“If you want a lender who builds you up, keeps it real, and hands you a financial cushion you didn’t expect — Derek is your guy. He is the cheat code.”
First-Time Homebuyers: Don’t Be a Hero. Just Call Derek.
If you’re a scrolling Google Reviews like it’s WebMD at 2am, let me save you some emotional damage:
Choose. Derek. Immediately.
Before Derek, the mortgage process felt like we were being hazed by a committee of financial wizards who hate joy.
Then Derek floated in, glowing softly (probably just good lighting), and said, “Relax. I’ve got you.”
And somehow… we believed him.
This man doesn’t estimate numbers — he forecasts them like a weather channel for anxiety. And here’s the kicker: he ALWAYS overshoots.
Not because he’s bad at math (he’s frighteningly good at math), but because he refuses to set you up for the emotional gut punch most lenders treat like a rite of passage.
- Cash to close? He overestimates.
- Payments? He overestimates.
- Rates? He overestimates.
- Your ability to stay calm? Underestimates. Correctly.
So when closing day hit and everything was lower than his already “prepare for the apocalypse” numbers, we looked at each other like, “Are we… rich? Did Derek manifest this??”
We walked away with extra money, think about that…
Derek explains everything with the tone of someone who has accepted the absurdity of the mortgage system but refuses to let it crush your soul.
No jargon.
No judgment.
No “lol good luck” energy.
Every panic phone call we made— and there were MANY — he answered like a man who has transcended irritation entirely.
At one point we text: “I think we’re screwed.”
He replied: “Nope. You’re fine.”
Ten characters. Zero stress. Spiritual healing.
The dude is a mortgage monk.
Future homeowners:
If you want to spend your entire homebuying journey in a constant state of dread, go with someone else.
If you want a lender who builds you up, keeps it real, and hands you a financial cushion you didn’t expect — Derek is your guy.
He is the cheat code.
Thanks to Derek, we’re sitting in our new home right now, financially intact, emotionally stable, and wondering why lenders like him aren’t handed out at birth.
“I just completed my 5th deal with Derek and his team. They have great communication and everyone knows exactly what they need to do to get a deal done as smoothly as possible.”
I just completed my 5th deal with Derek and his team, and I cannot brag on them enough. They have great communication and everyone knows exactly what they need to do to get a deal done as smoothly as possible. Derek is the only one I trust with my real estate loans. He's the best in the business!
Response from Owner
Thanks brother! Always great to take care of a good friend!!!!
“He took great care of us on our condo purchase, helping us secure the best mortgage rate and ensuring we closed right on time. [He] made the home loan process smooth and stress-free.”
Working with Derek Altoonian as our mortgage lender was a fantastic experience! He took great care of us on our condo purchase, helping us secure the best mortgage rate and ensuring we closed right on time.
Derek guided us through every step and explained all the details, making the home loan process smooth and stress-free. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and trustworthy mortgage lender who truly puts your needs first, Derek is the one to call! Highly recommend him for anyone seeking a top-notch mortgage broker who goes above and beyond.
“[W]e were immediately put to ease. Derek told us we could text, call, email, whatever, if we needed him and boy was that true... He made us feel included in the process without any judgement.”
When my husband and I were ready to buy our first home, we were at a loss and thus immediately excluded ourselves from buying. We thought, as most do, we could't afford it, didn't have enough to put down, and given my husband's 1099 income that we needed to wait. We talked with multiple lenders prior to meeting Derek, all of which confirmed our fears. Derek was recommended to us by our accountant. We had an initial call and were immediately put to ease. Derek told us we could text, call, email, whatever, if we needed him and boy was that true.
As first-time home buyers we were nervous all the way up to closing. Derek and his team helped answer any questions we threw their way. Major shout out to his team who helped handle all the paperwork, request for documents, and our nerves as well - thank you! We cannot say enough positive things about Derek. As a queer couple, we are constantly putting yourselves "out" there and with this being an out-of-state move, we never got to meet Derek in-person. He made us feel included in the process without any judgement. That last part was huge for us. We SO look forward to working with Derek again in the future!
“This was my husband and I's first time purchasing a home and it was not as stressful as I thought it would be; mostly because of how great this team is.”
Derek and his team were amazing! Derek especially was really helpful. We worked with Derek for over a year (on and off) to help make sure we were in a good spot financially to be able to get a house. When it came time to it, Derek was there every step of the way, answering every question, and providing so much support and guidance on what would be best for us! He never made us feel like we were just some other person that he was trying to get money from. He genuinely cared for us and wants the best for us!
Throughout the entire process, Derek and his team kept us informed and helped make sure every step was as smooth as possible. This was my husband and I's first time purchasing a home and it was not as stressful as I thought it would be; mostly because of how great this team is.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR DREAMS COME TRUE!!!
“They've helped me with 2 mortgages, and in both instances have gone above and beyond to completely exceed my expectations. The team communicates proactively and gets stuff done!”
Derek and his team are just fantastic. They've helped me with 2 mortgages, and in both instances have gone above and beyond to completely exceed my expectations. The first loan was especially scary for me because I was trying to manage the buying process while in the east coast for a home in Dallas, and Derek made it so painless that I am still amazed. The team communicates proactively, watches out for your interests, and just gets stuff done!
In both cases, I got underwriting sign-off more than a week before my scheduled closing - that was so different from my previous 2 home purchases where it was always the day-of. For the second home, Derek had me ready to close in 3 weeks! I did not feel hurried or stressed at any point, they gave me information about what was needed, and why, and where we were in the overall process.
I cant recommend Derek enough - you have enough stress in life when buying a house, Derek will help reduce the stress for you!
“Derek was incredibly friendly, helpful, and easy to work with. He took the time to answer questions, explain things clearly”
Derek was incredibly friendly, helpful, and easy to work with. He took the time to answer questions, explain things clearly, and made the entire experience feel smooth and stress-free. I really appreciated his professionalism and positive attitude and would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and dependable mortgage professional.
“He took the time to listen, and communicate with us, and he worked hard to get us financed at the lowest possible mortgage rate. We closed earlier than expected!”
Derek was wonderful. He took the time to listen, and communicate with us, and he worked hard to get us financed at the lowest possible mortgage rate. We closed earlier than expected and had a great experience!
Response from Owner
Thank you so much!!! Loved helping you guys out!!!
“Derek was there every step of the way. He was kind, professional, and beyond helpful. He went above and beyond to make this as easy as possible for us.”
We can not say enough wonderful things about our experience with Derek. We are in Idaho and have just purchased a home in Texas, and it's been a stressful and daunting experience. Derek was there every step of the way He was kind, professional, and beyond helpful. He went above and beyond to make this as easy as possible for us. My husband and I will forever be grateful for him and all of his hard work.
Response from Owner
Oh my goodness! Thank you for such words! You two were so sweet! We were so glad we got help you guys! Enjoy that home!!
“Working with Derek and his team was an absolutely phenomenal experience! From start to finish, they provided white glove service that made a stressful process feel smooth.”
Working with Derek and his team was an absolutely phenomenal experience! From start to finish, they provided white glove service that made a stressful process feel smooth and manageable. Derek is incredibly helpful and endlessly patient. He took the time to walk me through every single detail step by step. His exceptional responsiveness made a huge difference; no matter the time or question, he was always quick to reply and ready with clear, reassuring answers. Derek’s professionalism, clarity, and commitment to excellent service set him apart. I can’t recommend him highly enough! If you want someone who treats you like a priority and takes the guesswork out of financing, Derek is your guy!
Response from Owner
Thank you so much for the amazing words Mackenzie!!! Loved working for you and looking forward to many more!
“This was an amazing team to work with. Initial conversations with Derek made me feel like we were old friends!”
This was an amazing team to work with. Initial conversations with Derek made me feel like we were old friends! He listened to what I wanted and helped me get there financially. Even when I was gathering documentation for his team, Derek would call and tell me where we were in the process. After closing, Derek called to see if I had questions about the signing. I never felt out of the loop.
This is an amazing , hard working team whom I would use again and again!!
Thank you Derek!!
MMary G.
“I worked with Derek and his team directly throughout the process and I couldn't have had a better first experience purchasing a home. Derek went above and beyond...”
I worked with Derek and his team directly throughout the process and I couldn't have had a better first experience purchasing a home. Derek went above and beyond in making sure we completely understood our mortgage and also reassured us throughout the process with the best options and decisions to make. I can't recommend him enough to be your lender on a home purchase!
Response from Owner
Thank you so so much Ethan! You guys were amazing to work with! Glad we could take care of you guys!
“This is my first home purchase, and they made things go so smoothly and helped go over everything so I understand. I definitely recommend using Derek and his team!”
I want to say a very big Thank you to Derek and his team, Kathleen, Margi, Sarah and anyone else I might have missed. This is my first home purchase, and they made things go so smoothly and help go over everything with me so I understand everything that goes into purchasing a home. I definitely recommend using Derek and his team! Just an A+++ team!!! Thank you again so much for everything Derek and team!
“We had an incredible experience with Derek Altoonian and the team! They were knowledable, communicative, and always kept us up to date on the status of our loan.”
We had an incredible experience with Derek Altoonian and the team! They were knowledable, communicative, and always kept us up to date on the status of our loan. Definitely made the home buying process less stressful.
MMeagan H.
“Derek and his team were amazing! Derek especially was really helpful.”
Derek and his team were amazing! Derek especially was really helpful. We worked with Derek for over a year (on and off) to help make sure we were in a good spot financially to be able to get a house. When it came time to it, Derek was there every step of the way, answering every question, and providing so much support and guidance on what would be best for us! He never made us feel like we were just some other person that he was trying to get money from. He genuinely cared for us and wants the best for us!
Throughout the entire process, Derek and his team kept us informed and helped make sure every step was as smooth as possible. This was my husband and I's first time purchasing a home and it was not as stressful as I thought it would be; mostly because of how great this team is.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR DREAMS COME TRUE!!!
EEmma G.
“The process was smooth and so much quicker than I expected. He answered all of our endless questions with kindness. We are so grateful for his expertise in buying our first home!”
Working with Derek on our recent home purchase has been such a pleasure. The process was smooth and so much quicker than I expected. He answered all of our endless questions with kindness and explained things in an easy to understand manner. I highly recommend working with Derek and his knowledgeable team for your mortgage loan needs; we will definitely partner with him again. We are so grateful for his expertise and help in buying our first home!
“Derek took what we had dreaded and feared and oddly enough made it actually enjoyable. He was so patient with my many questions and was able to walk us through each and every step.”
I can’t say enough thanks to Derek for his support through the recent purchase of our new home. We had hesitated to buy for a long time simply because it was extremely overwhelming to us.
Derek took what we had dreaded and feared and oddly enough made it actually enjoyable. He was so patient with my many questions and was able to walk us through each and every step along the way. The partnership between he and Tammy Melendez made the entire process seamless.
We look forward to continuing working with Derek on future efforts!
Response from Owner
There are no words for these amazing words!!! Thank you so much!!!!
“Honest, trusting, and KNOWS HIS STUFF. If there's a way, he's going to find it. We closed flawlessly and I highly recommend to anyone looking to buying a house.”
Derek is one of the best loan officers I've ever had the pleasure to deal with. Honest, trusting, and KNOWS HIS STUFF. If there's a way, he's going to find it. We closed flawlessly and I highly recommend to anyone looking to buying a house. My daughter was so impressed she also used Derek to close their home, along with Tammy Melendez Home Team. They are such a great team.
“Had a fantastic experience... Minimal effort on our part, the least invasive financial review you can imagine. Derek and team kept us informed. Our final close took 11 minutes.”
Had a fantastic experience with Derek and his team at Guaranteed Rate. Minimal effort on our part, the least invasive financial review you can imagine. Derek and team kept us informed through each step of the process and were very responsive when we had questions. Our final close took 11 minutes. If you're in need of mortgage services and all that entails, I highly recommend Derek and the associates at Guaranteed Rate.
“He went above and beyond every step and in every way possible. Even with all my crazy emails and phone calls, Derek truly made the entire loan process so easy and seamless.”
When I say we LOVE Derek, that is an understatement!! He went above and beyond every step and in every way possible. Even with all my crazy emails and phone calls, Derek truly made the entire loan process so easy and seamless. 5 stars simply doesn’t do him justice!!
We will be using him for all our future real estate endeavors and cannot recommend him enough! He is truly the best and we are so grateful for him!!
“[D]erek and his team were life savers! He walked us through ways to quickly improve our credit and was there to explain things to us every step of the way.”
My fiance (now husband) and I were first time home buyers when we were introduced to Derek by our relator, so we basically knew nothing about the process and I was honestly so scared to start the process! But Derek and his team were life savers! Derek worked with us to make sure we could maximize our options when it came to types of loans and homes we could look at. He walked us through ways to quickly improve our credit and was there to explain things to us every step of the way. Without Derek and his team, I would have not felt confident in our purchase. They made the process easy and they continuously worked as hard as they could for us as their clients. If you are a first time home buyer or you have bought 10 homes, I highly suggest working with Derek and his team. We will definitely be going back to them when we are ready to make our next purchase!
“During the loan process I was an expecting mother and he made the process extremely easy. Very smooth and little stress. The entire loan experience was above expectations.”
Derek is awesome!!! He has a wonderful team also. We were in a process of a new build. During the loan process I was an expecting mother and he made the process extremely easy. Very smooth and little stress. He is very knowledgeable. He is also very accessible and resourceful. The entire loan experience was above expectations.
“Derek was amazing! Very professional and knowledgeable about the market. He was very patient and explained the process extremely well. We closed crazy fast. A true gem...”
Derek was amazing! Very professional and knowledgeable about the market. He was very patient and explained the process extremely well. We closed crazy fast. A true gem in today’s mortgage world. We will be using him again!
“Derek was the BEST to work with. He was with me every step of the way. I would 10/10 recommend him to anyone buying a house for the first time or a veteran of this process.”
Derek was the BEST to work with. I let him know right from the beginning that I would need someone to hold my hand through the entire house-buying process and he did just that! He was with me every step of the way. I would 10/10 recommend him to anyone buying a house for the first time or a veteran of this process.
“Derek is amazing. He helped us close in less than 3 weeks. He went above and beyond answered all my questions... truly works hard for his clients. Will I go back to him? HELL TO THE YES.”
I don’t know why this man and his team doesn’t have any reviews!! Derek is amazing. He helped us close in less than 3 weeks. YES LESS THAN 3 weeks. He went above and beyond answered alll my question at crazy times of hours. He’s so friendly and truly works hard for his clients. Giving multiple options and solutions to situation and even when I didn’t understand something he made sure he told me it in different ways. Will I go back to him if we ever refinance or get a new home HELL TO THE YES..
Derek you rock and you deserve more reviews.
“Derek and crew made this closing easy. Three weeks start to finish and we were done, no worries, Derek walked us right through everything. Thank you to all who helped!”
Derek and crew made this closing easy. It had been 26 years since we had bought our first house and the thought of going through that again made us nervous. Three weeks start to finish and we were done, no worries, Derek walked us right through everything. Thank you to all who helped with this purchase of our retirement property!
Response from Owner
Thank you so much for the kind words!! Our team loved helping you guys! Enjoy that new home!!!
“Derek and ALL of his staff are truly a 1st. CLASS mortgage company! They keep us up to date in every step from applying for our loan to settlement.”
Derek and ALL of his staff are truly a 1st. CLASS mortgage company! They keep us up to date in every step from applying for our loan to settlement. We HIGHLY recommend Rate Mortgages office if you are buying a home
Thanks again Derek!
Response from Owner
Thank you so so much! You guys were amazing to take care of :)!
“Derek and his team at Rate are financial wizards and helped us through every step of the home buying process. From offer to close in under a month. Couldn’t be happier!”
Derek and his team at Rate are financial wizards and helped us through every step of the home buying process. From offer to close in under a month. Couldn’t be happier!
“He walked me through every step with such kindness and wisdom. Derek made it easy and painless and was so thorough. I knew what to expect and felt that he truly cares.”
Derek and his team were AMAZING to work with. I was referred to him and am so grateful I was. He walked me through every step with such kindness and wisdom. It was truly appreciated as a I felt like a lost puppy starting this process. Derek made it easy and painless and was so thorough. I knew what to expect and felt that he truly cares about his clients. Thank you Derek and Team!
Response from Owner
Thanks Devin!!! It was so amazing to meet you and help you to start this next amazing chapter in your life!
“Derek and his team are just amazing to work with, made entire process very enjoyable! Derek is someone you can trust”
Derek and his team are just amazing to work with, made entire process very enjoyable! Derek is someone you can trust and tells you the truth, and he makes you feel comfortable with your purchase. He went out of his way to meet us at the closing, which shows how much he cares about what he does! I definitely recommend Derek and his team! Thank you so much for everything!
DDavid M.
“Derek is a very knowledgeable loan officer! You bring any and all questions to him and he will kindly talk you through the entire loan process!”
Derek is a very knowledgeable loan officer! You bring any and all questions to him and he will kindly talk you through the entire loan process! Not only is he thorough, but will go through hoops to make your approval process smoothly! As a realtor, I wouldn’t send you to anyone else!
“Derek and the team were SUPER responsive and provided clear advice. They also did a great job calming the first-time homebuyer nerves.”
Derek and the team were SUPER responsive and provided clear advice. They also did a great job calming the first-time homebuyer nerves.
TTimothy N.
“Derek is an awesome lender and an even better person! He truly cares about his clients and their families!”
Derek is an awesome lender and an even better person! He truly cares about his clients and their families! He is very knowledgeable and doesn’t beat around the bush! He’s very honest and trustworthy! I highly recommend Derek!
“Derek was informed and provided constant communication. They keep you informed about progress and help progress through the application process flawlessly.”
Derek was informed and provided constant communication. They keep you informed about progress and help progress through the application process flawlessly.
“Derek was amazing to work with!! Very available and a great communicator. It was our first time buying a house, so we had a lot of questions. He did an amazing job.”
Derek was amazing to work with!! Very available and a great communicator. It was our first time buying a house, so we had a lot of questions. He did an amazing job.
Response from Owner
Ya'll were so great to work with as well!! Thank you so much for the kind words! Enjoy that beautiful home!!!
“Had a great experience. Derek answered all our questions thoroughly and he was able to process the loan incredibly fast.”
Had a great experience. Derek answered all our questions thoroughly and he was able to process the loan incredibly fast.
Response from Owner
Thanks Nathan!!! I really appreciate the review! You guys were amazing to work with and looking forward to taking care of you and your family in the future :)!
“Derek helped me and my husband clean up my credit so that we could purchase a home. He was always available when I needed answers to my questions.”
Derek helped me and my husband (more me than my husband) clean up my credit so that we could purchase a home. He was always available when I needed answers to my questions.
“Their expertise and attention to detail ensured a seamless approval and closing process that exceeded our expectations.”
They were responsive and took the time to find the best loan options. Their expertise and attention to detail ensured a seamless approval and closing process that exceeded our expectations.
“Everything went well, Derek and his team made this an easy process!”
Everything went well, Derek and his team made this an easy process!
LLane W.
“Derek and his team were on top of everything we had to do. It made the journey to settlement a breeze!”
Derek and his team were on top of everything we had to do. It made the journey to settlement a breeze!
CClarence F.
“No one could have made the process of buying a new house any easier. Derek is the consummate professional. Always available and knowledgeable.”
No one could have made the process of buying a new house any easier. Derek is the consummate professional. Always available and knowledgeable. Highest marks!!
Response from Owner
You guys are the best!!! Thank you so so much for the kind words!!!
