Leonard Veloz

Loan Originator

NMLS#2261130

En Español →

English Only

Where do you stand right now?

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

🎖️

Veteran or active military

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

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🔑

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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💼

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:

(623) 224-7793

Here's Where I Specialize

“I’m a former Air National Guard service member and a dual-licensed real estate professional. I bring both perspectives to every loan.”

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 →

VA Loans

If you've served, you've earned this. Zero down, no monthly mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. As a former service member, helping veterans use their benefit is the most fulfilling work I do.

Learn about VA 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 →

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.”

— Leonard Veloz

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

“Honesty, competence, and care through the entire transaction. Your Mortgage Advisor for Life.”

I am a Loan Originator with Lender Express Mortgage, serving clients across Arizona. I am also a former Air National Guard service member and a dual-licensed real estate professional. That combination shapes how I work with every client.

As a former service member myself, I find the most fulfillment in helping current and former military members navigate the path to home ownership. I know the ins and outs of the VA loan. I know the benefits a lot of veterans do not realize they have earned. If you have served, you have earned this. My job is to make sure you use it the right way.

I am also passionate about working with first-time buyers. I came from a lower-income family raised by a single mom who never thought home ownership would be possible. That experience drives my approach. I educate, I hold your hand from start to finish, and I take the stress out of what can feel like an overwhelming process.

I have been in real estate since 2015, and I moved into mortgages so I could give my clients even more value. I am dual-licensed as an Associate Real Estate Broker and a Mortgage Loan Officer. That means I understand both sides of every transaction, from contract to closing.

What sets my approach apart is the level of care. I treat every client with honesty, competence, and patience. I figure out what you already know, fill in the gaps, and make sure you are confident in every decision. This is one of the biggest financial moves of your life. You deserve a guide who treats it that way.

I live in the West Valley of Phoenix, right in Goodyear. As an Arizona native, I have watched Buckeye and Goodyear grow into two of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Outside of work, you will find me hiking, paddle boarding, or trying out one of the great new food spots that keep opening up around here.

Licensed in Arizona

NMLS#2261130

3+ Years in Mortgages

English Only

Veteran-Owned VA Specialist

Dual-Licensed RE Broker

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.

You are also a real estate broker. How does that help me?

I am dual-licensed as an Associate Real Estate Broker and a Mortgage Loan Officer. That means I understand both sides of every transaction. I know what the contract is doing, what the agent needs, and how to keep your loan on track with the purchase timeline. You get one professional who sees the full picture.

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 (or I can pull it for you). 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 and USDA loans can go down to zero for those who qualify. Arizona also has down payment assistance programs I can match you with.

Specialty Programs

How does a VA loan actually 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. As a former service member, I take veteran files personally.

Can I use my VA benefit more than once?

Yes. Your VA benefit can be used multiple times in your lifetime, with conditions. If you have an existing VA loan, we look at your remaining entitlement to see what you qualify for. Even if your benefit has been used, you may have full or partial entitlement available. I will pull the details and walk you through it.

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.

Working with Leonard Veloz

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. No ghosting, no chasing, no wondering where things stand. Communication is what my clients tell me they remember most.

Do you work with first-time buyers?

All the time. First-time buyers are a big part of my business. I came from a family that never thought home ownership was possible, so this work means something to me. 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.

What states are you licensed in?

Arizona. I work statewide. If you are anywhere in Arizona, we can work together. Verify my license at any time at nmlsconsumeraccess.org under NMLS #2261130.

Licensing

Leonard Veloz
NMLS#2261130.

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses

AZ LO-1032823