Jesse Pap

Loan Officer

NMLS#2286869

En Español →

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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📈

Moving up to my next home

"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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✅

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) 320-9230

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.”

Conventional Loans

The most common loan in America. Strong rates and flexible terms for buyers with solid credit and steady income. Great for first-time buyers and move-up families alike.

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'll walk you through every requirement.

Learn about FHA loans →

Non-QM Loans

Smart options for self-employed buyers, investors, and clients with non-traditional income. Bank statements, P&L, and DSCR programs all on the table when standard income docs don't tell the full story.

Explore Non-QM 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.”

— Jesse Pap

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

“My role is to help you find the right loan to accomplish your financial goals.”

I’m a Loan Officer with Lender Express Mortgage. My job is simple. I help you find the right loan to reach your financial goals.

I work in a zero-pressure environment. The mortgage process can feel confusing. I make sure you feel comfortable and in control from start to finish.

I work with first-time buyers, move-up families, and real estate investors. I know Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, and Non-QM programs. Your goals decide the loan, not the other way around.

I got into mortgages because I wanted to help people own a home. That mission still drives me. Helping a growing family move into their dream home is just as rewarding as a first-time buyer closing on their starter house.

Originally from Minnesota, I now call Arizona home. I live in Mesa with my wife Blanca and our daughter Izzy. Izzy is a collegiate flag football quarterback.

I also coach the ASU Women’s Club Flag Football team. Off the field, I mentor young athletes and help grow the women’s game. On the field with you, I bring that same focus to your loan.

Licensed in Arizona

NMLS#2286869

In Mortgages Since 2021

English Only

First-Time Buyer Specialist

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 situation. You get options and a real comparison, not just one institution's offer.

Does it cost more to work with a broker?

No. Broker compensation is built into the loan and disclosed up front. In most cases, my access to wholesale pricing produces a better rate than going direct to a retail lender.

How do you choose which lender to send my loan to?

I look at rate, fees, turn time, and how well a lender handles your specific loan type. Self-employed, investor, and Non-QM loans all have lenders that do them better than others.

Getting Started

What do I need to get pre-approved?

Two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, two months of bank statements, and your ID. If you're self-employed, profit and loss statements help too. I'll send you a clear checklist.

How long does pre-approval take?

Once I have your documents, most pre-approvals are issued within 24 to 48 hours. Some same day, depending on the file.

Will a pre-approval hurt my credit?

It triggers a credit pull, which can ding your score a few points temporarily. Multiple mortgage pulls within 45 days count as one inquiry, so shopping does not stack damage.

Credit and Qualification

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

FHA loans can go as low as 580. Conventional loans typically start at 620. Higher scores get better rates. I can help you raise your score if needed before you apply.

How much down payment do I really need?

FHA needs 3.5% down. Conventional starts at 3%. VA and USDA can be zero down for those who qualify. Arizona also has down payment assistance programs I can match you with.

What if my debt-to-income ratio is high?

There are programs built for that. Non-QM loans use bank statements or assets instead of standard income docs. DSCR loans qualify investors on the rental income, not personal DTI.

Specialty Programs

Can you help self-employed buyers?

Yes. This is one of my specialties. I run Bank Statement, P&L, and Asset Utilization loans for clients whose tax returns do not tell the full income story.

Do you work with real estate investors?

Yes. DSCR loans qualify on the property's rental income, not your personal DTI. Great for buyers building a portfolio. I also do conventional investment loans for traditional cases.

What about down payment assistance?

Arizona has several programs for first-time buyers. Some cover down payment. Some cover closing costs. I can match your income and county to the right program.

Working with Jesse Pap

How do you communicate during the loan?

However you prefer. Call, text, email. I give you my direct line and I answer it. You will not get bounced between five different people.

How long does the full loan process take?

Most purchase loans close in 21 to 30 days. Some sooner. Refinances run a bit longer. I set a clear timeline up front and tell you the truth if something slows it down.

Do you work with real estate agents and builders?

Yes. I work alongside any agent or builder you choose. If you do not have one yet, I can refer trusted partners in your market.

Licensing

Jesse Pap
NMLS#2286869.

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses

AZ LO-1033318