Steven Lines

Owner / Loan Officer

NMLS#204035

En Español →

AZ, CO, FL, OH, OR, TX

English & Español

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% — are there programs that can help?"

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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:

(480) 329-3346

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 limited credit history or a smaller down payment. I'll compare FHA to conventional options so you can see which one actually saves you money over the life of the loan."

Learn about FHA loans →

Down Payment Assistance card

"Most buyers don't realize how much help is available in their state. I work with DPA programs across the states where I'm licensed, including grants, second liens, and more. Let's find out what you qualify for."

See DPA programs →

DSCR Loans card

"If you're a real estate investor looking to qualify based on what a property earns rather than your personal tax returns, this is worth a conversation. It's one of the most flexible options out there for building a rental portfolio."

Explore DSCR 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.”

— Steven Lines

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

“Delivering low rates, fast home loans, and exceptional service.”

I started in this business in 1996 as a bilingual loan officer at Wells Fargo, originating mortgages while finishing my accounting degree at ASU. After graduating, I went to work as an auditor at Ernst & Young, but I never stopped doing loans on the side. When my wife stepped back from her career to care for our second child, I made the decision to leave public accounting behind and commit to mortgage lending full time. I’ve never looked back.

Over the past 25 years I’ve built and led high-producing origination teams, managed branch offices, and in 2020 reopened Lender Express as an independent brokerage. Going back to the broker model was a deliberate choice. It means I’m not tied to any single lender’s products or pricing. I shop your loan across dozens of lenders and bring you the best options, not just the one I happen to carry.

Along the way I’ve taught pre-licensing and continuing education courses for mortgage and real estate professionals as a licensed instructor, and spoken at national mortgage technology conferences. That depth of experience shapes how I approach every loan.

I work most often with first-time buyers, families with limited down payment, self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, and Spanish-speaking clients who want to work through the process in their first language. My job is to spot the obstacles before they become your problems and to make sure the day you get your keys feels like exactly what it should: a good day.

I’m married with three daughters and a granddaughter. On weekends you’ll usually find me at a volleyball game.

Licensed in Multiple States

NMLS#204035

25+ Years Experience

English & Español

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?

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

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

What documents will I need to get started?

For most borrowers: 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 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. Past credit issues don't automatically disqualify you. It depends on what happened, when it happened, 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 the right fit for everyone. I'll compare FHA loans 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. There are down payment assistance programs available in the states where I'm licensed 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. Let's find out what you qualify for.

How does a DSCR loan work for an investment property?

A DSCR loan qualifies you based on the rental income the property generates, not your personal income or tax returns. If the rent covers the mortgage payment, you may qualify even if you're self-employed or have complex income. It's one of the most flexible tools available for real estate investors who want to build a portfolio without their personal finances being the limiting factor.

Working with Steven Lines

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 personal and financial documents are collected through a secure borrower portal, so 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?

Yes. I'm licensed in multiple states and handle the entire process remotely. You'll submit your application and documents through a secure borrower portal, and signing is done electronically. Your information is protected at every stage. Most of my clients never meet me in person, and the process is just as smooth.

Licensing

Steven Lines
NMLS#204035.

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses

AZ: LO-0914110

CO: 100520256

FL: LO95683

OH: MLO-OH.204035

OR: 204035

TX: 204035