John Mullins

Loan Officer

NMLS#1140418

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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💰

I need help with the down payment

"I have income, but I haven't saved enough for the down payment."

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🏗️

I'm building a new home

"I want one loan that covers the build and the permanent mortgage."

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🎖️

I'm a veteran

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

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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:

480-522-6855

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 opens the door for first-time buyers and people rebuilding credit. Lower credit thresholds, flexible debt-to-income ratios, and down payments as low as 3.5%. I'll walk you through every requirement.

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'll match you to the right program for your income and state.

See DPA programs →

Construction Loans

Building a new home? One-time-close construction-to-permanent loans wrap your build financing and your mortgage into a single closing. I handle the draw schedule, builder review, and final conversion.

Explore construction 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.”

— John Mullins

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

“More than a loan. A long-term relationship.”

I have called Arizona home since 1992. I am a proud Gilbert native, raised right here in the East Valley.

I earned my MBA with a concentration in finance at 24. Then I spent eight years in education advisement, helping students make smart choices about their futures.

In 2013, I moved into the mortgage business. That was 13 years ago. The work clicked. I get to help people at one of the biggest moments of their lives.

My approach is simple. Slow down. Educate. Make sure you make the smartest decision for your situation. Honest, upfront, and treat people like family. That is the only way I do business.

I love helping buyers who think a home is out of reach. It usually isn’t. First-time buyers, families moving up, self-employed clients, veterans. I take time on every file.

I work as a broker, which means I compare options across many lenders. You get more programs, better fit, and pricing that makes sense for your file. Not just what one bank sells.

Off the clock, I am with my wife of 17 years, Chimene, and our two kids. We swim, hike, and spend time outside with friends and family. Arizona living, the way it is supposed to be.

Licensed in Arizona

NMLS#1140418

13+ Years in Mortgage

English Only

MBA — Finance

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 first-time buyer. Where do I even start?

Start with a 15-minute call. I'll ask about your income, credit, savings, and goals. From there I tell you what programs fit, what your monthly payment looks like, and what to do next. No pressure. No commitment. Just clear information so you know where you stand.

How does down payment assistance work?

Down payment assistance comes in several forms. Some are grants you never pay back. Some are second mortgages with low or deferred payments. Some are forgivable after you live in the home for a certain number of years. I match you to the right program based on your income, location, and the loan you qualify for.

Can you handle a new construction loan?

Yes. I work with one-time-close construction-to-permanent loans. One closing, one set of fees, one rate lock that carries through your build into your permanent mortgage. I manage the draw schedule, builder review, and final conversion.

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

VA loans are one of the strongest benefits earned through service. $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.

Working with John Mullins

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. You leave the call with a clear next step.

How do you usually communicate with clients?

Whatever works for you. Phone, text, email, in-person at my Scottsdale branch. 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 outside business hours?

Yes. Buying a home does not stop at 5 p.m. Text or call. I'll get back to you as quickly as I can, including evenings and weekends when you're working an offer.

Licensing

John Mullins
NMLS#1140418.

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses

AZ LO-0926743