You won’t believe the stories we’ve seen in the mortgage world. Brooke Srackangast and I share the craziest deals, the wildest clients, and those moments that make us want to pour a glass of wine… or two.

My guest:
Brooke Srackangast
Loan Officer
NMLS #2026752

From buyers ghosting us hours before closing…
To clients painting houses without telling anyone…
To ruined vacations thanks to last-minute disasters…

But it’s not all madness — we also share the heartwarming moments that remind us why we do this in the first place. This is the real behind-the-scenes of mortgage lending — the chaos, the comedy, and the clients that keep us going.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Let’s Talk About Crazy Mortgage Stories
01:00 – Buyer Walks Away at the Last Minute
03:18 – Painting the House Without Asking
06:30 – Flooring Mistake That Delayed Closing
08:00 – Vacation Ruined by a Mortgage Deal
12:17 – The Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Client
14:10 – Breaking the Credit Rules & Nearly Losing the House
18:20 – Buying Furniture Too Early
20:00 – The Fake Power of Attorney Drama
21:30 – Family Interference in Deals
23:07 – “I Was a Lender 20 Years Ago…”
24:49 – The Rate-Shopping Nightmare
27:08 – How to Verify a Loan Officer
30:06 – Why Big Bank Promises Can Be Misleading
32:31 – Builder Lenders vs Real Mortgage Options
33:49 – Crazy Realtors: Micromanaging the Lender
36:45 – The Agent Who Called My Boss
38:02 – Good Stories: Why We Do What We Do
40:02 – Helping a Widow Start Over
41:18 – It’s Not About the Money, It’s About the People
42:01 – Good People Know Good People
43:00 – Final Cheers & Why We Stay in the Game

I'm Ella Gurfinkel, a Senior Loan Officer at Fairway IMC, and since Valentine’s Day 1996, I've been helping clients to achieve the cornerstone of the American dream - Homeownership. I take the time to find solutions for the most complex situations, even if it consists of 1,000 pieces.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news! Like, share, and subscribe to my videos.
I am here if your home loan questions need answering.

Website: https://www.fairwayindependentmc.com/lo/ella-gurfinkel-188161?nmls=188161
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamEllaPortland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TeamElla_Fairway
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-gurfinkel/

This Channel has been created to make your home purchase (or refinance) easier and simpler.  To help you avoid making mistakes in this sometimes crazy process and to simply answer the questions you may be too afraid to ask!

Ella Gurfinkel | Senior Loan Officer | NMLS 188161
503-358-7769 | [email protected] | www.teamellaportland.com
FIMC NMLS 2289 | 6650 SW Redwood Ln Suite 215, Portland, OR 97224

#EllaGurfinkel #mortgagestories #realestatefails

Buyer short on funds at closing? I’ve rescued hundreds of deals when buyers came up thousands short just days before closing. I share my exact playbook to save your deal fast—whether it’s renegotiating seller concessions, using lender credits, documenting gift funds the right way, or leveraging assistance programs. I’ll walk you through proven strategies that help buyers close on time, without panic or delay.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Buyer Short $5K? What to Do Fast
00:24 – Renegotiating Seller Concessions
01:56 – Real Case: Insurance Shock in California
03:10 – Lender Credit: Trade Rate for Cash
05:07 – Gift Funds: What’s Acceptable
08:01 – Down Payment Assistance Options
09:43 – Creative Last-Minute Fixes
10:40 – Step-by-Step: How to Save Your Deal

I'm Ella Gurfinkel, a Senior Loan Officer at Fairway IMC, and since Valentine’s Day 1996, I've been helping clients to achieve the cornerstone of the American dream - Homeownership. I take the time to find solutions for the most complex situations, even if it consists of 1,000 pieces.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news! Like, share, and subscribe to my videos.
I am here if your home loan questions need answering.

Website: https://www.fairwayindependentmc.com/lo/ella-gurfinkel-188161?nmls=188161
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamEllaPortland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TeamElla_Fairway
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-gurfinkel/

This Channel has been created to make your home purchase (or refinance) easier and simpler.  To help you avoid making mistakes in this sometimes crazy process and to simply answer the questions you may be too afraid to ask!

Ella Gurfinkel | Senior Loan Officer | NMLS 188161
503-358-7769 | [email protected] | www.teamellaportland.com
FIMC NMLS 2289 | 6650 SW Redwood Ln Suite 215, Portland, OR 97224

This video link: https://youtu.be/d6DIXixPwLM

#EllaGurfinkel #mortgageBroker

If you’re helping buyers compete in a hot market, don’t overlook the power of the appraisal gap guarantee.

Too many agents advise waiving the appraisal contingency entirely — but that exposes buyers to unnecessary risk. Instead, I walk you through a smarter solution: capping the appraisal gap.

In this video, I break down:
• What an appraisal gap guarantee really means
• How to write one that protects your client
• What amount to cap it at (hint: up to 5% is common)
• Why proof of funds is essential
• How this tactic can win deals without putting buyers in danger

If you want to structure it right for your next offer — book a free consult below.

00:00 – Why FHA Loans Spark Controversy
00:44 – The Truth About Who Pays for FHA
01:29 – Misconceptions About Taxpayer Money
02:02 – Green Card vs. No Green Card: What Changes?
03:01 – It’s Not a Handout — It’s a Loan
03:45 – How FHA Insurance Actually Works
04:37 – Why This Debate Is Personal
05:25 – My Journey to U.S. Citizenship
06:31 – What Legal Status Really Means
07:45 – The Long Road to a Green Card
08:34 – Refugees, Work Visas, and Homeownership
09:50 – Who Deserves to Buy a Home?
10:38 – Let’s Talk About Down Payments
11:20 – $400K Home, Only $1,500 Out of Pocket
12:15 – You Don’t Need 20% Down – Here’s Why
13:08 – Why You Need an Expert by Your Side
14:10 – Final Advice: Build Wealth Through Homeownership

I'm Ella Gurfinkel, a Senior Loan Officer at Fairway IMC, and since Valentine’s Day 1996, I've been helping clients to achieve the cornerstone of the American dream - Homeownership. I take the time to find solutions for the most complex situations, even if it consists of 1,000 pieces.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news! Like, share, and subscribe to my videos.
I am here if your home loan questions need answering.

Website: https://www.fairwayindependentmc.com/lo/ella-gurfinkel-188161?nmls=188161
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamEllaPortland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TeamElla_Fairway
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-gurfinkel/

This Channel has been created to make your home purchase (or refinance) easier and simpler.  To help you avoid making mistakes in this sometimes crazy process and to simply answer the questions you may be too afraid to ask!

Ella Gurfinkel | Senior Loan Officer | NMLS 188161
503-358-7769 | [email protected] | www.teamellaportland.com
FIMC NMLS 2289 | 6650 SW Redwood Ln Suite 215, Portland, OR 97224

This video link: https://youtu.be/3iARFZU0244

#EllaGurfinkel #mortgageBroker #TheSeller'sGuide

Appraisal came in $30K low? Your deal — and your commission — might feel like it’s slipping away. But it doesn’t have to.

I’ve rescued countless transactions from low appraisals, and in this video, I share my full playbook for how to respond in the first 24 hours, negotiate strategically, and get your buyer to the closing table — even when the numbers don’t line up.

You’ll learn:
✅ How to restructure financing to cover the gap
✅ When to request reconsideration of value — and how to actually make it work
✅ Smart use of seller concessions to bridge the difference
✅ What to say to the listing agent to keep the deal alive
✅ The mistake agents make when they assume "this deal is dead"

00:00 – Appraisal came in low? Here's what to do
00:36 – Step 1: Assess the gap + resources
01:16 – Two ways to restructure financing
02:18 – Reconsideration of value: how it works now
03:35 – Why the buyer must now request reconsideration
04:42 – Reallocating seller concessions
05:22 – Language to use with the listing agent
06:07 – My personal story: how I handled a low appraisal
07:00 – Final tips + how to get custom help

I'm Ella Gurfinkel, a Senior Loan Officer at Fairway IMC, and since Valentine’s Day 1996, I've been helping clients to achieve the cornerstone of the American dream - Homeownership. I take the time to find solutions for the most complex situations, even if it consists of 1,000 pieces.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news! Like, share, and subscribe to my videos.
I am here if your home loan questions need answering.

Website: https://www.fairwayindependentmc.com/lo/ella-gurfinkel-188161?nmls=188161
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamEllaPortland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TeamElla_Fairway
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-gurfinkel/

This Channel has been created to make your home purchase (or refinance) easier and simpler.  To help you avoid making mistakes in this sometimes crazy process and to simply answer the questions you may be too afraid to ask!

Ella Gurfinkel | Senior Loan Officer | NMLS 188161
503-358-7769 | [email protected] | www.teamellaportland.com
FIMC NMLS 2289 | 6650 SW Redwood Ln Suite 215, Portland, OR 97224

This video link: https://youtu.be/qzT5OrjRgUo

#EllaGurfinkel #mortgageBroker #lowappraisalstrategy

Most agents think they know how down payment assistance works — until their deals fall apart at the last minute.

Here’s the truth: most local and “too-good-to-be-true” DPA programs never close. But in this video, I’m revealing the only national programs that consistently fund — and how I help buyers close with as little as $1,000 out of pocket.

You’ll learn:
✔️ The 3 most reliable down payment assistance programs in 2025
✔️ How to combine DPA with seller concessions for zero upfront cost
✔️ Which documents and timelines matter most (and what can kill your deal)
✔️ The biggest mistakes agents make — and how to avoid them

00:00 – Why your buyers keep getting priced out
00:17 – The truth about DPA programs that actually close
01:02 – Reliable national programs: Shenoa, NHF, Arrive
02:48 – Good Neighbor Next Door program overview
03:21 – Income & property restrictions explained
04:48 – FHA vs. conventional for DPA use
05:19 – Required documents & timelines
05:45 – Homebuyer education: what to know
06:50 – Timeline expectations (realistic: 21–30 days)
07:02 – How to stack DPA with seller concessions
08:00 – Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
09:30 – Personal story: how DPA helped a client buy with $0
10:24 – Final call: don’t lose qualified buyers — connect now

Are you a first time home buyer? I may have a solution using down payment assistance programs! I'm sharing the programs that actually fund reliably, helping first time home buyers achieve their dreams. These programs can offer real estate investing opportunities.

I'm Ella Gurfinkel, a Senior Loan Officer at Fairway IMC, and since Valentine’s Day 1996, I've been helping clients to achieve the cornerstone of the American dream - Homeownership. I take the time to find solutions for the most complex situations, even if it consists of 1,000 pieces.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news! Like, share, and subscribe to my videos.
I am here if your home loan questions need answering.

Website: https://www.fairwayindependentmc.com/lo/ella-gurfinkel-188161?nmls=188161
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamEllaPortland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TeamElla_Fairway
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-gurfinkel/

This Channel has been created to make your home purchase (or refinance) easier and simpler.  To help you avoid making mistakes in this sometimes crazy process and to simply answer the questions you may be too afraid to ask!

Ella Gurfinkel | Senior Loan Officer | NMLS 188161
503-358-7769 | [email protected] | www.teamellaportland.com
FIMC NMLS 2289 | 6650 SW Redwood Ln Suite 215, Portland, OR 97224

This video link: https://youtu.be/K5K9L2Rf3nI

#EllaGurfinkel #mortgageBroker #PaymentAssistance

Families are up against cash buyers and waived contingencies — but your clients don’t need to overpay or take dangerous risks to win. After helping over 2,000 families navigate hot markets, I’m sharing 5 real financing strategies that actually help your buyer stand out and win — even in competitive bidding wars.

00:00 – The reality of today’s homebuyers
00:06 – 5 financing strategies to win without risk
00:29 – Strategy 1: Cash guarantee pre-approvals
01:46 – Strategy 2: Appraisal gap guarantee
02:26 – Strategy 3: 2-1 buydown to lower rate
03:14 – Strategy 4: Close in 15–21 days
03:40 – Strategy 5: Non-contingent financing with protection
04:10 – Which strategy fits your buyers? Let’s talk

I'm Ella Gurfinkel, a Senior Loan Officer at Fairway IMC, and since Valentine’s Day 1996, I've been helping clients to achieve the cornerstone of the American dream - Homeownership. I take the time to find solutions for the most complex situations, even if it consists of 1,000 pieces.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news! Like, share, and subscribe to my videos.
I am here if your home loan questions need answering.

Website: https://www.fairwayindependentmc.com/lo/ella-gurfinkel-188161?nmls=188161
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamEllaPortland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TeamElla_Fairway
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-gurfinkel/

This Channel has been created to make your home purchase (or refinance) easier and simpler.  To help you avoid making mistakes in this sometimes crazy process and to simply answer the questions you may be too afraid to ask!

Ella Gurfinkel | Senior Loan Officer | NMLS 188161
503-358-7769 | [email protected] | www.teamellaportland.com
FIMC NMLS 2289 | 6650 SW Redwood Ln Suite 215, Portland, OR 97224

This video link: https://youtu.be/RJ4nUjPTjmE

#EllaGurfinkel #mortgageBroker #FinancingTactics

In this candid conversation, senior loan officer Ella Gerfinkle reveals the proven strategies and exact scripts that keep buyers engaged even when mortgage rates spike to 7%.

What You'll Learn:

📊 The Historical Context That Changes Everything

• Why 6-7% rates are normal, not problematic
• How 2-3% rates of 2020-2021 were the anomaly (black swan event)
• In the 1980s rates hit 18%, 1990s averaged 8-10%
• Simple analogy: the sale at your favorite store ended, but the store didn't close

💰 The Real Math of Rent vs Buy

• $2,500 rent = $150,000 over 5 years with nothing to show
• Even at 7% rate: $50,000 equity built over same period
• Why renters pay someone else's mortgage instead of their own

🏠 "Marry the House, Date the Rate" Strategy

• House is long-term commitment, rate is temporary
• Real client stories: bought in 2018 at 4.75%, refinanced in 2021 at 2.875%
• Why the perfect house won't come back, but rates can be changed

📈 Refinance Timeline Calculator

• When economists project rate drops (12-24 months)
• Example: $400K loan, dropping from 7% to 6% = $250/month savings
• Break-even analysis for refinancing costs

💡 Rate Buydown Programs

• 2-1 buydown: Year 1 at 5%, Year 2 at 6%, Year 3 at 7%
• 1-0 buydown structures
• How sellers can pay for buydowns as concessions

Real Success Stories:

• Client with down payment assistance program: $70,000 equity gain + payment reduction
• Pre-COVID purchase: appreciation covered all "high" rate concerns

Proven Scripts for Agents:

• How to present the historical rate chart
• Exact phrases for explaining "marry the house"
• Calculators to demonstrate buying advantages

Personal Consultation Offer: Send Ella your buyer's scenario and she'll create personalized charts and scripts tailored to their specific situation.

These strategies have helped agents close over $50 million in transactions even during rate spikes. Time to turn cold feet into hot contracts.

💬 What objections do you hear most from buyers? Share in the comments!

🏠 Subscribe for professional real estate tools and strategies

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Are buyers getting cold feet at 7%?
00:16 - Scripts that helped close $50M in high-rate markets
00:31 - Historical mortgage rate chart that shifts buyer mindset
01:47 - Rent vs buy: The real cost breakdown
02:53 - "Marry the house, date the rate" explained
04:00 - Client success stories from past high-rate cycles
05:09 - Refinance timeline calculator for confident buying
06:06 - How rate buydown programs ease buyer fears
07:27 - Send me your buyer's case—I'll show the math

In this candid conversation, senior loan officer Ella Gurfinkel reveals the unexpected journey that led her to leave the Pacific Northwest after 35 years and make Arizona her permanent home. What started as a simple "rainbirding" plan quickly transformed into a life-changing relocation decision that she never anticipated.

What You'll Learn:

• Why Arizona offers much more than just sunshine and cacti (though the 300+ days of sun are amazing)
• The surprising affordability of Arizona housing compared to California, Oregon, and Washington
• How Arizona's low property taxes dramatically reduce your total monthly housing payment
• The significant tax advantages with Arizona's low 2.5% income tax rate compared to other states
• Why the friendly, welcoming culture of Arizona creates an immediate sense of belonging
• How the vibrant job market and business-friendly climate create opportunities for professionals and entrepreneurs
• The incredible outdoor lifestyle options beyond just desert landscapes (lakes, mountains, hiking trails)
• The strategic location advantages with easy drives to San Diego, Las Vegas, Rocky Point, and more
• Why so many people from California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and New York are flocking to Arizona
• How what started as a temporary winter escape became a permanent lifestyle upgrade

Join Ella as she shares her personal journey and the unexpected benefits she discovered after relocating to Arizona, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a similar move.

Whether you're contemplating a change of scenery, looking to escape high taxes and rainy weather, or simply curious about what Arizona truly offers beyond the stereotypes, this conversation reveals the authentic experience of someone who made the leap and found much more than just sunshine.

In this eye-opening episode, senior loan officer Ella Gurfinkel reveals the truth about USDA loans - a powerful zero-down payment mortgage option that many homebuyers overlook. With 30 years of experience and over 2,000 families served, Ella breaks down exactly who can and cannot qualify for this incredible program that requires no down payment.

What You'll Learn:

• Why USDA loans offer amazing benefits: zero down payment, lower mortgage insurance than FHA, and competitive rates
• The surprising truth about "rural areas" - many USDA-eligible locations are just outside city limits with shopping centers and new construction
• How to use the USDA eligibility map to check if your dream home qualifies (and why you should check before house hunting)
• Why USDA looks at all household income, not just the borrowers' - and how this affects qualification
• The specific credit requirements (typically 620+ score) and what USDA looks for in your credit history
• Property requirements and why single-family homes, townhouses and some condos qualify (but not multi-unit properties)
• The strict debt-to-income ratios (34% housing payment, 41% total DTI) that create the biggest obstacle for many applicants
• Real examples of successful USDA loans, including a $350,000 home purchase with zero down
• How to find lenders who actually specialize in USDA loans (not all lenders offer them or know how to structure them properly)

Join Ella as she demystifies USDA loans, providing clear guidance on whether this powerful zero-down payment option might work for your specific situation.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to relocate to an eligible area, this conversation offers essential knowledge about a mortgage program that could help you achieve homeownership without the significant savings typically required for a down payment.

In this revealing episode, senior loan officer Ella Gurfinkel pulls back the curtain on what really happens during the mortgage closing process. With 30 years of experience and over 2,000 families served, Ella explains why closing on a home purchase takes 20-30 days (sometimes longer) and why rushing this process could cost you your dream home.

What You'll Learn:

• The detailed timeline of what happens during each phase of the 30-day closing process
• Why those first 3 days are critical and how delays in signing disclosures can derail your timeline
• What happens behind the scenes during days 4-14 when your documentation is being verified
• How underwriters examine your finances with microscopic detail (including bank statements line by line)
• Why "conditional approval" doesn't mean you're done - and what happens during days 15-22
• The final steps that must occur before you can sign closing documents and get your keys
• Common issues that cause delays: self-employment documentation, property issues, title problems
• Why changing jobs or taking on new debt during the process can completely derail your closing
• Real examples of unexpected challenges (like IRS payment plans and misidentified "bats" in attics)
• Why promises of 10-15 day closings are often unrealistic and potentially dangerous

Join Ella as she demystifies the mortgage closing process, providing an honest look at the complex coordination required between multiple parties to successfully close your loan and get you into your new home.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or experienced purchaser, this conversation offers essential insights into how the closing timeline works, why certain delays are unavoidable, and how you can help ensure your closing stays on track by understanding what's happening behind the scenes.