Shannon Christenot

Shannon Christenot Our team of Los Angeles real estate lending experts have decades of experience in every aspect of mo I started in the mortgage industry in 1996.

At the time, I was performing data entry for one of the largest wholesale mortgage lenders in the country. In that role, I learned the ins and outs of lending disclosures and income documentation for borrowers. That foundation helped me move into a new role as a very knowledgeable loan officer in 1999. I’ve loved every minute, and haven’t looked back since. As the markets have changed over the yea

rs, I have evolved with them, moving from the wholesale side of banking to the retail side. In my current role as a mortgage broker, I get to work with customers directly—which is absolutely one of the most satisfying parts of my job.

If you're planning extra principal payments, ask your servicer how to label them so they apply correctly. A common mista...
09/03/2026

If you're planning extra principal payments, ask your servicer how to label them so they apply correctly. A common mistake is sending a general payment and assuming the loan balance will drop faster; instead, confirm the payment is marked for principal only and check whether your loan has any prepayment rules before you start.

Consider a buyer who is also a homeowner and wants simpler monthly bills before moving up: refinancing can sometimes be ...
09/02/2026

Consider a buyer who is also a homeowner and wants simpler monthly bills before moving up: refinancing can sometimes be paired with escrow changes, PMI removal, or a switch from an adjustable loan to a fixed structure. The practical step is to review the current loan terms, then ask which piece is creating the most friction in the budget. Walk through the steps. https://bit.ly/4b5LKQM

A common myth is that rental-property financing is only for seasoned investors. In practice, a buyer with a stable W-2 j...
09/01/2026

A common myth is that rental-property financing is only for seasoned investors. In practice, a buyer with a stable W-2 job can still start by documenting income, reserves, and the property's expected rent, then comparing conventional options with an investor-focused loan. The key mistake is assuming the projected rent replaces every other qualification step.

One common mistake is assuming past denials mean every loan path is off the table. FHA can be a better fit for some buye...
08/31/2026

One common mistake is assuming past denials mean every loan path is off the table. FHA can be a better fit for some buyers who need more flexible credit guidelines, while conventional may work better when the file is stronger on income and reserves. The key is matching the program to the file instead of forcing the file to fit one program.

A veteran comparing loan options should look past the headline benefit and check the full cost of ownership. A VA loan c...
08/30/2026

A veteran comparing loan options should look past the headline benefit and check the full cost of ownership. A VA loan can help with no down payment and no monthly PMI, but funding fee rules, seller credits, and closing costs still matter. Ask for a side-by-side loan estimate that shows how each feature affects your cash to close and long-term equity.

If a buyer is choosing between a condo and a single-family home, the financing file can look very different once condo f...
08/29/2026

If a buyer is choosing between a condo and a single-family home, the financing file can look very different once condo fees, insurance, and reserves enter the picture. That is why a pre-listing consultation matters: it helps identify whether the property type fits the loan program, whether escrow will be needed, and what documents should be collected before the search gets serious.

A buyer with steady income but little cash saved may still be able to use USDA financing if the property and location fi...
08/28/2026

A buyer with steady income but little cash saved may still be able to use USDA financing if the property and location fit the program rules. The practical next step is to check the address against the eligible-area map and then make sure income documentation is ready, including recent W-2s or 1099s if applicable. See how it works. https://bit.ly/4wN6h4M

A veteran using a VA loan should start with a simple document check: recent pay stubs if applicable, two years of W-2s o...
08/27/2026

A veteran using a VA loan should start with a simple document check: recent pay stubs if applicable, two years of W-2s or 1099s, and a clean explanation for any employment gaps. If you get disability income or retirement pay, have the award letter ready so underwriting can classify it correctly. Small paperwork gaps are a common reason files slow down.

A self-employed buyer with strong 1099 income can still get tripped up by a new car loan or store-financing inquiry righ...
08/26/2026

A self-employed buyer with strong 1099 income can still get tripped up by a new car loan or store-financing inquiry right before underwriting. The cleaner move is to hold off on any fresh credit pulls until after closing, then keep bank deposits and expense records easy to verify. Compare this to your situation. https://bit.ly/4wqWOjZ

A veteran using a VA loan should build a simple document checklist before underwriting starts: recent pay stubs if emplo...
08/25/2026

A veteran using a VA loan should build a simple document checklist before underwriting starts: recent pay stubs if employed, W-2s or 1099s if applicable, bank statements, and a clear explanation for any large deposits. One common mistake is waiting to explain a gap in employment until the lender asks; it is easier to address it early with a short written note and backup paperwork.

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Los Angeles, CA
90017

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