INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE BROKERAGE | MULTIPLE LENDERS, MORE OPTIONS

Better Home Loans Start with Better Rates

As an independent broker, we shop multiple lenders for you, then walk you through the numbers so the choice is clear. Whether you are buying your first home, refinancing, or growing an investment portfolio, you get real options and straight answers. Licensed across seven states.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate your monthly payment

Compare Rates

See your options side by side

Pre-Approval Letter

Get ready to make an offer

Refinance Analysis

See if refinancing pays off

WHY WORK WITH AN INDEPENDENT BROKER

One Broker. Access to Many Lenders.

A bank can only offer its own loans. We are independent, so we compare programs and pricing from a wide lender network and bring you the ones that actually fit.

More lenders,
more options

We shop a broad lender network, so you are not stuck with one bank’s rates or rules.

Experience that
pays off

Decades of combined experience guiding buyers, homeowners, and investors through every kind of market.

Wholesale
pricing

Broker access to wholesale rates that retail banks often cannot match.

Licensed in
seven states

Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Texas, Florida, and Montana.

LOAN OPTIONS

Which Loan Is Right for You?

Start with what you’re trying to do, then explore the loan types that fit.

Buying a Home

Refinancing

Government Loans

Specialty and Investor

WHO WE HELP

Guidance for Every Kind of Borrower

Whatever your situation, first-time buyer, self-employed, veteran, or investor, we tailor the loan search to fit you.

First Time
Homebuyers

Low and zero down payment programs and step-by-step guidance for your first home.

Self Employed and Business Owners

Qualify with bank statements or 1099 income when tax returns do not tell the whole story.

Veterans and
Military

Put your VA benefit to work with zero down and no mortgage insurance.

Real Estate
Investors

Finance rentals using the property’s cash flow, not your personal income.

Move-Up and Repeat Buyers

Sell, buy, and time it right with a plan that fits your goals.

HOW IT WORKS

THREE STEPS, NO SURPRISES

Tell us your goal

Buying, refinancing, or investing, we start with what you want to accomplish.

See your real options

We compare programs and pricing across lenders and lay out the numbers.

Move forward with confidence

You know your payment and your next step before you commit.

HOUSING OREGON’S HEROES

Serving the Heroes of Our Community

Housing Oregon’s Heroes is a fee-discount program created by Mortgage Marketplace to help the professionals who serve our communities get into homes with lower costs. Qualifying borrowers may receive discounted loan origination fees. The program recognizes public-service professionals with practical savings and straightforward mortgage guidance.

“I created Housing Oregon’s Heroes because the people who serve our community, teachers, first responders, military, and healthcare workers, deserve a real path to homeownership. This program is my way of helping make that a little more affordable and a little more within reach for them.”

— Mike Gillett, Founder & CEO

Teachers

Fee-discount support for educators who serve local students and families.

First Responders

Fee-discount support for firefighters, police and law enforcement, EMTs, and paramedics.

Military

Fee-discount support for military veterans and active-duty service members.

Healthcare Professionals

Fee-discount support for healthcare professionals, doctors and nurses.

CLIENT EXPERIENCES

What Clients Say After Closing

Real reviews from the buyers, homeowners, and investors we have helped.

Home Financing,
Explained Clearly

New to home buying or weighing your options? Our plain-language guides walk you through every step.

VA Loan Guide for Veterans

FHA Loan Guide

DSCR Loan Guide for Investors

Down Payment Assistance

MORTGAGE FAQs

ANSWERS BEFORE YOU ASK

Get straightforward answers about home loans, pre-approval, refinancing, credit, down payments, and the mortgage process.

What is Mortgage Marketplace and how can it help me get a better home loan?

Mortgage Marketplace is an independent mortgage broker based in Salem, Oregon, serving borrowers across seven states. Instead of offering only one lender’s products, we help compare mortgage options from multiple lenders. This gives home buyers, homeowners, and investors a clearer look at available rates, fees, terms, and loan programs. You can request a personalized quote to review options based on your goals.

How do I get pre-approved for a home purchase?

Pre-approval reviews your income, assets, credit, and buying goals before you make an offer on a home. It helps you understand your price range and shows sellers your financing has been reviewed. The process is simple, free, and often completed quickly when documents are provided upfront. With strong preparation, many loans close in 30 days or less.

Should I refinance my mortgage right now, and what options are available?

Refinancing depends on your current rate, loan term, equity, payment, and financial goals. Common refinance goals include lowering a monthly payment, shortening the loan term, taking cash out, or consolidating debt. Mortgage Marketplace reviews available refinance options so you can compare costs, savings, and trade-offs. A free comparison helps determine whether refinancing makes sense for your situation.

How does comparing multiple lenders help me save on my mortgage?

Mortgage rates, lender fees, program guidelines, and pricing can vary from one lender to another. Even a small difference in rate or cost can affect the total amount paid over the life of a loan. As an independent mortgage broker, Mortgage Marketplace compares available options from multiple lenders. This helps you review real loan choices instead of being limited to one lender’s offer.

Are mortgage rate quotes free and do they affect my credit?

Mortgage rate quotes are free and carry no obligation. Early rate checks commonly use a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. A full loan application may require a hard credit inquiry later in the process. Your loan officer will explain what type of credit review is being requested before moving forward.

What does a mortgage broker do, and how is that different from going to a bank?

A bank offers its own mortgage products. A mortgage broker compares loan options from multiple wholesale lenders and helps the borrower understand available choices. This can provide access to more programs, pricing options, and qualification paths than one bank alone. Mortgage brokers are also required by law to disclose compensation and loan costs.

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

Credit score requirements depend on the loan program. FHA financing may allow a 580 score with 3.5% down, while conventional financing commonly starts around 620. VA and USDA guidelines can be more flexible for eligible borrowers. Higher scores may improve pricing, but the full financial profile matters when reviewing options.

How much down payment do I need to purchase a home?

Down payment requirements depend on the program and borrower eligibility. FHA loans commonly require 3.5% down, while some conventional programs allow 3% to 5% down. Eligible VA and USDA borrowers may qualify for zero-down financing. Down payment assistance options may also be available through qualifying programs.

Can I qualify for a mortgage if I am self-employed?

Yes, self-employed borrowers can qualify for mortgage financing. Qualification may involve tax returns, bank statements, or alternative documentation depending on the loan program. Business owners, contractors, and 1099 earners often need a more detailed income review. Mortgage Marketplace helps compare traditional and alternative-documentation options.

How long does the mortgage approval process take?

The timeline depends on the loan type, documentation, appraisal, underwriting, and purchase contract details. Pre-approval is often completed within one to two business days when documents are complete. Many purchase loans can close in 30 days or less with strong upfront planning. Clear documentation helps prevent avoidable delays.

What documents will I need to apply for a home loan?

Common documents include two years of W-2s or tax returns, recent pay stubs, two months of bank statements, government identification, and a purchase contract if you are already under contract. Self-employed borrowers may need additional business or income documents. The exact list depends on the loan program and borrower profile. Your loan officer will provide a personalized document checklist.

Are there special programs for teachers, first responders, or veterans?

Yes. Housing Oregon’s Heroes offers reduced origination fees for qualifying teachers, first responders, police, firefighters, nurses, and healthcare workers. Eligible veterans and active-duty military members may also review VA loan options. VA financing may offer zero-down options and no monthly private mortgage insurance for qualified borrowers.

Can I buy a new home before I sell my current one?

Buying a new home before selling your current home may be possible in some cases. Options can include bridge financing, a HELOC, or a contingency offer. Availability depends on your equity, income, credit, and complete transaction details. Mortgage Marketplace can review the scenario and explain available paths.

Can I use gift funds toward my down payment?

Yes, many FHA, conventional, and VA loan programs allow gift funds from an eligible donor. The funds usually need to be documented with a gift letter and proof of transfer. Program rules vary by loan type and borrower situation. Your loan officer will explain what documentation is needed before the file is submitted.

What are closing costs, and how much should I budget for them?

Closing costs commonly range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. They can include lender fees, title fees, escrow costs, appraisal fees, prepaid taxes, insurance, and interest. Some costs may be covered through seller concessions or structured into the loan when allowed by the program. A Loan Estimate gives an early itemized breakdown so you can review costs before moving forward.

View all 15 questions

AREAS WE SERVE

Licensed Across Seven States

We serve buyers, homeowners, and investors in Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Texas, Florida, and Montana. Oregon offices in Salem and Eugene.

OUR MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS

Licensed brokers who put your interests first.

MIKE GILLETT

MORTGAGE BROKER | FOUNDER | CEO

NMLS #362285

STACY MARTINEZ

MORTGAGE BROKER | OWNER

NMLS #2227274

SUMMER FREEMAN

MORTGAGE BROKER | BRANCH MANAGER

NMLS #360504