Who we are.

Who we are.

We are the lending team at Cornerstone First Mortgage's Phoenix branch, led by Branch Manager Mike Certo (NMLS #260555). We've been originating loans in Arizona long enough to know which local programs change every year, which underwriting overlays kill which deals, and which lenders are bluffing when they say they "can do that one."

We operate as a direct lender — not a broker — which means one underwriting team works your file from application to close. No transfers to a national call center when your loan gets complicated. Clear communication, real return calls, files that close.

What we believe about lending.

Most mortgage marketing is a sales pitch. This isn't. The Arizona homebuyer's job is hard enough — saving the down payment, finding the home, surviving the process — without a lender adding spin to it.

Our approach:

• Real numbers, not estimates. When you ask what the payment actually looks like, we run the math with your real scenario, not a stock advertised rate — including the program tradeoffs.
• Honest about when DPA isn't right. Down payment assistance adds a slight rate bump. If a lower-rate conventional loan is the better fit, we'll tell you — even if it means steering you away from a more profitable program for us.
• Complex files are our specialty. Self-employed borrowers, jumbo with student debt, contingency removal, investors at scale, doctors in residency — those are the files most lenders walk away from. Those are the files we close.
• Clear communication through closing. You always know where your loan stands. No chasing us down for updates mid-escrow.

How we work with buyers.

First call: 20 minutes, free, no commitment. We talk about your timeline, your situation, what's making you nervous, and whether buying now even makes sense. We tell you what programs fit and which don't — including programs that aren't the most profitable for us but might fit you better.

If you're ready to move forward, pre-approval typically takes 24–48 hours after we have credit and income docs. After that, you have a number to put in front of agents.

How we work with real estate agents.

If you're a listing agent and your buyer is contingent on selling — call us. The Buy Before You Sell program is designed to remove that contingency so the deal closes clean.

If you're a buyer's agent with a self-employed buyer, a jumbo with student debt, an investor adding property #5, a doctor in residency, or a buyer with non-traditional credit — call us. Those are the files we close. Read the For Agents playbook.