Your Home. Your Rate.
Your Timeline.
Sarah Chen is an independent mortgage broker in Anytown who shops dozens of lenders to find you the best rate, whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing your current one.
NMLS #123456 | Licensed Mortgage Broker
Why Work With an Independent Broker?
Sarah Chen is not tied to a single bank. She works for you, comparing options across the market to find the best deal.
We shop the market so you don't have to. More options means better rates and more programs to choose from.
Know your buying power fast. Our streamlined process gets you approved quickly so you can shop with confidence.
We move fast. Our team handles the details so you can focus on your new home without unnecessary delays.
Sarah's Rate Advantage
Banks lend at their retail rate, the rate they set for their own customers. As an independent broker, Sarah accesses wholesale rates from 30+ lenders, rates that are typically 0.125% to 0.375% lower than what banks offer consumers directly.
That difference may sound small, but on a $400,000 mortgage, 0.25% saves approximately $20,000 over the life of the loan. Wholesale lending is one of the best-kept secrets in the mortgage industry, and it's why more and more buyers are working with independent brokers instead of their bank.
Recent Client Result
“Sarah got us 0.375% below what our bank offered on a $420,000 purchase, saving us $47,000 over the life of the loan. We never would have known these rates existed if we hadn't worked with an independent broker.”
- Michael and Andrea T.
First-Time Buyers, Anytown
Loan Programs We Offer
From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, we have a mortgage solution tailored to your needs.
Conventional
Traditional financing with competitive rates for qualified buyers. As low as 3% down with private mortgage insurance options.
FHA
Government-backed loans with flexible credit requirements. Great for first-time buyers with down payments as low as 3.5%.
VA
Zero down payment for eligible veterans and active military. No PMI required. Competitive rates with relaxed credit guidelines.
USDA
Zero down payment for eligible rural and suburban properties. Income limits apply. A great option for buyers outside metro areas.
Jumbo
Financing for properties above the 2026 conforming loan limit of $832,750. Ideal for luxury homes, high-cost markets, and investment properties where conventional financing caps out.
Refinance
Lower your rate, shorten your term, or access your home's equity. We compare offers from dozens of lenders to maximize your savings.
Estimate Your Monthly Payment
See what your mortgage payment could look like. Contact Sarah for your personalized rate.
This is an estimate for illustration purposes only. Does not include taxes, insurance, or PMI. Contact Sarah for your personalized rate and payment.
What Our Clients Say
Real results from real homeowners who trusted Sarah with their mortgage.
“Sarah got us pre-approved in less than 24 hours and found us a rate 0.25% lower than two banks we'd already applied with. We closed in 18 days. The seller's agent said it was the fastest close she'd ever seen.”
Rachel M.
First-Time Buyer
“Sarah saved us $280 a month on our refinance. That's $3,360 a year we're putting toward our kids' college fund instead of interest. She handled everything and kept us informed every step of the way.”
James T.
Homeowner, Refinance
“As a veteran, I needed someone who understood VA loans inside and out. Sarah got our COE in two days, found us a rate 0.5% below what the VA's own website quoted, and we closed with zero down and no PMI.”
Robert K.
VA Buyer
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the mortgage process.
What is the pre-approval process?
Pre-approval involves submitting documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. We run a credit check and review your financial profile, then issue a pre-approval letter stating how much you can borrow. The process typically takes 24 hours or less.
What credit score do I need?
Requirements vary by loan type. FHA loans allow scores as low as 580, while conventional loans typically require 620 or higher. VA and USDA loans have flexible guidelines. Sarah will review your full financial picture and find the best program for your situation.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Down payment requirements range from 0% for VA and USDA loans, to 3% for conventional loans, to 3.5% for FHA loans. There are also down payment assistance programs available in many areas. We will help you explore all your options.
What is a rate lock?
A rate lock guarantees your interest rate for a specified period, typically 30 to 60 days, while your loan is being processed. This protects you from rate increases during the application process. Sarah will advise you on the best time to lock your rate.
What are closing costs?
Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount and include fees for the appraisal, title search, title insurance, origination, and recording. We provide a detailed estimate early in the process so there are no surprises at the closing table.
When does refinancing make sense?
Refinancing generally makes sense when you can lower your rate by at least 0.5%, when you want to switch from an adjustable to a fixed rate, when you need to access equity through a cash-out refinance, or when you want to shorten your loan term to build equity faster.
Ready to Find Your Best Rate?
Whether you’re purchasing your first home, upgrading, or refinancing, Sarah will shop the market and deliver personalized options tailored to your financial goals. No obligation, no pressure.
NMLS #123456 | Equal Housing Lender