Claudia Barrett

Loan Originator

NMLS#1299944

En Español →

English & Español

Start Here

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 need down payment help

“I don’t have 20% saved. Are there programs that can help?”

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💼

I’m self-employed

“My income is a little complex. Can I still get a mortgage?”

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🇪🇸

Prefiero hablar en español

“Quiero entender cada paso en mi propio idioma.”

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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? No problem. In 10 years I’ve worked through just about every scenario, including refinances. Just give me a call:

(602) 541-6297

What I Do Best

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.”

FHA Loans

“FHA loans are often the smartest path for buyers with a smaller down payment or a shorter credit history. I’ll compare FHA to conventional side by side, so you can see which one actually saves you money over the life of the loan.”

Learn about FHA loans →

Conventional Loans

“For buyers with steady income and solid credit, a conventional loan can mean a lower long-term cost and no mortgage insurance once you have enough equity. I’ll run the numbers so the choice is clear, not confusing.”

Learn about conventional loans →

Down Payment Assistance

“This is where my work started, and it’s still my favorite. Most buyers don’t realize how much help is out there. I work with DPA programs across Arizona, including grants and second liens. Let’s find out what you qualify for.”

See DPA programs →

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.

The Process

Here's How It Works

Four simple steps. I handle the heavy lifting and keep you informed the whole way.

1

We talk

Tell me your goals. I listen first, then explain your options in plain language.

2

Get pre-approved

I review your numbers and give you a clear budget so you can shop with confidence.

3

Find your loan

As a broker, I compare lenders to find the loan that fits you best, not the other way around.

4

Close with ease

I stay proactive through underwriting so closing day is smooth and on time.

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 Claudia Barrett for a real number — (602) 541-6297 →

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 share this guide with every first-time buyer I work with.”

— Claudia Barrett

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

“Home ownership changes lives. I’m here to help you see what’s possible.”

I grew up in a family that served others. My parents owned a restaurant, so serving people was part of my life from a young age. As an adult, I spent more than 20 years in hospitality, helping people from all walks of life. That work taught me to listen, anticipate needs, and treat every person like they matter.

I came into the mortgage business in 2016, and I found my path almost right away. My first clients qualified using down payment assistance programs. Watching hard-working families get into a home of their own brought me real joy. Some of those clients still call me for advice. Some became friends.

That’s the part I love. I get to take everything hospitality taught me about caring for people and use it to guide families through one of the biggest decisions of their lives. I treat my clients the way I’d treat a friend, because to me, that’s exactly what they become.

I have a soft spot for first-time buyers, especially the ones who walk in thinking they’ll never qualify. I enjoy the challenge of finding creative solutions and showing people options they didn’t know existed. Going from “I don’t think I can buy a home” to handing someone their keys never gets old.

I’m a broker, so I’m not tied to one lender’s products. I shop your loan across many lenders and bring you the options that fit best. You get a real comparison, not just whatever one bank happens to offer.

I live in Peoria with my husband. We have two adult children and three grandchildren. When I’m not working, you’ll find me cooking, camping, kayaking, or serving in my church. Family and community are at the center of everything I do.

Licensed in Arizona

NMLS#1299944

10 Years Experience

English & Español

Good Questions

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 many lenders to find the best rate and terms for your 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?

That’s exactly what our first conversation is for. The right program depends on your credit, income, down payment, and goals. The answer isn’t always obvious. I’ll walk you through your options with real numbers so you can make an informed choice, not just take whatever you’re handed.

Getting Started

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

Pre-qualification is usually a verbal estimate based on what you tell me over the phone or online. It’s a starting point, not a commitment. Pre-approval is a full review of your actual income, credit, and assets, and it comes with a written letter you can show to sellers and agents. Sellers take pre-approval seriously. If you’re serious about buying, pre-approval is where you want to be.

How long does it take to get pre-approved?

Most borrowers get a decision within 24 to 48 hours of sending in their documents. In simple cases, same-day pre-approval is possible. The faster you get me your income documents and ID, the faster we can move.

What documents will I need to get started?

For most borrowers: your last two years of tax returns, last two pay stubs, last two months of bank statements, and a government-issued photo ID. Self-employed borrowers may also need a profit and loss statement. I’ll send you a specific checklist once we talk.

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 the rate you’ll be offered. A higher score generally means a lower rate and more options. But a lower score doesn’t shut you 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 fixing before you apply.

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

Often, yes. Past credit issues don’t automatically disqualify you. It depends on what happened, when, and what your situation looks like today. Bankruptcy, late payments, and collections are all evaluated differently depending on the loan program. The best thing you can do is have an honest conversation with me so we can look at your full picture, not just a number.

Specialty Programs

I’ve heard FHA loans are easier to qualify for. Is that true?

FHA loans do have more flexible credit and down payment requirements than conventional loans. You can qualify with a score as low as 580 and as little as 3.5% down. But they’re not right for everyone. I’ll compare FHA to conventional options so you can see which one actually saves you money over the life of the loan.

I don’t have much for a down payment. Are there programs that can help?

Yes, and more than most people realize. Arizona has down payment assistance programs that can cover part or all of your down payment. Some are grants, some are second liens with favorable terms. Eligibility depends on your income, location, and loan type. This is one of my favorite things to help with. Let’s find out what you qualify for.

Can I buy with a conventional loan if I don’t have 20% down?

Yes. Many conventional loans allow as little as 3% to 5% down. You’ll pay mortgage insurance until you build enough equity, but that insurance drops off later, unlike on most FHA loans. I’ll show you the conventional and FHA numbers side by side so you can pick the path that costs you less over time.

Working with Claudia Barrett

¿Puedo hacer todo el proceso en español?

Sí, con gusto. Soy bilingüe y puedo guiarte en cada paso en español, desde la primera llamada hasta el cierre. Quiero que entiendas cada detalle de tu préstamo en el idioma con el que te sientas más cómodo.

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 documents are collected through a secure borrower portal, so your information is protected the whole way. I stay reachable at every step.

I’m not local. Can you still help me?

Yes. I work as a virtual loan officer and serve clients across Arizona. You’ll submit your application and documents through a secure borrower portal, and signing is done electronically. Most of my clients never meet me in person, and the process is just as smooth.

Licensing

Claudia Barrett
NMLS#1299944.

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses

AZ: LO-0935667

Lender Express Mortgage LLC is a licensed mortgage broker, not a lender. Loan programs, rates, and eligibility requirements are subject to change and vary by borrower.