CALL TODAY: 818-707-4131 • Company NMLS 1777223 • Company DRE: 02075839
About Us
First Rate Financial is a leading lender located in Westlake Village, California, in the heart of the Conejo Valley.
Since 1989, First Rate is a Mortgage Company known for its superior service, integrity, and experienced loan consultants. We offer a variety of home loan solutions including first-time homebuyer programs with down-payment assistance, FHA and VA, conventional, jumbo and super jumbo and more! This means you can rest assured that we’ll provide you with a competitive loan that meets your unique needs. Providing a loan to a client is just the beginning of a financial relationship.
We believe that First Rate Financial Group is here to satisfy YOUR needs, not just ours. Our goal is to create a “Client for Life.” We pride ourselves in offering astute financial advice and the highest level of customer service. We make the process of purchasing or refinancing your loan as simple and worry-free as possible. Whether you are purchasing a new property or you want to refinance for a lower mortgage rate, get a new home mortgage, home equity loan or second mortgage, we are confident that we will satisfy your needs. By putting you first, we assure you a pleasurable transaction.
Loan Programs
Several types of mortgage loan products are available and listed below. Once you review the types, ask us for more details, so we can determine which type of program would be the best option for you.
Fixed Rate Mortgage
A mortgage in which the interest rate is fixed for the term of the loan. Terms include 30, 20, 15 or 10 years.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage
A mortgage in which the interest rate is adjusted periodically based on a pre-selected index and margin.
Hybrid Adjustable Rate Mortgage
A mortgage in which the interest rate is fixed for a predetermined period of time, like three, five, seven or 10 years. After the predetermined period of time, the loan converts to an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) for the remaining term of the loan.
Conventional Loan
Conventional loans are not insured by any government program, and they are the most common type of mortgage. Conforming conventional loans follow the loan amount guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Nonconforming loans don't meet those guidelines, but are still considered conventional. Conventional loans often have higher down payment requirements than government-sponsored loans like FHA and USDA.
VA Loan
Mortgage loans available to eligible US veterans. VA guaranteed loans are made by private lenders, such as banks or mortgage companies, for the purchase of a home for a buyer’s own personal occupancy. These loans offer competitive rates and require little or no down payment.
FHA Loan
A loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration open to all qualified home purchasers. While there are limits to the size of FHA loans, they are generous enough to handle moderately-priced homes almost anywhere in the country. FHA loans offer a low down payment and more flexibility than many other types of financing.
USDA Rural Home Loan
Loans guaranteed by the USDA remain one of the few nationally offered loan programs available with no down payment. The program’s requirements mandate that both the property and borrower must qualify. These requirements are dependent on the physical location of the property and the maximum household income.
Reverse Mortgages
A homeowner relinquishes equity in their home in exchange for regular payments, typically to supplement retirement income.
Client Reviews
★★★★★
"My Husband & I had a unique set of circumstances & traditional lenders couldn't move fast enough. Our CPA who's known John for decades put us in touch and from start to finish, it was an amazing experience. His support staff is exceptional and work at your level, be it being able to supply info via the web or needing Fed Ex. John is an Expert who gets you to the finish line in warp speed!"
"Could not have asked for a better home buying experience with regards to our loan. We recently found our dream home, and needed to navigate through several financial obstacles to make it happen. Fred’s relentless work on our loan, and knowledge of how to navigate the waters of today’s loan approval environment enabled our dream to become a reality!"
"This staff was incredibly helpful. This was my first home purchase and I had plenty of questions. Fred and his staff always took my calls and helped walk me through all parts of the process. I would highly recommend."
"Noel Kelman is by far the best at what she does. Noel was very helpful with the process of buying my home. She made a very stressful home buying process less stressful and rewarding. She is informing, understanding and works with the client to best suit there needs. I highly recommend her. She is very professional and is very good at what she does. Thank you so much."
"I would highly recommend Fred and his team to anyone looking to refinance their home. They treated us with respect and were there every step of the way. Any questions that we had his door was always open. He made the process stress free and very easy for us. Accommodated our every need. Thanks again Fred and looking forward to work with you in the future."
"Fred and his team did a great job closing this loan on time. We were especially pleased he was willing to fund a VA loan."
"Fred and his entire team were a pleasure to work with, regarding our first mortgage! Fred's Knowledge, level of support, frequent communication, and quick responses made our transaction feel very comfortable. i would highly recommend Fred for any lending need!"
“Ray….Thank you so much for your professionalism in taking care of this reverse mortgage for us. You kept us educated and informed every step of the process. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
"Mike has done several large and small loans for me over the past few years, he has always proven to be a tremendous and creative resource, providing invaluable advice and highly competitive rates. I wouldn't use anyone else for my loan needs and I would highly recommend using Mike for whatever loan needs you have."
The Latest News
Challenges and Solutions for Mortgages in Remote Areas
April 1, 2025
Buying a home in a remote area can be a dream come true--peaceful surroundings, open spaces, and a slower pace of life. However, securing a mortgage for these properties comes with unique challenges. As a mortgage originator, I'm here to break down the hurdles and offer solutions so you can make your rural homeownership dreams a reality.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 31st, 2025
March 31, 2025
With the introduction of tariffs on Tuesday, there is significant uncertainty across all sectors regarding the potential outcome. While important data releases--including the PCE Index, Personal Income & Spending, and Consumer Sentiment for the quarter--have taken place, their impact is expected to be largely overshadowed by apprehension surrounding the widespread tariff decisions.
Can I Get a Mortgage Without a Credit Score By Using Alternative Credit History?
March 28, 2025
When securing a mortgage, borrowers have the option to reduce their interest rate through a mortgage buydown. This strategy can help lower monthly payments, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the type of buydown chosen.
Interested in applying? Get pre-qualified now!
Send Us a Message!
Any questions?
Don't hesitate to call us at:
(818) 707-4131,
or leave us a message through our contact form on the left.
We'll be in touch as soon as possible!