CALL TODAY: 818-707-4131 • Company NMLS 1777223 • Company DRE: 02075839
About Us
First Rate Financial Group is a leading mortgage broker located in Westlake Village, California, in the heart of the Conejo Valley.
Established in 1989, First Rate Financial Group is a licensed mortgage brokerage known for its superior service, integrity, and experienced loan consultants. While we do not fund loans directly, we guide homebuyers and homeowners through every step of the mortgage process and help them secure competitive financing suited to their goals — including first-time homebuyer programs with down-payment assistance, FHA and VA, conventional, jumbo, super jumbo, and more. Our experienced consultants do the legwork for you, so you can feel confident you’re getting a mortgage that fits your unique needs.
Closing a loan is just the beginning of a lasting relationship. Our goal is to create a “Client for Life.” We pride ourselves on knowledgeable guidance and the highest level of customer service, making the process of purchasing or refinancing as simple and worry-free as possible. Whether you’re buying a new home, refinancing for a lower rate, or exploring a home equity loan or second mortgage, we put your needs first and work to make every transaction a smooth, pleasant one.
Loan Programs
Several types of mortgage loan products are available and listed below. Once you review the types, ask us for more details, so we can determine which type of program would be the best option for you.
Fixed Rate Mortgage
A mortgage in which the interest rate is fixed for the term of the loan. Terms include 30, 20, 15 or 10 years.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage
A mortgage in which the interest rate is adjusted periodically based on a pre-selected index and margin.
Hybrid Adjustable Rate Mortgage
A mortgage in which the interest rate is fixed for a predetermined period of time, like three, five, seven or 10 years. After the predetermined period of time, the loan converts to an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) for the remaining term of the loan.
Conventional Loan
Conventional loans are not insured by any government program, and they are the most common type of mortgage. Conforming conventional loans follow the loan amount guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Nonconforming loans don't meet those guidelines, but are still considered conventional. Conventional loans often have higher down payment requirements than government-sponsored loans like FHA and USDA.
VA Loan
Mortgage loans available to eligible US veterans. VA guaranteed loans are made by private lenders, such as banks or mortgage companies, for the purchase of a home for a buyer’s own personal occupancy. These loans offer competitive rates and require little or no down payment.
FHA Loan
A loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration open to all qualified home purchasers. While there are limits to the size of FHA loans, they are generous enough to handle moderately-priced homes almost anywhere in the country. FHA loans offer a low down payment and more flexibility than many other types of financing.
USDA Rural Home Loan
Loans guaranteed by the USDA remain one of the few nationally offered loan programs available with no down payment. The program’s requirements mandate that both the property and borrower must qualify. These requirements are dependent on the physical location of the property and the maximum household income.
Reverse Mortgages
A homeowner relinquishes equity in their home in exchange for regular payments, typically to supplement retirement income.
Client Reviews
★★★★★
"My Husband & I had a unique set of circumstances & traditional lenders couldn't move fast enough. Our CPA who's known John for decades put us in touch and from start to finish, it was an amazing experience. His support staff is exceptional and work at your level, be it being able to supply info via the web or needing Fed Ex. John is an Expert who gets you to the finish line in warp speed!"
"Could not have asked for a better home buying experience with regards to our loan. We recently found our dream home, and needed to navigate through several financial obstacles to make it happen. Fred’s relentless work on our loan, and knowledge of how to navigate the waters of today’s loan approval environment enabled our dream to become a reality!"
"This staff was incredibly helpful. This was my first home purchase and I had plenty of questions. Fred and his staff always took my calls and helped walk me through all parts of the process. I would highly recommend."
"Noel Kelman is by far the best at what she does. Noel was very helpful with the process of buying my home. She made a very stressful home buying process less stressful and rewarding. She is informing, understanding and works with the client to best suit there needs. I highly recommend her. She is very professional and is very good at what she does. Thank you so much."
"I would highly recommend Fred and his team to anyone looking to refinance their home. They treated us with respect and were there every step of the way. Any questions that we had his door was always open. He made the process stress free and very easy for us. Accommodated our every need. Thanks again Fred and looking forward to work with you in the future."
"Fred and his team did a great job closing this loan on time. We were especially pleased he was willing to fund a VA loan."
"Fred and his entire team were a pleasure to work with, regarding our first mortgage! Fred's Knowledge, level of support, frequent communication, and quick responses made our transaction feel very comfortable. i would highly recommend Fred for any lending need!"
“Ray….Thank you so much for your professionalism in taking care of this reverse mortgage for us. You kept us educated and informed every step of the process. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
"Mike has done several large and small loans for me over the past few years, he has always proven to be a tremendous and creative resource, providing invaluable advice and highly competitive rates. I wouldn't use anyone else for my loan needs and I would highly recommend using Mike for whatever loan needs you have."
The Latest News
How Mortgage Payments Change Over the Life of Your Loan
August 14, 2026
A mortgage payment may look consistent from month to month, but the way that payment works changes throughout the life of the loan. Understanding how principal, interest, escrow, and other costs evolve can help homeowners read statements more confidently and see the progress they are making over time.
The Financial Benefits of Staying in Your Home Long-Term
August 13, 2026
Moving can be the right choice when your lifestyle, employment, or family needs change. However, remaining in a home for a longer period can also offer meaningful financial advantages. Understanding those benefits can help homeowners evaluate whether staying put supports their goals better than purchasing another property.
Understanding Mortgage Servicing After Closing
August 12, 2026
Closing day marks the end of the home-buying transaction, but it also begins the long-term process of managing your mortgage. After closing, a mortgage servicer becomes responsible for collecting payments, maintaining account records, managing escrow when applicable, and answering questions about your loan. Understanding the servicer's role can help you avoid confusion and manage your mortgage with confidence.
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Send Us a Message!
Any questions?
Don't hesitate to call us at:
(818) 707-4131,
or leave us a message through our contact form on the left.
We'll be in touch as soon as possible!