Brad Baumann

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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

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.

Ronda Cross

The Inland Empire's Builder Home Loan Specialist

"Specializing in opening the door of opportunity for home ownership."

Ronda Cross began her Real Estate career as a receptionist while a college student in 1986. After earning her B.S. in Business Administration, she has worked her way up to receiving her license in 1990. Because of her varied experience, she is well-versed and up-to-date in the all aspects of the Real Estate business.

"Obtaining the right home loan can be a very intimidating experience," notes Ronda, "that's why I work closely with my clients. It's very important to me to arrange an initial one-on-one, face to face meeting, and then stay in regular correspondence with each of my clients." Ronda maintains a very flexible schedule and works virtually every weekend to guarantee her client maximum access to her expertise.

Ronda is known for her excellent service in the rapidly growing area of the Inland Empire. She has worked extensively with first-time home buyers, individuals who require a low down payment, and those who might be unsure of their ability to purchase a home. Ronda also is well-informed about competitive pricing and a vast menu of loan programs to assist her more-savvy move-up buyers.

"I keep my clients realistic, but can offer them a wide range of options to choose from," she said, "I am committed to exceed my clients' expectations throughout the sometimes daunting experience of obtaining a home loan."

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.

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!

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."

Debbie Fontenette

No Profile Information at the time.

David Garrett

David draws on over 30 years of banking, finance and real estate experience in California to select the right loan for each client. Every individual and property is unique so an understanding of the immediate and long-term financial needs of every client is essential. From a wide array of loan products from lenders nationwide David recommends the most appropriate, competitive programs for the "the right loan".

A volunteer "Beachkeeper" with the Santa Monica Baykeeper David is also active in the Santa Monica Audubon and US Wildlife Snowy Plover Annual Survey. He is a former board member of the California Association of Mortgage Brokers of Los Angeles. He lives with his wife, Randi, in Malibu. He holds an M.S. degree from CSUN.

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.

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.

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."

Fred Gruber

No Profile Information at the time.

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.

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.

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 a business partner, Tina Skultety, whom she has worked with in the industry for over 9 years. Together they have combined over 30 yrs of experience in the real estate lending field. They always strive to achieve the best for all of their 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.

Licenses: State of California Real Estate License

Education: St. Anthony High School Long Beach City College

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+.

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.

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.

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

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.

Ron Whittemore

No Profile Information at the time.

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.