Find the right mortgage without guessing your way through it
VA, FHA, conventional, and self-employed loan options explained clearly so you can compare paths and move forward with a real plan.
Getting approved is rarely a matter of "If"—it is a matter of "When". But you will never know the exact path to homeownership if you stay in the dark. Let's make a plan without risking your credit score.
VA loans, FHA loans, conventional mortgages, and self-employed home loan options explained simply.
100% Free Consultation • No Credit Pull Required
VA specialist • Florida-focused planning • Custom goal setting
What Makes Working With Me Different
What is the best mortgage option for your situation? It depends on your goals, timeline, and finances. I help you compare loan options clearly so you can choose what actually fits.
Clear guidance so you choose the right loan
Most lenders are built to push volume. That works until you actually have questions or need to compare options.
I help you look at the full picture so you can make a decision that fits, not just take whatever gets suggested.
What that means in real life
- Side-by-side loan comparisons
- Real payment planning (taxes, insurance, cash to close)
- VA loan expertise if you are eligible
- Direct answers without sales scripts
- Availability when you need it
All Major Loan Types
I help buyers with VA, FHA, conventional, DSCR, and other mortgage options. The goal is to find the loan that fits, not force every buyer into the same box.
VA Loans Are My Specialty
I work with veterans and eligible buyers who want clear help with zero-down options, COE questions, appraisal concerns, and how VA loans actually work in the real world.
Florida-Specific Planning
In Florida, payment surprises often come from taxes and insurance. I help buyers look past the headline rate and focus on the full monthly payment.
My Process: The "When" Not "If" Strategy
You will never know the exact path to homeownership if you stay in the dark. Let's make a real plan.
1. Start With the Situation
Before talking numbers or pulling credit, I want to understand what you are trying to do, how long you plan to be in the home, and what kind of payment makes sense for you.
2. Compare the Right Options
I walk through the loan options that fit your goals side-by-side, whether that is VA, FHA, conventional, or a specialized self-employed program.
3. Plan for the Real Payment
Rate matters, but so do taxes, insurance, fees, and cash to close. I focus on the whole payment so there are fewer surprises later.
4. Stay Available Through the Process
You are not getting dropped into a generic queue. I stay involved, answer questions, and help keep things moving when deals get messy.
5. Help You Think Beyond the Rate
The right loan is not just about getting approved. It is about choosing the right structure, payment, and next step for where you are now and where you want to be later.
6. Keep It Clear and Direct
You should know what your options are, what the next step is, and what to expect. That is how I like to work.
Loan Options
I work with multiple loan types so you can choose what actually fits.
VA Loans
Zero down options for eligible buyers with guidance beyond the basics.
Learn More →Conventional Loans
Strong option depending on credit, down payment, and long-term goals.
Explore →FHA Loans
Flexible credit and lower down payment options for many buyers.
View FHA Options →Self-Employed Loans
Bank statement and alternative documentation options for business owners.
Explore →VA Loans Are My Specialty
I handle all major loan types, but VA loans are the area where I spend the most time helping buyers understand what they actually have available to them.
Clear Help for Eligible Buyers
VA loans can be one of the best loan options available, but many buyers still do not fully understand how they work. I help break that down clearly.
Real-World VA Questions
From COE questions to appraisal concerns to zero-down strategy, I help buyers work through the parts that usually create confusion.
More VA Resources
If you want a more VA-focused experience, you can also explore my VA-only educational content built around common VA loan questions and answers.
Why Buyers Want More Than a Bank or Call Center
A lot of big lenders are built around volume. That works until you need clear answers, want to compare options, or your deal gets a little complicated.
More Direct Communication
You should not have to chase down updates or explain your situation to a different person every time. Working with me is more personal and more direct.
More Than a Script
Not every buyer fits a simple checklist. Some need help comparing options. Some need strategy. Some just want straight answers without getting bounced around.
Focused on the Whole Deal
The right loan is not just about getting approved. It is about choosing the right structure, payment, and a true team that will stand by you if an appraisal comes in low.
Frequently Asked Questions
The biggest questions buyers ask when they start searching for a mortgage.
Should I use a mortgage broker or a retail bank?
A mortgage broker has access to dozens of different wholesale lenders and interest rates, whereas a retail bank can only offer you their specific in-house products. Brokers are the clear choice if you want the lowest cost option or have a unique situation like self-employment.
Can a mortgage broker check my options without hurting my credit?
Absolutely. We use a Soft Pull process that gives us all the information we need to accurately quote your rates and options, without triggering a hard inquiry or damaging your credit score.
Why do so many buyers get told "No" by their bank?
Big banks put buyers into rigid "underwriting boxes." If you don't fit perfectly, they say no. As a broker, our strategy isn't "If" you can get approved, but "When" and finding the specific lender whose box you actually fit into.
Proudly Backed By Institutional Excellence
CTR Mortgage Brokers
Big Mike Mortgage is powered by CTR Mortgage Brokers—North Carolina and Florida's top-rated specialists in zero-down VA lending and complex home purchases.
What Clients Experience
Real feedback from veterans and homeowners who have gone through the process with Mike.
“Mike was such a great help in closing on my home! The process was incredibly smooth and easy thanks to him. I highly recommend him for any real estate needs!”
Barry Barrett“Mike is FANTASTIC! We were able to go through the home buying process in such a smooth manner it felt like the blink of an eye! Mike made sure we knew each step along the way.”
Elle Adams“Mike Payne made me feel like he was my personal subject matter expert through the entire process even through negotiations... He genuinely will be the only mortgage professional I will never stray from.”
Jacob G. — Source: Google“Mike is so amazing! He knows so much and was incredibly helpful. Thanks to him, everything went smoothly and easily for me!”
Shellee Dimmick“Mike is a really great lender, he was very easy to talk to and explained everything really well, it made the experience so much easier. Highly recommend!”
Jace Heaton“Mike Payne went above and beyond securing us a VA loan for our retirement home. He was able to put our earnest money back in our account resulting in zero closing costs.”
Thomas C. — Source: GoogleStart With a Conversation
If you are buying, comparing loan options, or trying to figure out whether a VA loan is the best fit, the first step is simple. Let’s talk through your situation and figure out the right next move.