San Diego Mortgage Broker & VA Loan Specialist
Your Best Friend in The Mortgage Industry
Honest Answers, Guidance Toward a Smooth Closing
“An amazing person to work with. Plans ahead for any hiccups in the process and is very organized. Definitely recommend her to anyone looking to purchase or refi a home!”
Christian T.
- 26+ Years in San Diego ● Hundreds of Five-Star Google Reviews ● Multiple Wholesale Lenders
San Diego's VA & Purchase Loan Specialist for 26+ Years
Maureen Martin is a mortgage loan officer at HomePlus Mortgage and has more than 26 years of experience in the San Diego, CA mortgage lending market. NMLS #247664.
For 26+ years I’ve helped San Diego families buy homes and use their VA benefits the way they’re meant to be used. No call centers. No rate-shopping games. Clear communication about closing costs and loan terms. Just real mortgage guidance from someone who has been doing this since the late nineties.
I’m Maureen Martin, an independent mortgage broker right here in San Diego. My job is to be your best friend in the mortgage industry, which means I answer when you call, I explain what’s actually happening, and I’ll tell you straight when a deal isn’t right, even if it costs me the loan.
Here’s what makes working with me different. I run my business solo with one trusted processor. I’m not a direct lender pushing one product line. I’m a broker shopping your loan across multiple wholesale lenders so you get options instead of a single bank’s pricing. When you call my number, you get me, not a junior officer reading a script.
My office is in Mission Valley at 1455 Frazee Road, and I meet clients in person anywhere in San Diego County or by phone, whichever is easier for you.
As Featured on Good Business San Diego
VA Loans for San Diego Military Families
San Diego is one of the biggest VA loan markets in the country. Between Camp Pendleton, Naval Base San Diego, MCAS Miramar, and NAS North Island, military families move in and out of this city every single month. I’ve spent more than two decades helping them get into homes using their VA entitlement the right way.
Eligible borrowers with full VA entitlement may qualify for zero down payment, subject to lender approval, property appraisal, and other requirements. VA loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance; a VA funding fee may apply unless the borrower is exempt. VA does not impose a county loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement, although lenders may impose their own limits. Interest rates and closing costs are subject to change based on market conditions, borrower qualifications, and lender guidelines.
If you’re stationed at one of San Diego’s military bases or PCS’ing here from somewhere else, here’s where I help most often:
- Camp Pendleton Marines and families buying in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Fallbrook, and Bonsall
- Naval Base San Diego sailors buying in Chula Vista, Bonita, Imperial Beach, National City, and South Bay
- NAS North Island sailors buying in Coronado and Coronado Cays (where VA jumbo loans are a regular conversation)
- MCAS Miramar Marines buying in Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, and Carmel Mountain
Already own a home with a VA loan? I also help San Diego veterans with VA refinances, including the VA IRRRL (streamline) to lower your rate and the VA cash-out refinance to access equity or move an FHA or conventional loan into a VA loan.
Purchase Loans Across San Diego County
Buying a home in San Diego is a big deal, and it should feel that way. I focus mainly on VA Home Loans and purchase loans, which means I’m focused on the people who are actually buying houses. First-time buyers, move-up buyers, and Active Duty Military or Veterans moving to San Diego from out of state.
Whether you’re putting 3% down on a starter condo or 20% down on a single-family home in Coronado, I’ll match you with a loan that actually fits the property and your plan.
First time home buyer in San Diego? You likely don’t need 20% down. FHA and conventional programs allow much lower down payments. With many conventional loans, private mortgage insurance (PMI) may be cancellable by your servicing company when applicable requirements are met.
Understanding the Loan Process
3 Simple Steps to Pre-Approval. Pre-approval can be valuable in a competitive California market but is not a guarantee of final loan approval.
1.
Schedule A FREE
Consultation
2.
Mortgage Plan
3.
Request a free, no-obligation mortgage pre-approval.
Typical turnaround time is 24–48 business hours (excluding weekends and holidays), once all required documentation has been received and reviewed. Timing may vary based on individual circumstances and lender requirements.
What you’ll need for a mortgage pre-approval: recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, two months of bank statements, and a photo ID. Self-employed borrowers may need additional documents. Avoid opening new credit while you shop, and I’ll tell you exactly what applies to your situation.
A Different Way to Work with a Mortgage Broker
Most lenders in San Diego fall into one of two buckets. There’s the big national crowd (Rocket, SoFi, Veterans United), where you’re a file number and a portal login. And there are the local direct-lender shops with a team of loan officers where you might get one person on Tuesday and someone else on Thursday.
I’m neither. I’m a solo broker. When you call my number, you get me. When something gets weird with underwriting, I’m the one calling you back, not a bot. And because I’m a broker (not a direct lender), I’m not stuck selling one bank’s product. I shop your loan across multiple wholesale lenders and find the one that actually fits your situation.
That’s how I’ve run my business for 26+ years, and it’s why most of my work today still comes from past clients and the people they send my way.
Mortgage Broker vs. Mortgage Lender: What’s the Difference?
A mortgage lender funds loans using its own guidelines and products. A mortgage broker compares loan programs from many wholesale lenders on your behalf, so if one lender’s guidelines don’t fit your situation, I can look for one that does. You get side-by-side options with one application and one point of contact.
Whoever you choose, ask any broker three questions: How many lenders do you work with? How fast do you return calls? Who will actually handle my file? My answers: multiple wholesale lenders, same-day callbacks, and me, from application to closing.
Loan Options
- VA Loans & VA Jumbo Loans: Zero down with full entitlement and no PMI, including higher-priced homes in Coronado and Point Loma, with lender approval.
- VA Refinance (IRRRL & Cash-Out): Lower your rate or access your equity using your VA benefit.
- Conventional Loans: As little as 3% down for eligible first-time buyers, PMI that may be cancellable when applicable requirements are met, and options for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties.
- FHA & First-Time Home Buyer Programs: Lower down payments for those who qualify.
- Reverse Mortgages (HECM): For homeowners 62 and older, including HECM for Purchase to buy your next home.
- HELOCs & Second Mortgages: Tap your equity for remodeling, tuition, or debt consolidation without giving up your low first-mortgage rate.
- DSCR & Non-QM Loans: Qualify using rental cash flow, bank statements, or 1099 income instead of traditional W-2 income.
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Contact Maureen Martin Today at (619) 857-7191 or click the button below to fill out a contact form.
Top Rated Mortgage Loan Officer
Maureen Martin at HomePlus Mortgage is a trusted San Diego mortgage broker serving the greater San Diego area. Whether you prefer an in-person consultation or a convenient phone call, Maureen is ready to meet with you at your preferred location or discuss your mortgage needs over the phone.
Schedule an appointment today to get personalized answers to all your mortgage questions and expert guidance throughout your home financing journey.
Searching for a mortgage lender near me? As a local San Diego mortgage company, your loan is handled locally from application to closing. I get you pre-approved, answer questions as they come up, and keep you and your real estate agent updated through escrow so your closing stays on track.
Maureen Martin with HomePlus Mortgage is a trusted mortgage lender serving the greater San Diego area. Whether you prefer an in-person consultation or a convenient phone call, Maureen is ready to meet with you at your preferred location or discuss your mortgage needs over the phone.
Schedule an appointment today to get personalized answers to all your mortgage questions and expert guidance throughout your home financing journey.
We are open Monday – Friday 8:00am-6:00pm | Weekends by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Maureen Martin been a mortgage broker in San Diego?
I’ve been a mortgage broker in San Diego County for 26+ years. My website has been up for 14 of those years, and I’ve answered the same phone number since 1999.
What kinds of loans does Maureen specialize in?
VA loans and purchase loans. I work with first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and military families using their VA entitlement at Camp Pendleton, Naval Base San Diego, MCAS Miramar, and NAS North Island. I also help homeowners with VA refinances, HELOCs and second mortgages, reverse mortgages, and DSCR and non-QM loans for investors and self-employed borrowers.
Is Maureen a mortgage broker or a direct lender?
I’m an independent mortgage broker. That means I shop your loan to multiple wholesale lenders to find the rate and program that actually fits your situation. Direct lenders are stuck selling their own product line. As a broker, I’m not. You get options instead of a single bank’s pricing.
Is it worth paying a mortgage broker?
It depends on the borrower, loan options, and total costs. A mortgage broker shops your loan with multiple wholesale lenders, and wholesale pricing may be competitive with bank offers, depending on the loan and fees. Working with an experienced mortgage broker can be especially beneficial if you’re self-employed, using a VA loan, purchasing a unique property, or have a financial situation that doesn’t fit traditional lending guidelines. With access to multiple wholesale lenders, I can identify competitive financing options and loan programs tailored to your specific needs, rather than being limited to one bank’s products and guidelines.
Is there a VA loan limit in San Diego County?
If you have full VA entitlement, there is no VA loan limit. You may qualify for zero down, subject to lender approval, property value, and applicable requirements. For borrowers with partial entitlement, the applicable county conforming loan limit is used in calculating the VA guaranty. In that case a down payment may be required, and that’s a conversation worth having before you make an offer.
What parts of San Diego does Maureen serve?
All of San Diego County. That includes Camp Pendleton, Naval Base San Diego, MCAS Miramar, NAS North Island, and the surrounding communities. Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, Poway, La Jolla, Mission Hills, Chula Vista, Bonita, National City, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, Coronado, and inland to East County.
How fast can Maureen close a loan in San Diego?
Many of my loans close in 21 to 30 days, and some VA loans have closed in under 17 days. Past closing times do not guarantee future results as each lender varies on turn times. The timeline depends on the appraisal and underwriting queues and how quickly we receive everything that we need to meet all of our conditions. Tighter timelines are doable with precision and planning!
Where is Maureen’s office?
My office is at 1455 Frazee Road, Suite 500, in Mission Valley, San Diego, CA 92108. I’m available Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm, with weekends by appointment. I meet clients in person anywhere in the county or by phone.
Does Maureen offer reverse mortgages?
Yes. I help homeowners 62 and older with FHA-insured reverse mortgages (HECMs). Funds can come as a lump sum, monthly payments, a line of credit, or a combination, and a HECM for Purchase can help you buy your next home. You’ll complete counseling with a HUD-approved counselor first, and you remain responsible for property taxes, insurance, and upkeep.
Can I get a HELOC or second mortgage without refinancing my first loan?
You can. A HELOC or fixed second mortgage lets you borrow against your equity while keeping your current low-rate first mortgage. Homeowners use them for remodeling, tuition, or consolidating higher-interest debt. HELOC rates are usually variable, so I’ll walk you through how payments can change.
Can I qualify for a mortgage if I’m self-employed or an investor?
Many self-employed borrowers and investors do. Non-QM loans can qualify you with bank statements or 1099 income instead of tax returns, and DSCR loans qualify investment properties on rental cash flow rather than personal income. Rates and down payments are usually higher than conventional loans, and I’ll compare both for you.
What credit score do I need for a VA or FHA loan?
The VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score, and FHA guidelines generally permit a 3.5% minimum down payment at a qualifying credit score of 580 or higher, subject to lender overlays and other eligibility requirements. Individual lenders may require higher credit scores. Because I work with multiple wholesale lenders, I can often find one whose guidelines fit your score.
How do I get started?
Two options. Call me directly to talk through your situation in real conversation, or fill out the pre-qualification form and I’ll review it personally before I call back. Either way, you’re talking to me, not a queue.