George Pastore

Loan Originator

NMLS#2513600

En Español →

English Only

Where do you stand right now?

Pick the situation that fits and I’ll point you in the right direction.

🔑

First-time buyer

"I have never bought a home before. I don't know where to start."

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📈

Move-up buyer

"My family is growing. I need more space and the right loan to get there."

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🎖️

Veteran or active military

"I served. I want to use my VA benefit the right way."

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💼

I'm self-employed

"My tax returns don't show my real income. I need a lender who gets it."

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🏘️

I'm a real estate investor

"I want to qualify on the property's rental income, not my personal DTI."

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Don’t see your situation above? No problem. I’ve worked with just about every scenario, including refinances. Just give me a call:

480-789-0903

Here's Where I Specialize

“I enjoy finding solutions for all types of buyers, from first-time home buyers to experienced investors.”

Conventional Loans

The flexible workhorse for buyers with solid credit. Lower mortgage insurance, more property types, and the smoothest path for well-qualified borrowers. I shop multiple lenders for the best fit.

Learn about Conventional loans →

FHA Loans

A practical path for first-time buyers and clients building credit. Lower down payment, easier qualifying, and credit scores as low as 580. I walk you through every requirement in plain language.

Learn about FHA loans →

VA Loans

If you've served, you've earned this. Zero down, no monthly mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. As a former first responder, taking care of those who serve is personal to me.

Learn about VA loans →

These are my top three, but I work with the full range of loan programs available →

Here's How It Works

No surprises, no pressure. This is what the process actually looks like.

1

Tell me your situation

"We talk through your goals, your timeline, and your finances. No commitment. Just a conversation."

2

I review your options

"I shop your scenario across multiple lenders and bring back the best options with real numbers."

3

You choose the best fit

"You decide. I'll walk you through each option in plain English, without the pressure or the jargon."

4

We close - I'm with you

"From application to closing keys, I manage the process and stay reachable the whole way."

No commitment required. Just a conversation.

Run the Numbers Yourself

Use these free tools right here. No login, no forms, no sales calls.

Mortgage Payment Estimator

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Home Price ($)

Down Payment ($)

Down payment cannot exceed the home price.

Loan Amount ($)

Loan amount cannot exceed the home price.

Interest Rate (%)

Loan Term

Monthly Tax + Insurance (optional)

Estimated Monthly Payment

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This is an estimate only. Your actual payment may vary based on your loan type, credit profile, and lender. Contact Steve for an accurate quote.

Use the full mortgage calculators and tools →

How Much Can I Buy?

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Household Income — Pre-Tax

Include all borrowers who will be on the loan. Enter your combined pre-tax income.

Monthly Debt Payments ($)

Include car payments, student loans, credit card minimums, and any other monthly loan payments. Do not include household bills such as rent, utilities, phone, or insurance.

Down Payment ($)

Based on what you've entered, you may qualify for a home up to

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This is an estimate based on standard debt-to-income guidelines. Your actual buying power depends on your credit score, loan type, and lender. Talk to Steve for a real number.

Talk to Steve for a real number — (480) 329-3346 →

From the First-Time Homebuyer Guide

Know your real number before you shop

Understanding pre-approval vs. pre-qualification so you shop with confidence, not guesses.

Down payment assistance is more common than you think

Most buyers don't realize help exists in their state. This guide shows you what's available.

Closing costs are negotiable

Knowing what's negotiable before you make an offer can save you thousands.

“I put this guide together for first-time buyers I work with.”

— George Pastore

Free PDF — No email required

Wondering What Rate You'd Qualify For?

Your rate depends on your credit score, loan type, and financial profile, not a national average. Let me show you what you actually qualify for.

Why I Do This Work

“This career allows me to continue to serve others, just in a different capacity.”

I am a Loan Originator with Lender Express Mortgage, serving clients across Arizona. My job is simple. I find the right loan for your goals and I take care of the details so you don’t have to.

Before mortgages, I spent 24 years as a Fire Captain and Paramedic. That work taught me how to stay calm in pressure situations, how to communicate clearly, and how to put the people in front of me first. I bring the same approach to every loan.

I moved into the mortgage business because I wanted to keep serving my community in a different way. This career allows me to provide for my family and help other families reach the goal of homeownership. It is a different uniform, but the mission is the same.

I work with all kinds of buyers. First-time homebuyers. Move-up families. Self-employed clients. Investors. Veterans. Buyers with limited down payment or credit challenges. My focus is matching your needs with the right product. Every scenario is unique.

What sets my approach apart is that I keep your perspective at the center of the process. I do not push you toward a loan that fits me. I find the loan that fits you. Then I walk you through it in plain language so you know what to expect at every step.

Outside of work, family is everything. I bring the same loyalty and follow-through that defined my fire service career to every client I work with. When you call, I answer. When something needs to be done, it gets done.

Licensed in Arizona

NMLS#2513600

24 Years Fire Service

English Only

3 Years in Mortgages

VA Friendly

Questions I Hear Most

Straight answers, no sales pitch. Browse the mortgage glossary for more definitions.

Understanding the Broker Model

What is the difference between a broker and a lender?

A lender is one company with one set of products. A broker shops many lenders for you. At Lender Express I have access to dozens of lender partners. That means I can compare programs and rates side by side and bring you the best fit for your situation. You get more choice, often a better rate, and one point of contact through the whole process.

Does it cost more to work with a broker?

No. In most cases working with a broker costs the same or less than going directly to a bank. Lenders pay brokers a small fee for delivering a clean, qualified loan. That fee is built into the loan, not paid separately by you, and is disclosed up front. The real value is access to more loan programs and better pricing.

Why not just use my current bank?

Your bank is one option. If they have the best fit and the best price, great. But they only offer their own products. If your situation is even a little outside the box, the bank may say no when a broker could say yes. I run your file against many lenders so you do not miss a better option.

Getting Started

What is the first step?

A 15-minute phone call. I learn about your goals, your timing, and your situation. I tell you what is realistic and what your next move should be. No pressure, no commitment, no paperwork yet. Most people leave that first call with more clarity than they have had in months.

What documents do I need to get pre-approved?

Two years of W-2s or tax returns, your most recent pay stubs, two months of bank statements, and a photo ID. If you are self-employed, I will need a couple of years of business returns too. For VA, I will also need your Certificate of Eligibility. I keep the list simple.

How long does the full process take?

A typical purchase loan closes in 21 to 30 days from contract to keys. Pre-approval can be done in 1 to 3 business days once I have your documents. If you are still shopping, you can be pre-approved before you even pick a house. That makes your offers stronger.

Credit and Qualification

What credit score do I need?

For FHA loans we have programs that start at 580. VA loans can go even lower in some cases. Conventional loans usually need 620 or higher for the best terms. There is no single magic number. Your full picture matters. I will pull your credit, walk you through what we are working with, and tell you the truth about where you stand.

Will checking my credit hurt my score?

The hard credit pull I run can drop your score by a few points temporarily, but it bounces back fast. Mortgage shopping is treated as one inquiry by the credit bureaus if it happens inside a 45-day window. So you can compare quotes without taking multiple hits.

Do I really need 20% down?

No. That is one of the biggest myths in mortgage. Conventional loans can start at 3%. FHA loans start at 3.5% down. VA loans can go down to zero for those who qualify. I will show you the actual numbers for your situation.

Specialty Programs

How do VA loans work?

If you have served, you may qualify for a VA loan. Zero down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. You will need a Certificate of Eligibility, which I can help you get. VA is one of the strongest benefits any borrower can use. I treat veteran files with the care they deserve.

I am self-employed. Can I still qualify?

Yes. Self-employed buyers qualify all the time. I have access to bank statement loans, P&L-only programs, and conventional loans for self-employed borrowers with strong tax returns. The trick is matching you to the right program for how your income shows up on paper.

Can I qualify for a jumbo loan?

Yes. Jumbo loans are for purchase amounts above the conforming loan limit. Underwriting is tighter and reserves matter, but I work with multiple jumbo lenders. Each one has different appetites. I will find the one that fits your file.

Working with George Pastore

How often will we be in touch?

As often as you need. You will hear from me at every major step, and I am quick to respond when you reach out. After 24 years in the fire service, returning a call quickly is second nature. No ghosting, no chasing.

Do you work with first-time buyers?

All the time. First-time buyers are a big part of my business. I take extra time to explain every option in plain language and make sure you feel ready before you sign anything. There is no question too basic.

You are virtual. How does that work?

I work remotely and serve clients statewide across Arizona. Everything can be handled by phone, email, text, or video. You sign documents electronically. It is faster, more flexible, and just as personal as meeting in an office. Verify my license at any time at nmlsconsumeraccess.org under NMLS #2513600.

Licensing

George Pastore
NMLS#2513600.

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses

AZ LO-2004656