Shane Hollenback

Owner / Loan Officer

NMLS#180101

En Español →

AZ, ID

English Only

Where do you stand right now?

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

🏠

Buying my first home

"I don't know where to start or if I can even qualify."

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🎖️

I'm a veteran

"I served — let's put my VA benefit to work."

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💼

I'm self-employed

"My income is complex. Can I still get a mortgage?"

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🏢

I'm a real estate investor

"I want to finance a rental without using my W-2."

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✅

I'm ready to apply

"I know what I want — let's get moving."

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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:

(602) 690-7581

Here's Where I Specialize

“As a broker, I compare dozens of lenders to find what works for your situation. These are the three areas where I spend most of my time.”

VA Loans

VA loans are one of the strongest benefits earned through service. $0 down, no monthly PMI, and competitive rates. I'll help you pull your Certificate of Eligibility and walk you through every step.

Learn about VA loans →

Non-QM Loans

Non-QM means flexible. If your file doesn't fit the standard box (maybe you're between jobs, recently self-employed, or have unique income), Non-QM can be the right path. Let's see what fits.

See Non-QM options →

Self-Employed Loans

Tax returns don't always show what you actually earn. Bank statement, P&L, and asset utilization loans qualify you on what your business really does. One conversation is usually enough to find the fit.

Explore self-employed 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

—

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.”

— Shane Hollenback

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

“Detail matters. The little things are what get you to the closing table.”

I started in the mortgage business in 2000 as an assistant to my mom, who was a mortgage professional. She believed in the “sink or swim” method. That forced me to figure things out on my own. I spent hours researching guidelines and untangling complicated loan issues. It gave me a strong foundation in the technical side of this work.

Over the next decade I moved from loan officer to running my own production team, then to managing branches. By 2010 I was leading teams and mentoring others. In December 2022, I became Co-Owner of Lender Express. The role lets me combine the technical work I love with the chance to guide loan officers and protect our clients.

I’m wired to solve hard problems. Complex income structures, unique borrower situations, files other lenders gave up on. Those are the ones I enjoy most. As a broker, I’m not boxed into one lender’s products. I shop your file across our entire lender network so your situation comes first, not someone else’s product menu.

I’m also proud of my military service. Three years active duty out of high school, then three more in the Air National Guard. That period taught me discipline and attention to detail. Both still show up in how I close loans today.

As a leader, I believe wins are shared. I work to build an environment where every team member feels supported and invested in. I want our loan officers to know I’m in this with them.

Outside of work, I’m into music, travel, and meeting new people. I love exploring cities and soaking in local culture. I grew up in Montana, but Arizona is home now. I’m proud of the life and relationships I’ve built here.

At Lender Express, my goal is simple. Help people succeed. Whether that’s our team reaching the next level or a client closing on the home they thought was out of reach, I’m here to make the process work.

Licensed in Arizona & Idaho

NMLS#180101

25+ Years Experience

English Only

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

I'm a veteran. How does the VA loan work?

VA loans are one of the strongest benefits earned through service. The big advantages are $0 down payment, no monthly PMI, and competitive rates. You'll need your Certificate of Eligibility, which I can help you pull. From there, the process looks a lot like a conventional loan with much better terms.

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 your situation.

How does a DSCR loan work for an investment property?

DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans qualify you based on the rental income the property earns, not your personal tax returns. If the rent covers the mortgage payment with a healthy buffer, you qualify. It's one of the most flexible options out there for building a rental portfolio.

Working with Shane Hollenback

How does the mortgage process work when everything is done remotely?

Exactly the same as in person, just without the commute. Application, document collection, appraisal coordination, underwriting, and closing are all handled electronically. Your information is protected throughout the process. I stay reachable at every step and walk you through what's needed so nothing gets lost or delayed.

I'm not local. Can you still help me?

If you're in Arizona or Idaho, yes. I serve clients in both states entirely virtually, so where you live within the state doesn't matter. If you're outside AZ or ID, I'll connect you with another Lender Express loan officer licensed in your state.

Licensing

Shane Hollenback
NMLS#180101.

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses

AZ LO-0915409

ID 180101