Independent Mortgage Broker · Backed by Barrett Financial Group
“Your mortgage BFF.”
Honest guidance, great rates, and genuine care at every step. You're never just another file — I truly care about your goals, your timeline, and making your home-financing experience smooth and stress-free.
See why so many homebuyers trust Stef with their home financing.
Read Google Reviews →In Their Words
Real reviews from real homebuyers.
Meet Your Broker
As an independent mortgage broker, my passion is finding you a competitive rate while delivering honest guidance and genuine care every step of the way.
You're never just another file. I truly care about your goals, your timeline, and making your home-financing experience smooth and stress-free.
I believe getting a mortgage should feel personal — not transactional.
— Stef Simmons, Mortgage Broker
Backed by Barrett Financial Group, LLC — giving you access to a wide range of lenders and loan programs, so we can shop for the fit that's right for you.
More about Stef →What I Can Help With
Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or tapping equity — as a broker I can shop multiple lenders to find your best fit.
Flexible options for buyers with solid credit and steady income.
Learn more → 🔑Lower down payments and flexible credit — great for first-time buyers.
Learn more → 🎖️Zero-down financing and strong benefits for veterans and service members.
Learn more → 🌾No-down-payment loans for eligible rural and suburban homes.
Learn more → 💎Financing for higher-value homes above conventional limits.
Learn more → 🔄Lower your rate, change your term, or tap into your home's equity.
Learn more →Self-Employed & Investors
Don't fit the traditional box? These programs are built for business owners, investors, and non-traditional borrowers.
For self-employed borrowers — qualify using 12–24 months of bank statements instead of tax returns.
Learn more → 🪪Homeownership for borrowers who file taxes with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number.
Learn more → 🏘️For real estate investors — qualify on the property's rental income, not your personal income.
Learn more →Also available: non-QM, asset-based, HELOCs, cash-out refinance, and down-payment assistance programs. See all loan options → · Not sure what fits? Get a quick quote →
How It Works
Book a quick call or send a message. We'll talk through your goals and timeline — no pressure.
Complete a quick, secure online application so we know exactly what you qualify for.
As a broker, I compare lenders and programs to find a competitive rate and the right fit.
I'll guide you through underwriting to the closing table — smooth and stress-free.
Good to Know
Pre-qualification is a quick, informal estimate of what you might be able to borrow. Pre-approval is stronger: I verify your income, assets, and credit, so you get a documented amount to shop with — and sellers take your offer more seriously. I always recommend getting pre-approved before you house-hunt.
Often, yes. Several conventional programs allow as little as 3% down, FHA goes as low as 3.5%, and VA and USDA loans can offer 0% down for those who qualify — plus there are down-payment assistance programs. The right fit depends on your situation, which is exactly what I help you figure out.
There's no single number — it depends on the price, your down payment, your other monthly debts, and current rates. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, not income alone. Try my affordability calculator for a ballpark, then we'll dial in a real number together.
It varies by loan program — some allow lower scores than people expect, with options across a wide credit range. A higher score usually means better terms, but don't count yourself out. If your credit needs work, I can point you in the right direction before you apply.
Most purchase loans close in about 30 days, though it can be faster or slower depending on the loan type, appraisal, and how quickly documents come together. I keep things moving and communicate every step so there are no surprises.
Closing costs are the fees to finalize your loan — appraisal, title, lender fees, and more — and typically run around 2–5% of the loan amount. Some can be negotiated, rolled in, or covered by seller credits. I'll walk you through a clear estimate up front.
Even a small rate change moves your payment, since interest is charged on your whole balance over many years. See exactly how much with my payment calculator. As a broker, I shop multiple lenders to find you a competitive rate.
As an independent broker I offer conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and jumbo loans, plus refinancing and cash-out options — shopping multiple lenders to find a competitive rate and the right fit for you.
Yes. I offer bank statement loans (qualify with bank statements instead of tax returns — ideal for the self-employed), ITIN loans for borrowers without a Social Security number, and DSCR loans for real estate investors that qualify on the property's rental income. These non-QM programs are built for borrowers who don't fit the traditional box.
Instead of a single bank's products, I work with many lenders and compare their rates and programs on your behalf — so you get options, not just one institution's answer.
Let's Talk
Have a question or ready to get started? Reach out any way you like.