marisol-mata-headshot

Marisol Mata

English & Español

Start Here

Where do you stand right now?

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

First-time buyer

"I have never bought a home before. I don't know where to start."

💵

Low down payment

"I have some savings, but not 20% down."

💼

Self-employed buyer

"My tax returns don't show my real income. I need a lender who gets it."

🌎

ITIN buyer

"I don't have a Social Security number, but I want to buy a home."

“I take time with every client, especially those who don’t think they can qualify yet. With the right plan, most can.”

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

The most flexible path for first-time buyers and clients building credit. Lower down payment, easier qualifying, and credit scores as low as 580. I walk you through every requirement in plain language, in English or Spanish.

Conventional Loans

The workhorse for buyers with solid credit. Lower mortgage insurance, more property types, and the smoothest path for well-qualified borrowers. I shop multiple lenders for the best rate and terms.

Bank Statement Loans

Smart options for self-employed buyers whose tax returns don’t show their real income. We use 12 to 24 months of bank statements to qualify you. Great for business owners and gig workers.

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

Down payment cannot exceed the home price.
Loan amount cannot exceed the home price.
Estimated Monthly Payment

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?

Include all borrowers who will be on the loan. Enter your combined pre-tax income.

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.

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 Marisol Mata for a real number — (623) 826-4995 →

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.”
— Marisol Mata

Free PDF — No email required

Why I Do This Work

marisol-mata-headshot
“As your Loan Officer, my objective is to make sure you understand each step of the process and which loan program best fits your financial situation.”

I am a Loan Originator with Lender Express Mortgage. I have been in the mortgage industry since 2009, starting in short sales, and originating loans since 2016. I serve clients across Arizona in English and Spanish, with a focus on the Hispanic community.

 

I grew up in a low-income family that rented our home my entire childhood. We never owned. That experience shaped me. It is the reason I help my own family, my siblings, and now my clients become homeowners. The work is personal.

 

My favorite clients are the ones who walk in saying they don’t think they can qualify. Low credit scores, past challenges, complicated income. I take time to understand the full picture. Then I put together a credit plan that gets them qualified, even if it takes a few months. Most of the time, we get there.

 

My approach is simple. I make sure you understand every step. I show you the loan programs that fit your situation. I do not push the loan that pays me the most. I shop the lenders that work best for your file.

 

I am also flexible with my time. If you cannot meet during business hours, we can meet evenings or weekends. I work around your schedule because buying a home should not require you to take time off work.

 

The day a client picks up the keys to their first home is what keeps me going. That moment is what this job is really about.

Licensed in Arizona
NMLS#1648937
17 Years in the Industry
English & Español
Credit Plan Specialist
Evenings & Weekends Available

Good Questions

Questions I Hear Most

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

Understanding the Broker Model
What is the difference between a broker and a lender?
A lender is one company with one set of products. A broker shops many lenders for you. At Lender Express I have access to dozens of lender partners. That means I can compare programs and rates side by side and bring you the best fit for your situation. You get more choice, often a better rate, and one point of contact through the whole process.
Does it cost more to work with a broker?
No. In most cases working with a broker costs the same or less than going directly to a bank. Lenders pay brokers a small fee for delivering a clean, qualified loan. That fee is built into the loan, not paid separately by you, and is disclosed up front. The real value is access to more loan programs and better pricing.
Do you serve clients in Spanish?
Yes. I am fluent in English and Spanish, and I serve the Spanish-speaking community as a core part of my business. Every document, every conversation, every question can be handled in the language you are most comfortable with.
Getting Started
What is the first step?
A 15-minute phone call. I learn about your goals, your timing, and your situation. I tell you what is realistic and what your next move should be. No pressure, no commitment, no paperwork yet. Most people leave that first call with more clarity than they have had in months.
What documents do I need to get pre-approved?
Two years of W-2s or tax returns, your most recent pay stubs, two months of bank statements, and a photo ID. If you are self-employed, I will need a couple of years of business returns, or 12 to 24 months of bank statements for a Bank Statement loan. I keep the list simple.
Can we meet outside of business hours?
Yes. I work around your schedule. Evenings and weekends are available. Buying a home should not require you to take time off work. Phone, video, or in-person at the Glendale branch. Whatever works best for you.
Credit and Qualification
My credit isn't great. Can I still qualify?
Maybe sooner than you think. For FHA loans we have programs that start at 580. Some Non-QM programs go even lower. If you are not quite there yet, I build a credit plan with you. I tell you what to pay down, what to dispute, and what to leave alone. Many of my clients move from "no" to "approved" in 3 to 6 months.
Will checking my credit hurt my score?
The hard credit pull I run can drop your score by a few points temporarily, but it bounces back fast. Mortgage shopping is treated as one inquiry by the credit bureaus if it happens inside a 45-day window. So you can compare quotes without taking multiple hits.
Do I really need 20% down?
No. That is one of the biggest myths in mortgage. Conventional loans can start at 3%. FHA loans start at 3.5% down. Arizona also has down payment assistance programs I can match you with. I will show you the actual numbers for your situation.
Specialty Programs
What is a Bank Statement loan?
A Bank Statement loan is for self-employed buyers whose tax returns don't show their real income. Instead of tax returns, we use 12 to 24 months of personal or business bank statements to qualify you. Great for business owners, gig workers, and self-employed buyers who write off a lot of expenses on their taxes.
What is an ITIN loan?
An ITIN loan is a mortgage for borrowers who do not have a Social Security number. Instead, you use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to qualify. ITIN loans open the door to home ownership for many in the Hispanic community. I work with lenders who specialize in these programs and I explain every step in plain language, in English or Spanish.
What about down payment assistance?
Arizona has several programs for first-time buyers. Some cover down payment. Some cover closing costs. I will match your income and county to the right program. These programs can be a real difference-maker for first-time buyers.
Working with Marisol Mata
How often will we be in touch?
As often as you need. You will hear from me at every major step, and I am quick to respond when you reach out. I treat every client with the time and respect they deserve. Communication is what my clients tell me they remember most.
Do you work with first-time buyers?
All the time. First-time buyers are a big part of my business. I take extra time to explain everything in plain language, in English or Spanish, and make sure you feel ready before you sign anything. There is no question too basic.
What states are you licensed in?
Arizona. I work statewide. If you are anywhere in Arizona, we can work together. Verify my license at any time at nmlsconsumeraccess.org under NMLS #1648937.
Licensing

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses
AZ LO-0945119

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.

Interest Rates, APR’s & programs are illustrations subject to change at any time. These do not constitute a ‘Loan or Good Faith Estimate’ for payments and closing costs. Not all applicants will qualify. APR may vary by product type. Consumer is not obligated to use any party mentioned. Lender Express Mortgage is not affiliated with FHA, VA, USDA or the Federal Government. Lender Express Mortgage, LLC supports Equal Housing Opportunity (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | (888) 286-0367 | 2500 S Power Rd Bldg 9 Ste 133, Mesa, AZ 85209. Regulated by the AZ Department of Financial Institutions. Arizona License #MB-1008082, CA #60DBO-140688, CO #MB-1963444, FL #MBR4665, IA #1963444, OR #1963444, PA #79751, TX #1963444. Figure: 7 tac § 80.200(b) consumer wishing to file a complaint against a company or a residential mortgage loan originator should complete and send a complaint form to the Texas department of savings and mortgage lending, 2601 North Lamar, suite 201, Austin, Texas 78705. Complaint forms and instructions may be obtained from the department website at www.Sml.Texas.Gov. A toll-free consumer hotline is available at 1-877-276-5550. The department maintains a recovery fund to make payments of certain actual out of pocket damages sustained by borrowers caused by acts of licensed residential mortgage loan originators. A written application for reimbursement from the recovery fund must be filed with and investigated by the department prior to the payment of a claim. For more information about the recovery fund, please consult the department’s website at www.Sml.Texas.Gov. Above information and content is accurate as of 6/22.