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Mariela Elenes

  • Loan Originator
En Español →
  • AZ
English & Español
480-721-2382
Apply with Mariela Elenes

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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💵

Low down payment

"I have some savings, but not 20% down."

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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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💼

Self-employed buyer

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

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🌎

ITIN buyer

"I don't have a Social Security number, but I want to buy a home."

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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:

480-721-2382

Here's Where I Specialize

“I serve every client like family. Bilingual, attentive, and committed to first-time buyers and the Hispanic community.”

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 →

ITIN Loans

Home ownership for borrowers without a Social Security number. ITIN loans use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to qualify. I work with lenders that specialize in serving the Hispanic community.

Learn about ITIN 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."

480-721-2382

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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Down payment cannot exceed the home price.
Loan amount cannot exceed the home price.
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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Include all borrowers who will be on the loan. Enter your combined pre-tax income.

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.

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.”
— Mariela Elenes
Download the Free Guide →

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.

480-721-2382
Apply with Steve

Why I Do This Work

mariela-elenes-headshot
“We treat every client’s home purchase and loan as if it were our own.”

I am a Mortgage Loan Officer with Lender Express Mortgage. I joined the company in March 2025, and I serve clients in both English and Spanish across Arizona. I am part of the Elenes Team, working alongside my brother Sergio Elenes on both mortgage and real estate.

 

I am committed to serving the Spanish-speaking community. I know the questions, the concerns, and the dreams that first-time buyers carry into a home purchase. My job is to make the process clear, the language familiar, and the goal reachable.

 

Before mortgages, I worked as a car financing underwriter. That background gave me an inside view of how lenders evaluate borrowers. Today I use that perspective to help my clients put their best file forward.

 

I am also a Top 1% Real Estate Agent in Arizona with EMG Real Estate, where I have worked since 2020. The dual perspective of real estate agent and loan officer means I understand the full picture of every transaction, from your first showing to the closing table.

 

What sets my approach apart is service quality. I treat every client like family. I am responsive, attentive, and professional. I walk with you from your first call all the way to the day you get the keys, and I am still here long after closing.

 

Outside of work, family is everything. I love spending time with my family and with my princess, my Pomeranian. I stay active, and I am dedicated to helping others reach their real estate goals.

Licensed in Arizona
NMLS#2243809
First-Time Buyer Specialist
English & Español
ITIN Loans
Top 1% Realtor (EMG)
480-721-2382

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.
Do you serve clients in Spanish?
Yes. I am fluent in English and Spanish, and I serve the Spanish-speaking community as a core part of my business. Every document, every conversation, every question can be handled in the language you are most comfortable with.
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 ITIN loans, I will explain the document list specific to your program. I keep it 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. Conventional loans usually need 620 or higher for the best terms. ITIN programs have their own credit requirements that I will walk you through. There is no single magic number. Your full picture matters.
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. Arizona also has down payment assistance programs I can match you with. I will show you the actual numbers for your situation.
Specialty Programs
What is an ITIN loan?
An ITIN loan is a mortgage for borrowers who do not have a Social Security number. Instead, you use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to qualify. ITIN loans open the door to home ownership for many in the Hispanic community. I work with lenders who specialize in these programs, and I will explain every step in plain language and in Spanish if you prefer.
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.
What about down payment assistance?
Arizona has several programs for first-time buyers. Some cover down payment. Some cover closing costs. I will match your income and county to the right program. These programs can be a real difference-maker for first-time buyers.
Working with Mariela Elenes
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. I treat my clients like family, and family does not get ghosted. Communication is what my clients tell me they remember most.
Do you work with first-time buyers?
All the time. First-time buyers are the heart of my business. I take extra time to explain everything in plain language, in English or Spanish, 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 #2243809.
Licensing
  • Mariela Elenes
  • NMLS#2243809.

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses
AZ LO-1043411
480-721-2382
Apply with Mariela Elenes

Interest Rates, APR’s & programs are illustrations subject to change at any time. These do not constitute a ‘Loan or Good Faith Estimate’ for payments and closing costs. Not all applicants will qualify. APR may vary by product type. Consumer is not obligated to use any party mentioned. Lender Express Mortgage is not affiliated with FHA, VA, USDA or the Federal Government. Lender Express Mortgage, LLC supports Equal Housing Opportunity (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | (888) 286-0367 | 2500 S Power Rd Bldg 9 Ste 133, Mesa, AZ 85209. Regulated by the AZ Department of Financial Institutions. Arizona License #MB-1008082, CA #60DBO-140688, CO #MB-1963444, FL #MBR4665, IA #1963444, OR #1963444, PA #79751, TX #1963444. Figure: 7 tac § 80.200(b) consumer wishing to file a complaint against a company or a residential mortgage loan originator should complete and send a complaint form to the Texas department of savings and mortgage lending, 2601 North Lamar, suite 201, Austin, Texas 78705. Complaint forms and instructions may be obtained from the department website at www.Sml.Texas.Gov. A toll-free consumer hotline is available at 1-877-276-5550. The department maintains a recovery fund to make payments of certain actual out of pocket damages sustained by borrowers caused by acts of licensed residential mortgage loan originators. A written application for reimbursement from the recovery fund must be filed with and investigated by the department prior to the payment of a claim. For more information about the recovery fund, please consult the department’s website at www.Sml.Texas.Gov. Above information and content is accurate as of 6/22.