Yanaiz Sotelo

FHA opens the door for first-time buyers and people rebuilding credit. Lower credit thresholds and down payments as low as 3.5%. A strong fit for buyers who need flexibility on credit or debt-to-income.

Explore FHA Loans →

Conventional Loans

The most common loan type. Strong pricing for buyers with good credit and stable income. Flexible down payment options starting at 3%. Great fit for repeat buyers and move-up families.

Explore Conventional Loans →

VA Loans

Veterans and active military earned this benefit. $0 down, no monthly PMI, and competitive rates. I help you pull your Certificate of Eligibility and walk you through every step of the VA process.

Explore VA Loans →

These are my top three, but I work with the full range of loan programs available → including ITIN, reverse mortgages, asset utilization, and HELOCs.

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 together education materials for every senior I work with. The more you know, the better your decision.”

— Yanaiz Sotelo

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

“I don’t just help people close loans. I help them build futures.”

I’ve spent 15 years in the mortgage industry. That experience covers a wide range of loan products and every kind of market.

I joined the mortgage business because I love helping people reach major life goals. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions a family makes. I want that process to feel lessstressful, not more.

My focus is communication, transparency, and long-term trust.I’mnot here to close a transaction and move on. I’m here to be your loan officer for life.

I love working with first-time buyers who think theydon’tqualify. Most of the time they do. I take time to explain the programs they actually have access to.

I speak fluent English and Spanish. That matters in our market. Clients should understand every step of the process in the language they think in.

As a broker, I shop your file across multiple lenders. You get more programs, better fit, and pricing that works for your situation. Not a one-size-fits-all bank product.

Off the clock,I’ma wife and mom of six. My kids keep me busy with sports, school events, and projects. I work out, volunteer at a local food bank, and spend the rest of my time with family.

Licensed in Arizona

NMLS#1084941

15+ Years in Mortgage

Bilingual — English & Español

Virtual Statewide AZ

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

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

I work with ITIN loans. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, you can still qualify for a mortgage. Down payment and credit requirements are different than standard loans, but the path is real. Call me and we will walk through your specific situation.

I'm self-employed. Can I still qualify?

Yes. Self-employed borrowers are one of my specialties. If your tax returns don't show the income you actually earn, we have options like bank statement loans, P&L loans, and asset utilization loans. Each has different requirements. A 15-minute call is usually enough to figure out which path fits.

Do you work with first-time buyers?

Often. First-time buyers are a big part of my book. I take time to explain the process step by step. No question is too small. Many of my clients have never seen a closing disclosure before. We go through it together.

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 Yanaiz Sotelo

¿Atiendes clientes en español?

Sí. Hablo español con fluidez. Te ayudo en español de principio a fin. Documentos, llamadas, y todo el proceso de cierre. Si prefieres hablar en español, llámame y empezamos ahí.

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. English or Spanish, your choice.

You work virtually. How does that work in practice?

I serve clients across Arizona remotely. Phone, text, email, video call. English or Spanish. Documents move through secure links. You never need to come into an office. I'm fully reachable from application to closing day.

Are you available on weekends?

Yes. Many of my clients work full-time during the week. Text or call any day. I will get back to you as quickly as I can, including evenings and weekends.

Licensing

Yanaiz Sotelo
NMLS#1084941.

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses

AZ LO-2015172

Yanaiz Sotelo

Where do you stand right now?

Buying my first home

Prefiero hablar en español

I need help with the down payment

I don't have a Social Security number

I'm ready to apply

Here's Where I Specialize

FHA Loans