you out of expensive mortgage insurance

 

- I am seeing many clients reduce their monthly nut by $300 to $400 by refinancing

 

 from FHA to conventional with the raise in values. We can arrange for a free property profile,

 

So, knowing your primary goal — whether to reduce your overall monthly payments or to make

your home even more valuable with improvements — will tell you when to refinance.

If you would like more information about refinancing, call me today.

 

Caroline Gerardo

Mortgage Banker

W.J. Bradley Mortgage Capital, LLC

20341 SW Birch St., Suite 330

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Office: 949.637.8190

Cell: 949.784.9699

caroline.gerardo@wjbradley.com

http://mywjb.com/caroline-gerardo/

http://cgbarbeau.blogspot.com/

 

NMLS: 324982

Another easy and cheap/ free home garden project. This table was discarded road side. Distressed finish was already prepared. move an arrangement of white blue and green for a cool and soothing corner of your yard or patio.

Zucchini Flower Recipe

Thyme, garlic, rosemary and nasturtiums in my garden

A recipe straight from my garden
Thyme, rosemary, garlic and zucchini flowers
Need: 10 flowers, sea salt, 1/2 cup whole wheat flower, plain olive oil, spices as you like,  3 eggs, 1/2 cup non fat milk

Zucchini Flowers being Dredged

It is finally August and my zucchini plants aren't as happy as last year (we have had fog most every morning and zucchini prefers full sun). However, I finally have enough flowers to spare for this old fashioned recipe. 

Ingredients:

10 Flowers

3 eggs

1/2 cup skim milk organic

2 garlic cloves

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1 sprig rosemary

1/2 teaspoon black ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup olive oil make sure is fresh dated and no need for EVOO

Prepare one bowl with three egg whites and one yolk,  half cup skim milk, two whole garlic cloves finely smashed, thyme pulled off the stems, finely chopped rosemary and salt and pepper. Prepare second plate with half cup whole wheat flour, coarse sea salt, pepper, thyme and the chopped rosemary. Rinse flowers, pat dry, dunk  in egg mixture, then roll in flour. In high edge sauté pan heat on high  1/2 cup olive oil (don't need to waste on virgin oil). 

When you drop a tiny bit of water and it spits, gently place 5 of the flowers in the oil. Cook each side until golden brown- watch and flip. Remove and cool on a paper towel. Sprinkle with sea salt right away. Cook the other half of the flowers (you may need to add a little more oil) so they  aren't touching.

Gently roll the flowers in the flour

Zucchini blooming in my garden

Egg mixture beaten and ready to dip

Prep time 4 minutes

Cook time 3 minutes

Author: Caroline Gerardo

Serving Size 3

Calories for 3 cooked flowers 75

Nutrition Facts:

5 grams protein, 1 gram fat, 10 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber

Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium

Here are my flowers shyly closing- you can see the zucchini squash forming.

Sauces for dipping:

1. your favorite mayonnaise plus a sprinkle of curry

or

2. squeeze 1 whole lemon, tablespoon cider vinegar, tablespoon best virgin olive oil, chopped tablespoon of parsley and chopped tablespoon of basil plus just a little splash of hot sauce of your choice

Zucchini flowers are an Italian tradition and I credit my Noni. Ready in 5 minutes, pretty to serve as an exotic side dish, my children fight over them.

A little summer fun from Orange County

Dump Your MI Premium

If you recently purchased your home with a FHA loan the real estate market has increased and you may be able to dump your MI. I am seeing clients save three hundred to four hundred dollars a month in  refinancing to conventional. Imagine either paying down the loan faster and gaining even more equity or just feeling the breathing room to make a lower payment

If you would like a FREE market analysis of the value of your home or condominium and review of exactly how much you could save Call Now

Caroline Gerardo
(949) 637-8190

 

 

55 Via Abruzzi Aliso Viejo

Condo Fixer investment in Aliso Viejo, California, Orange County

55 Via Abruzzi Aliso Viejo, California

Condominium Complex Altisse

 

Total payment owner occupied with 10% down and FICO of 720  $ 1500

that includes HOA both fees, Mello Roos, tax and walls in insurance, 30 year fixed rate loan

Two bedroom two baths $370000. sales price.

I sat open house with my buddy Darlene Kelly of CFL Real Estate in this condo this past weekend.

 

Here is my skinny on this property:

Needs new carpeting cost to cure: $ 2200

Put new IKEA Adel kitchen cabinets, counters, back splash in for $2100.

Remove laminate on the stairs and replace with commercial grade carpet. $1200

Replace kitchen flooring with new laminate $ 1100

Repair door handle hole in downstairs - I  can do that for $6.00

Home owner Association is covering the leak behind water heater and drywall in garage - caused from neighbor's shower pan. no cost

Use bleach on all shower and tub enclosures with windows open

Then solution of 2 cups dawn 2 cups vinegar on showers tubs and sinks

 

May later require bath upgrades, bath fixtures, painted wooden frames on mirrors to update, new bath fixtures (second stage remodel to be done one bath at a time) Cost $ 8000.

 

Clean all windows, behind washer and dryer clean garage and after leak is fixed paint garage floor and walls ( do it self cost $55)

 

Paint the entire unit vanilla white and dove white trim - call me got a guy whose bid is $1000

The unit is now valued at $410000 with the upgrades  

Normally condos are not a great investment but this fixer upper could be worth more with some simple clean upgrades.

Condominium will now look brand new.

 

Foreign National Mortgages

Foreign national citizens buying in United States must remember not to make assumptions about how mortgages work in America. There are many differences.  Understanding the difference will help you close a successful purchase.  You should work with a specialist in order to secure a foreign national mortgage to avoid the potential for disaster.  Caroline Gerardo, has twenty four years experience and can help you avoid the pitfalls and direct you in your search for a great investment home and the right Foreign National Mortgage Loan. The best way to guarantee the success of your property purchase is to gather as much factual information as possible, and get relevant advice from the right people with your best interest in mind and who work with foreign national mortgages on a regular basis.  A Realtor on the ground in the local County and city where you target to purchase is very important. They will know and have seen properties on the market over the years. Your documentation of bank statements and tax returns should be ready as pdf attachments. Current paycheck stubs and copies of your ID such as passport or driver’s license should also be copied and enlarged and put into easily readable pdf format. All the information about your financial status for the past two years is necessary to get a lower conventional mortgage loan. Every deposit over $500 that is not a payroll check you must be prepared to provide copies of the checks and trail the source. In order to get a low rate a very large amount of paperwork is required.  Mortgage Types for Foreign National Investors There are many of popular types of mortgages available to foreign nationals buying in California. Particularly the basic fixed rate and adjustable (variable) rate mortgages. However, there are variations on these themes that have no real foreign national mortgage equivalents.  There is also a wide range of programs and offers that are really only suitable for special case USA citizens.  Below you will find a brief description of the many types of foreign national mortgages. FIXED RATE MORTGAGE Fixed rate mortgages have traditionally been the most popular type of mortgage. With a fixed rate mortgage, you pay both capital and interest over a fixed period of (usually) fifteen or thirty years with the same monthly payment for the duration of the loan.  This type of foreign national mortgage suits buyers who value knowing exactly what their repayments are going to be over the long term and don’t want to take any risk of being affected by rising interest rates. Thirty year loans are the most popular. ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES With an adjustable rate mortgage (much like a UK variable rate or Canadian 5 year or 7 year but not due and payable) there is usually a fixed interest rate for the start of the term (typically five or seven years), after which the rate is adjusted once every year (depending on the foreign national mortgage type) and fluctuates in line with independent published financial indexes. SPECIAL CASE MORTGAGES Certain foreign national borrowers – those who are coming from non- OLFAC restricted countries who do not want to proved income and asset documentation. There are low documentation loans available, often called Hard Money loans in the eleven to twelve percent interest rate range with forty percent down payment. There is a foreign national mortgage structure for almost any situation, and once your mortgage broker understands your circumstances, we will be able to find a suitable mortgage to fit your situation.  MORTGAGES FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES There are different types of mortgages available, and these vary depending on the use you plan for the property. There are different lending rules for mortgages on properties which are used as a primary residence, a second home or as an investment.  Many times there are different and / or additional rules for Foreign residents. For those seeking a foreign national mortgage, you must ensure that you are completely open about why you are buying a property in California in order to avoid any serious consequences. For example, while you are researching the California market, you may see advertisements featuring loans of up to 80% of the property value which would increase your buying power with low owner occupied rates.  However, typically these loans are only available on properties that are for your personal occupation as a primary or a secondary residence.  These types of loans are not designed for and are specifically not offered on rental properties. Also certain properties such as condominiums may have pending lawsuits or low owner occupancy ratios and you may not discover this information until the last minute. Finding yourself at the final hour and closing on the property without a loan can be disastrous.  Do you pull out of the deal and potentially lose the property and your deposit? We work with many international, national, regional lenders and some Wall Street conduits and investment firms. Most US lenders do not offer foreign national mortgages or an international borrower program. Most of the big banks won’t touch them.  Each lender may limit options in some way.  When working with a buyer interested in a Foreign National Mortgage Caroline Gerardo is motivated to find the loan that offers the best rate and quickest approval time.  Because of this, we are not tied to any one bank and will work with many lenders to find a competitive rate and to guarantee loan approval. Our desire to find our clients the most suitable mortgage ensures a continued stream of referrals and solidifies our reputation as a top-notch foreign national mortgage resource. We will coordinate with a US escrow/ attorney and US notary for signing Caroline Gerardo will act as your professional in a  Real Estate Property transaction and Foreign National Mortgage Loan. Refinance or Purchase no limit to number of properties Rates change daily and are subject to your credit score, net income on taxes, type of property, property use and other factors call for details Caroline Gerardo NMLS #324982 (949) 637-8190 Newport Beach California

 

 

Laguna Garden Charm

I'm posting eye candy. Garden ideas from my yard, and neighbors. Come over it is summer. I'll make you homemade lemonade with mint sprigs. I have six varieties of heirloom tomatoes going wild. I even have okra and peppers in my front yard.

 

Mortgage rates are up a tick but everything in Orange County seems to be rosy.

Tourism is up 31% in Laguna Beach.

I am certain it might be more. I haven't seen traffic backed up this far in ten years. On my drive home from my W J Bradley Mortgage Capital LLs office in Newport Beach the traffic stops at Crystal Cove to enter north Laguna Beach. I'm not complaining. I can sit in my car and watch pilot whales pass me.

When I get home in an hour I look forward to the unusually cool weather in the mid sixty degrees in the evening. Last night my daughter and I went to Laguna Beach Art Walk and the streets were jammed and lively.

 

I love Dutch Doors-- this hand painted screen is amazing and wonderful

Picket fence with roses

Herbs, roses, old heritage annuals all from seed

Come sit and enjoy the music of hummingbirds

Hollyhocks

old fashioned door bell-better yet pick some weeds and the dogs will let me know you are here

outdoor art

California native begonias

Mortgage Job

 

 

 

Work in an office where no one has your back?

Processor has no time to review your file?

Company does nothing to promote YOUR brand?

 

 Have years of experience in the field?

Want to close more mortgage loans quickly?

Feel tangled in the mess you are in?

 

If you answered yes to these above, I would love to talk with you about how we can help you achieve your continuing goals and support your needs

We can make the transition smoothly. You’ll work in an office where your experience and knowledge is treated with respect. Feel passion for the loan business and have fun.

 

Caroline Gerardo

Branch Manager

Mortgage Banker

(949) 637-8190

NMLS #324982

23041 SW Birch Street. #330 Newport Beach California 92660

Upcycled Orange County Garden

galvanized trash can repurposed to succulent planter

Container from galvanized trash can planted with succulents. Fill the bottom with perlite and sand and poke holes  (if it doesn't already have some:) This will help the pot to drain.

 One pint of TRUST a dash of Caring ( I would say gallon of caring) understanding, shared secrets, mutual affection, respect, common interest, listening and fun. Sweet plaque for the patio

A fairy circle of pots?

fountain in the table

This fountain is an old cast iron shop table from a school that was throwing it away. The top is a door cut in unequal halves. (Cutting the one channel in a 1/3 proportion makes this fun. Old reused galvanized rain gutters for the water spout. A new pump, gravel and a variety of ferns

staghorn fern

At the end of this summer I need to divide some of my stag horns. I'm looking for new ways to use recycled barn wood or cast iron gate material to hang them. Any ideas? Recycled, upcycled materials that can hold weight?

wooden farm crate as planter

dahlias in my garden

Dahlia - love this color but - but - I planted white ones. Another summer surprise in my garden.

Bird houses in a neighbor's patio.

One of many  of my hardy begonias. Three years ago the tuberous fancy ones got a blight. I couldn't find good replacements at Plant Depot, or Green Thumb or Laguna Nursery. Instead of replanting the ones that disappeared I tried some new varieties I have a couple that are five feet tall. The best surprise is a few that did not bloom or shoot waxy leaves in the past three years somehow are back. Surprise they are smiling in my garden. Come on over I'll serve you tea and send you home with organic seeds.

Caroline Gerardo