Brad Baumann

No Profile Information at the time.

License #00906931

Blake Brown

Blake has developed extensive working relationships with several CPA, Law, and Business Management firms. He has financed over $400 million in residential, multifamily, commercial, and industrial properties, with loan requests ranging from $100,000 to $20 million.

A graduate in the field of biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine and a licensed real estate broker, Blake utilizes his analytical skills to select the proper loan product to meet the specific needs of his clients. Blake treats every loan request as uniquely as the individuals he works with and utilizes his experience and expertise to create the ideal loan situation for his clients. Blake has based his success on three principles: service, knowledge, and results.

"Most of my business is referral. My clients cannot afford to be wrong with their choice of mortgage. They demand my attention. They demand results. Several of my clients have become long-time friends and business associates."

Blake's second full-time job is his family. His wife, Maryann P. Gallagher-Brown, is a CAALA Board Member who runs her own law firm in downtown Los Angeles. Blake enjoys coaching soccer and riding bikes with his three boys: Brendan, Daniel, and Blake, Jr
License # 01059616

John Cofiell

Recruited into the industry in 1987 by a major Bank, John has always proven those who sought his services correct for doing so. John's dedication to providing the best service along with his extensive knowledge and experience keeps his clients coming back and happy to refer him to others.

John's first few years were spent learning the lending industry from two major banks and becoming a top producer at each. Determining one bank cannot always provide the best program for each client, John turned to brokering loans in 1991 where he could tailor the correct loan for his clients to match each financial situation.

Providing a loan to a client is just the start of a financial relationship. John loves to see his clients succeed in their financial goals and is happy to help in structuring their debt to meet those goals. He works hand in hand with many CPA's and Financial Planners to ensure that the client is heading toward financial freedom.

Whether his client is purchasing or refinancing personal real estate or investment properties, John is there to guide you through the loan process to make one of the biggest investments one of the easiest.

President of First Rate Financial Group, John is committed to creating Lifelong Clients.
License #01141565

Sheri DeRose

Sheri brings together her knowledge, experience and energetic attitude to ensure each client is provided with the options necessary for not only the loan program but the mortgage process to be tailored to their specific needs with always their best interest in mind. 90% of Sheri's clients come from referrals of past clients and business associates.

Sheri knows the complete mortgage process from start to finish. She began her career in the Real Estate field in 1987 and was recruited to wholesale lending in 1990. Early on she spent several years behind a desk processing. The years in this position have given her an extensive outlook of behind the scenes of a mortgage transaction which allows her to fully prepare her clients for anything that might come up. Because of this early education, she is happy to say that she is a "hands-on" originator.

Since those early years, Sheri was recruited by two major retail banks where she worked for several years. She realized early on that with the volatility that takes place in the marketplace her clients needed an array of options and competitive terms and rates to choose from which the retail side could not deliver. Sheri joined First Rate Financial Group in 2007. Sheri takes great pride in developing life long relationships with her residential & commercial clients. She can be reached at 805.796.7128.
License # 00959706

Tim Dunigan

Tim Dunigan has over 8 years of experience as a Senior Loan Consultant with the First Rate Financial Group. Tim came to the Lending business after spending over 20 years as a successful professional Actor playing many roles on both the screen and Stage. He is probably best known for being cast as "Davy Crockett" when Disney decided to revive the popular series back in 1988, winning the role over 4000 other actors. He also is remembered for his portrayal of Captain Jonathan Power on "Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future" , a cutting edge series that had a popular Mattel toy line that interacted with the characters on the screen as you watched each episode. The series broke many technical boundaries at the time, as the first ever interactive TV show. Tim also was seen on shows like "Murder She Wrote", " Cheers", The A-Team", "The Fall Guy" "Empty Nest", "The Paper Chase"...and many many others.

Using the same dedication and drive that propelled him to success in his Acting career, Tim has over the years, build his lending business in similar fashion. Specializing in First Time Buyers and Self-Employed borrowers, especially those in the entertainment field, Tim has won a reputation for knowledge and integrity that has led him to become one of the most trusted names in the field. Whether you are buying your first home or your last, an investment property, or even a commercial building, Tim can offer you the finest and best in service, product and most importantly, education of the mortgage process. Give him a call today, and find out for yourself what superior service is all about!
License # 01257387

Todd Fisher

Combining operations and sales experience-for smoother fundings. Todd's experience with all aspects of the loan business, and his intense interest in micromanaging every step of the transaction, gives a real comfort level to his clients.

Todd is one of our "new home" and resale" loan specialists, and thanks in no small part to the extraordinary value he places on every single client question, request or need, Todd has consistently placed in the prestigious President's Circle. Todd started his career 17 years ago with a Fortune 500 company where he learned the technical side of lending. Since then he has been able to use his operational knowledge along with his sales skills to fund hundreds of home loans.

Todd is always just a telephone call away. No matter what time of day, Todd will assist you. "I look forward to doing business with you, and meeting your lending needs in a fast and affordable manner."
License # 00970828

Debbie Fontenette

No Profile Information at the time.
License #01292016

Mike Glick

My eye-to-eye approach isn't just about professional, one-on-one service. It's about supporting my customers with technology that speeds up the loan approval process and ultimately saves you time and money. Why wait to get into the home of your dreams? We have a wide range of flexible purchase and refinance mortgage products, including Interest Only/Stated Income financing, that can help you discover the perfect formula for your success. Call me whether it be for 100% financing programs, construction loans, cross-collateral financing or your commercial lending needs.
License # 01156603

Mitzi Grasso

Mitzi grew up in the San Fernando Valley where she attended Taft High School, Pierce College and Cal State University Northridge.

As an active member in both the law enforcement and financial communities, Mitzi's philosophy is based upon the fundamental values of respect, honesty and integrity. Her goal is to create and maintain long-standing relationships with clients and lenders, by addressing each individual's financial needs. For over twenty years Mitzi has protected the safety and security of the Los Angeles Community. During her tenure as a law enforcement officer, she was the President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League for two years, where she represented over 9,000 rank and file members of the Los Angeles Police Department addressing a myriad of contractual and financial issues. She will apply the same principals to the protection of your financial security.

Mitzi lives in the Conejo Valley with her two daughters and a large extended family very dear to her heart. She has a variety of interests including horseback riding, golfing, gardening, cooking and rock climbing.
License # 01788796

Andy Green

"I enjoy doing loans," states Andy Green, "It's very rewarding to be able to help people get the property or the refinancing arrangement they want. I like that."

Andy is fully informed about the many different loan programs available today, "I'm all about options," states Andy "I like to provide my clients with multiple options so they can choose the best one that fits them." While providing options, Andy also offers his input based on his extensive knowledge and experience in the Real Estate profession, so his clients can obtain the right loan tailored to their needs.

Word-of-mouth referrals, past clients and Real Estate agents who return to work with Andy time and again prove that his methods work. His client-centered approach means he is readily accessible to address their needs and keep them fully informed throughout the loan process. "I go out of my way to do a good job for my clients," he says. "But I'd rather not talk about it; I'd rather do it!"

Andy, who likes to play golf when he can, admits, "First and foremost, I like to hang out with my family, my wife, my 12-year-old and my 3-year-old."
License # 01375358

Fred Gruber

With over 30 years of experience as a COO and CFO in the Jewelry and Computer Software Industries, Fred has brought his financial and analytical skills to the lending industry. Over the past 5 years and with the same drive and passion used to build a business Fred has developed sound skills in lending. A broker himself, Fred chooses to focus 100% of his attention on creating value for his clients.

Fred has a unique ability of developing practical, easily understood financial solutions for a broad range of financial situations with a passion for developing computer based business solutions that assist in communicating and presenting advanced concepts. All recommendations are comprehensive and backed by his strong analytical and financial skills.

As a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist I assist my clients with sound financial strategies to secure appropriate mortgages and strengthen their financial future. Fred?s commitment includes:

1. Ask questions and listen to our clients in order to fully understand their needs.
2. Create mortgage solutions that complement our clients' overall financial strategy, and allow them to most effectively accomplish their short and long term financial goals.
3. Be sensitive to the fears that many homeowners have about obtaining a mortgage loan and earn their confidence as a trusted advisor.
4. Respect our clients' time and minimize the amount of effort required of them by applying our knowledge, experience, and resourcefulness.
5. Use state-of-the-art technology to complement our customer service, making adjustments when necessary to avoid overwhelming our clients who are less technically proficient.
6. Communicate regularly and proactively with our clients to keep them informed of the status of the loan and to reduce the stress that is associated with uncertainty.
7. Ensure smooth, on time closings with anticipated costs and terms.
8. Provide our clients the luxury of home loans in the future with little effort on their part, by means of an Annual Mortgage Review.
9. Measure our success by our client's willingness to confidently recommend us.
10. Take full responsibility for our actions and be honest at all times.
11. Seek to improve the quality of service we provide by encouraging each client to critically evaluate our performance.

Fred enjoys helping his clients by engaging in deep conversations to help promote understanding about the best options available when searching for a mortgage. Fred works with clients to secure financing for home purchases as well as new mortgages to improve their current financial needs.

Fred has been happily married to his wife Susan for over 25 years and has two wonderful children, Adam and Tori. Fred enjoys skiing, tennis, reading and time with his family and friends.
License # 01455710

Sean Hart

With over fifteen years experience in the Real Estate and Financial Services industry, Sean Hart is a seasoned loan officer with rave reviews from his clients. More than a motto, "Integrity in Lending" has been earned from clients and lenders alike. Sean is a consistent top producer and winner of both the Presidents Club and Loan Officer of the year awards.

He enjoys time with his family and plays an active part in the children's academic and extracurricular activities. During the summer months you can find him panning for gold. As a long time area resident Sean's community involvement includes past President of his local Business Networking Chapter, participation in several charities focused on children and a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.
License # 01274617

Mark Johnson

Because I know my business, I ask the right questions to pinpoint your goals, and then focus on helping you reach them. That's how I work.

I spend time getting to know my clients, making sure that I completely understand their goals, needs and wishes. That's not only the best way I know of getting the best and most suitable loan, it's the best way of giving good, solid financial advice. And that is crucial.

A loan is just a piece of the puzzle. It may be an important corner piece, but it's only a piece. There are dozens of other pieces to your financial puzzle-other loans, investments, goals, dreams.

I do my best-to the extent desired-to give sound overall advice to put the puzzle together. That is the best way of ensuring that your loan is a wise move, given your overall financial strategy.

I treat your finances as if they were my own, and advise accordingly.

How successful is this approach? I have been recognized as one of the top-producing loan officers in the country. And there's another, better measure of how well I can meet your needs. That is in the sense of trust expressed by my many clients, and the many notes of appreciation I've received from them.
License # 00967614

Mary Johnson

Mary grew up in Long Beach, Ca where she attended high school and college prior to moving to the Conejo Valley in 1986.

She has been involved in the mortgage industry since 1986 and has been with First Rate Financial Group since 1995. She has an extensive background in the loan origination and real estate financing fields which enables her to assure her clients the best in experience and knowledge of the mortgage industry. Her goal is to always maintain a "client for life" with a personal touch approach in consulting her client's individual financing needs and options. Mary enjoys spending time with her friends and family, which includes her husband, Jim and her grown son, Matt, as well as her 8 siblings, parents and many special nieces and nephews, who are all very dear to her heart.

She also enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening, sports, walking and "watching" the game of golf.
Mary has over 24 yrs of experience in the real estate lending field. I always strive to achieve the best for all of my clients by supplying the best in personal assistance, knowledge, honesty and integrity with a great support staff to assist in the loan process. We take pride in the special relationships we have built with our clients over the years and nothing makes us happier than to help them achieve their dreams and goals in regards to that special home purchase or the individual financing options that are made available to them by our experienced team. Keeping up with the new federal regulations in regards to loan originating is something that I take very seriously as does First Rate Financial Group. We pride ourselves in being a state of the art company. We will strive to achieve the best for our clients.

Licenses: State of California Real Estate License

Education: St. Anthony High School Long Beach City College
License # 00972360

Ray Laser

Ray has over 30 years experience in helping people make important financial decisions. He prides himself on making buyers feel relaxed and comfortable about the loan process and makes customer service and satisfaction his number one priority. Ray's goal as a mortgage loan officer is to assist each person professionally, ethically, and knowledgeably. "We start as friends and end as friends" is his goal on every transaction.

In addition to traditional loans for refinancing and home purchases, Ray is an expert in Reverse Mortgages, a great product for senior homeowners aged 62+.
License # 00908078

Doug Minor

People are as unique as the homes they buy. That is why one loan does not fit all.

Finding the right loan agent for your home purchase or refinance can make a big difference.

My job is to find the home loan that is a perfect financial fit. One you can live with. My business philosophy can be summed up in one word: SERVICE.

Over 22 years of experience in the mortgage business, my commitment to you is to listen to your needs, explain the loan program that will best suit you and to make sure that you understand the process. I consider a new homeowner as a customer for life and even after the loan closes I keep providing financial information to you.

My goal is to earn the value of a relationship that will produce a lifetime of referrals for a job well done. I am looking forward to working hard for your purchase or refinancing needs.
License # 00945756

Mike Pfefferman

As a partner of First Rate Financial Group, Mike Pfefferman has a personal interest in the growth and development of the Company.

"My job really begins when the client's first loan closes with me," Mike reveals. "I'm not here to be a provider of debt for one-time transactions. I assist my customers in managing that debt and continually watch the market and provide updates to my clients with easy-to-read spreadsheets. I always let them know when it is in their best interest to refinance and save money. Because of the volume we do at First Rate Financial, I am able to do these loans at no cost to the consumer. I choose to take the approach of a consultant with all of my clientele."

First Rate Financial Group is the largest independent Mortgage Broker in Ventura County, serving clients throughout California. Mike Pfefferman has been with the company since its inception, and has worked in the mortgage industry for over 14 years. Both his peers and his clients have considered him a top produce of admirable character. For five consecutive years, from 2000 to 2004, Mike has ranked among the 200 top producing Loan Professionals in the nation by Mortgage Originator Magazine.

Mike resides in Westlake Village with his wife and 3 children. Contact Mike Pfefferman for financing residential properties.
License # 01130048

Lisa Schad

As a Senior Loan Consultant, my range of experience offers more than most others in this profession. I have specialized in the industry since 1982 and I am proud to say my business is 99% referral based.

In my early career years I started as a Vice President of a major banking institution operating several retail mortgage lending offices; working with Appraisers, Underwriters and Investors with the limited loan programs they offered. Fortunately, in 1993, I realized that the loans offered by retail Banks are most often not the best terms available (rate/cost/programs), and better options were available to assist my clients.

The exciting opportunity of working with First Rate Financial Group is that it offers the Security of a solid lending operation that is nationally recognized for its level of professionalism and success by the ranking of customer satisfaction. Together with my knowledge and experience, working with me for a home loan, will provide my clients with the comfort of knowing you have the best terms on the market, and a measure of personal service that most others cannot provide.

I am passionate in what I do, and especially take great care and pride in developing long lasting relationships with my clients, offering the best in financing for real estate. I offer real estate loans for purchase, refinance, home improvement, line of credit and fixed 2nd mortgages. I offer financing opportunities in all of California, including other areas by request.

Lisa Schad
Office: 805-584-0503
Email: Lisaloan@pacbell.net
License # 01158887

Ken Skeate

Ken Skeate is the Director of Residential Lending for Westlake Village based First Rate Financial Group, a leading mortgage banking firm. As a Real Estate Mortgage Banker, Ken follows in the footsteps of his father, a retired Security Pacific National Bank executive.

Born and raised in Southern California, Ken attended UCLA where he studied economics. In 1985 he joined Merrill Lynch Realty and was named "Rookie of the Year". In 1991 Ken's propensity for finance led him to the mortgage banking side of the industry. Since then, he has been responsible for helping hundreds of family's reach their real estate financing goals.

Adhering to a philosophy based on the fundamental values of honesty and integrity has allowed Ken to forge long-standing relationships with both clients and lenders. His dedication to professionalism and commitment to product knowledge has won him the respect and admiration of his peers.

A brand new father, Ken lives in Simi Valley with his wife Kristine and daughter Sofia.
License # 0085612

Ron Whittemore

Ron brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the Mortgage Industry through his prior experience in construction, real estate development, investment consulting and management. Since the mid 1990's, he has been actively involved in all phases of the Lending Process, from the initial Client contact, to Originating, Qualifying, Processing, Lender Research (for the "Best Program" for his clients), to the Loan Funding and Follow up.

Ron's Clients have the confidence in knowing they will be directed to the type of loan most suited to their particular financial situation, long term objectives, and specific needs. Keeping clients in the loop in every aspect of the loan process creates a confidence which has been vital in building long term relationships. He is able to package a loan to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses. In so doing, his goal is to give his clients far more than they expect. The proverbial "WOW" Effect!

In addition to his Full Time Mortgage business, Ron is also very active in the "Classical Music Scene" in Southern California, both as a Piano Accompanist, Singer, and Vocal Coach. Ron is married and resides in Simi Valley, CA.

Licenses: Real Estate, State of California;
Education: B.A. Colorado State University at Ft. Collins;
M.A. Colorado State University at Ft. Collins.
Unit4d States Army Security Agency-Asmara, Eritrea
Certifications: Handwriting Analyst & Graph-Analytical Therapist
C.G.A. Certified Grapho-Analyst-IGAS-Chicago, Ill
Business Phone: (805)-857-5296, (818)-735-5930
Cell Phone: (805) 857-5787
Fax: (805) 527-4667
Email: ronw@firstratefinancialgp.com
License # 00469321

CraigWolchover

Born in England, Craig moved to Los Angeles in 1979 and immediately entered the Real Estate profession.

In the lending business for nearly 20 years, Craig recently joined the First Rate Financial Group. He has closed almost one half billion dollars in loans by following 3 simple but unbreakable rules:

• Return phone calls
• Tell the truth
• Close your loan!!!

His clients appreciate Craig's professionalism, honesty, attention to detail and basic hard working style that makes closing their home loan look easy.

In his personal life, Craig devotes time to his wife and 3 children, running marathons, and training for an Ironman® Triathlon.
License # 01053405