Sergio Elenes

FHA opens the door for first-time buyers and people rebuilding credit. Lower credit thresholds and down payments as low as 3.5%. A strong fit for buyers who need flexibility on credit or debt-to-income.

Learn about FHA loans →

Down Payment Assistance

Most buyers don't realize how much help is out there. Grants, second mortgages, and forgivable loans can cover part or all of your down payment. I match you to the right program for your income and area.

See DPA programs →

Conventional Loans

The most common loan type. Strong pricing for buyers with good credit and stable income. Flexible down payment options starting at 3%. Great fit for repeat buyers and move-up families.

Explore conventional loans →

These are my top three, but I work with the full range of loan programs available → including ITIN, bank statement, DSCR, and USDA.

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.”

— Sergio Elenes

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

“I specialize in finding creative solutions for buyers who think they cannot qualify.”

I am a licensed mortgage professional and a licensed real estate agent. I work both sides of the transaction. That gives me a view of the deal most loan officers don’t have.

I joined Lender Express Mortgage in March 2025 as Branch Manager. I run the Avondale office. Before mortgages, I started in real estate in 2019, where I learned the contract side of the business inside out.

I work side by side with my sister, Mariela Elenes, on The Elenes Team. We serve clients across mortgage and real estate. Two sides of the same conversation, under one roof.

I speak fluent English and Spanish. That matters in our market. Buying a home is the biggest financial decision most families make. You should make it in the language you think in.

My specialty is finding creative paths for buyers who think they can’t qualify. First-time buyers, self-employed clients, ITIN borrowers, credit-challenged files. I look at the whole picture, not just the credit score.

As a broker, I compare options across many lenders. You get more programs, better fit, and pricing that actually works for your file. Not just what one bank happens to sell.

Off the clock, I’m a licensed private pilot and a working musician. I perform regularly when my schedule allows. Music and flying both teach the same thing. Discipline plus practice equals results.

Licensed in Arizona

NMLS#2154017

Licensed Real Estate Agent

English & Español

Private Pilot

Questions I Hear Most

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

Understanding the Broker Model

What's the difference between a mortgage broker and a lender?

A lender offers only their own loan products. As a broker, I shop your loan across multiple lenders to find the best rate and terms for your specific situation. You get more options and a true comparison, not just whatever one institution happens to offer.

How do I know which loan program is right for me?

It starts with a 15-minute conversation. I'll ask about your income, credit, down payment, and goals. From there I match your situation to the programs that actually fit, not the ones that pay me the most. You'll get a recommendation in plain English.

Getting Started

What's the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved?

Pre-qualification is typically a verbal estimate based on information you provide over the phone or online. It's a starting point, not a commitment. Pre-approval is a thorough review of your actual income, credit, and assets, and it comes with a written letter you can present to sellers and agents. Sellers take pre-approval letters seriously. Pre-qualification, not so much. If you're serious about buying, pre-approval is where you want to be.

How long does it take to get pre-approved?

Most clients are pre-approved within 24 to 48 hours after submitting their documents. The quicker you can send pay stubs, W-2s, bank statements, and tax returns, the quicker we move.

What documents will I need to get started?

The basics: two months of pay stubs, two years of W-2s or tax returns, two months of bank statements, and a copy of your ID. If you're self-employed, I'll also need your business tax returns and a year-to-date P&L. I'll send you a clean checklist before our first call so you know exactly what to gather.

Credit and Qualification

How does my credit score affect my rate and loan options?

Your credit score affects both which programs you qualify for and what rate you'll be offered. A higher score generally means a lower rate and more options. But a lower score doesn't mean you're out. FHA loans, for example, allow scores as low as 580. I'll tell you exactly where you stand and what, if anything, is worth addressing before you apply.

Can I get pre-approved if I've had credit issues in the past?

Often yes. Bankruptcy, foreclosure, and short sales have waiting periods, but they're not permanent disqualifiers. Some Non-QM programs work with much shorter waiting periods. A short conversation is the fastest way to know where you actually stand.

Specialty Programs

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

I work with ITIN loans. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, you can still qualify for a mortgage. Down payment and credit requirements are different than standard loans, but the path is real. Call me and we will walk through your specific situation.

I'm self-employed. Can I still qualify?

Yes. Self-employed borrowers are one of my specialties. If your tax returns don't show the income you actually earn, we have options like bank statement loans, P&L loans, and asset utilization loans. Each has different requirements. A 15-minute call is usually enough to figure out which path fits.

Do you work with first-time buyers?

Often. First-time buyers are a big part of my book. I take time to explain the process step by step. No question is too small. Many of my clients have never seen a closing disclosure before. We go through it together.

Can you handle real estate investor loans?

Yes. I do DSCR loans for rental properties. These qualify you based on the property's rental income, not your personal income. Good fit for investors growing a portfolio without using their W-2 to qualify.

Working with Sergio Elenes

¿Atiendes clientes en español?

Sí. Hablo español con fluidez. Te ayudo en español de principio a fin. Documentos, llamadas, y todo el proceso de cierre. Si prefieres hablar en español, llámame y empezamos ahí.

What can I expect on our first call?

A real conversation. About 20 minutes. I ask about your goals. You ask about loans. I tell you straight what fits, what doesn't, and what the numbers look like. No pitch. No pressure. English or Spanish, your choice.

How do you usually communicate with clients?

Whatever works for you. Phone, text, email, in-person at the Avondale branch. English or Spanish. I match your pace and your preference. Some clients want weekly updates. Some want to hear from me only when there's news. You tell me, I deliver.

Are you available on weekends?

Yes. Many of my clients work full-time during the week. Text or call any day. I will get back to you as quickly as I can, including evenings and weekends.

Licensing

Sergio Elenes
NMLS#2154017.

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses

AZ LO-1038195

Sergio Elenes

Where do you stand right now?

Buying my first home

Prefiero hablar en español

I'm self-employed

I don't have a Social Security number

I'm ready to apply

Here's Where I Specialize

FHA Loans