LaVerne St.Mary

LaVerne St.Mary

Retail Loan Officer
NMLS #113731
Direct: 832-253-3966
laverne.stmary@missionloans.com

Galveston, TX

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How my mission began

LaVerne has over 25 years’ experience in the financial sector.  Most of those years are dedicated to banking & mortgage/home financing; with a high focus toward Integrity, Trust, Commitment and Exceptional Customer Care.

Because a home purchase is one of the biggest lifetime investments, it’s important that you work with a mortgage professional you can trust.

LaVerne will work with you one on one to ensure that your mortgage loan is tailored specifically to meet your current financial needs – while complementing your long term financial goals.

Whether you’re Purchasing your dream home, refinancing an existing mortgage loan, or Cash-out of an existing mortgage loan, LaVerne will work with you to select the right loan program that fit YOU!

LaVerne’s Mission Statement

  • Superior Service is my Purpose.
  • Ensuring a Positive Customer Experience is my Passion.
  • Helping You Secure the Right Mortgage Financing is my Goal.

LaVerne has a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston and maintains her annual continuing education licensing courses.

LaVerne’s Hobbies are physical fitness, yoga, jogging, swimming, reading, watching sports, gardening, camping, enjoying music and family time.

Everyone of legal age deserves a piece of real estate in this great nation! Homeownership is the American Dream and LaVerne’s commitment is to help you achieve that Goal!

Thank you for your Business!

Thank you for your Trust!

Titchiana
Ms. Laverne is AMAZING! She made sure that we understood the home buying process from beginning to end. Ms. Laverne was always available for questions and/or concerns. She helped make one of our dreams a reality. We are definitely sharing our experience with friends and family. Thank you!

Terry “Terry” S
This is our 3rd home we buy with Ms. LaVerne, and all the experiences have been nothing less than excellent. She is very professional and takes her clients’ interest as her own, that is how every time it gets translated into an awesome experience. We have referred her to our friends and will continue to do so. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Thank you so much LaVerne St Mary.

Jaren hardy
Very satisfied with Mrs. Lavergne and her team. I am now a new homeowner. Thanks so much for being patient and available to me at all times.

E. Lowe Hamilton
Well versed and personable. I highly recommend.

Lucindy Handy
Mrs Laverne is awesome at what she does. If you are in the market in purchasing your home , I highly suggest you see her. She will not steer you wrong! Than you Mrs LaVerne helping me accomplish one of my goals !

Mortgage solutions as unique as you

Just as one shoe size doesn’t fit everyone, one loan type doesn’t fit everyone’s unique financial circumstances. We take the time to thoroughly discuss your needs, goals, and financial situation to help identify a loan program to best fits your needs.

Navigating the home loan process can be scary foreign territory, but thankfully, it’s easier when there are plenty of options to choose from under the guidance of an experienced team. Take a look at all the options we offer below and see how possible — and affordable — home loan financing can be.

Conventional loans

A conventional loan is one that is not insured or guaranteed by the federal government. These loans are often more common among customers who have purchased a house before and are in a position to meet a narrower set of qualification requirements.

Conventional loan lending guidelines require the borrower to have debt-to-income ratios and credit scores within a specified range, and the ability to show stable income.

Those who meet these qualifications and want to opt out of private mortgage insurance (PMI) can do so by putting 20% down on the home at closing, which lowers their monthly payments.

Best for people with:

  • Steady income
  • Strong credit
  • Debt-to-income (DTI) less than 43%

Benefits:

  • Potentially lower rates and monthly payments
  • Can avoid the cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI) with 20% down payment
  • Can be fixed or adjustable-rate

Qualifications:

  • Credit score of 620+
  • Minimum 3% down payment
  • Debt-to-income (DTI) less than 43%

FHA loans

The government understands that everyone needs a place to live but that not everyone can meet the standards of a conventional loan. So, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures home loans to expand homeownership opportunities to more borrowers.

These loans require the borrower to occupy the home as their primary residence. The loan amounts are capped, and the borrower is required to purchase mortgage insurance in case the home falls into foreclosure. Nonetheless, FHA loans are a great option for people who never thought they would be able to otherwise qualify for a loan.

Best for people with:

  • Limited savings
  • A lower credit score
  • Higher debt

Benefits:

  • Less restrictive qualification requirements
  • Low down payment options

Qualifications:

  • 3.5% down payment for 580+ credit score
  • 10% down payment for 500–579 credit score
  • Proof of income and a steady paycheck

VA loans

The VA loan program is made available by the government exclusively to veterans as a way of thanking military members and their families for their service to the country. These loans make it easier for retired and active-duty members to buy a house or refinance a current mortgage loan, as VA loans offer less restrictive qualification guidelines, low down payment minimums, minimal closing costs, and do not have loan amount caps nor require private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Best for people with:

  • Veteran status
  • Lower credit score
  • Minimal savings

Benefits:

  • Less restrictive qualification requirements
  • Low down payment options
  • No PMI requirement
  • Low closing costs
  • Multiple types available

Qualifications:

  • Be active or retired military
  • Credit score in low-to-mid 600s
  • Debt-to-Income (DTI) of 41% or less

How our mission began

Over two decades ago, our leaders started their journey in the mortgage industry and discovered gaps in the traditional mortgage experience. They noted that customers weren’t getting the best care possible because of unclear and outdated processes that interfered with transparency and communication.

As they navigated varying cycles typical to the mortgage industry, worked for large brands, and gained valuable experience through events like the 2008 financial crisis, they grew their reputation and found that customer service is what resonated with customers the most.

Years later, they came together to establish Mission Loans — the industry’s missing piece. Mission Loans is on a mission to master the customer experience of the mortgage process. Our goal is to be more customer-centric than any mortgage company in the country.

Company Values

We prioritize customers

Mission Loans is customer-centric, and that sets us apart from our competitors. This means everything we do is done with the customer’s best interest in mind. We assess your needs, identify the right product for you, and close quickly. We strive to meet your financing needs without the pressure of the fluff.

We have big ambitions.

We don’t conform to antiquated norms in the loan process — we think bigger than that, and that’s what sets us apart. Our innovative, creative minds, ambitious spirits, and top-notch customer service are helping us climb the ladder to becoming the top mortgage company in the nation.

We leverage technology to make life easier.

The world is using technology for practically every aspect of life, so why shouldn’t it apply to the mortgage process as well? Many mortgage companies struggle to make use of all the technology available to them, but we use it to automate tedious manual processes so we can focus on what matters most — building a relationship with customers like you.

We get stuff done.

As a company, we play hard so we can work even harder. Our team of winners knows that failure is not an option when it comes to our customers. At Mission Loans, there’s no drama or half-baked efforts — only hustle to deliver the most legendary experience in the industry. We win every day in finding loans that suit the needs of each of our customers.

We infuse innovation into our processes.

Mission Loans isn’t satisfied with the status quo of the mortgage industry. It’s old, inefficient, and it doesn’t benefit the homebuyer. We’ve put our innovation caps on to come up with new ways to make the process simpler, less stressful, and easier to understand.

We care…really.

We hire customer-centric people, which translates to a deeply caring company culture of team members who want to make a positive impact for all. Homeownership and home loan financing are big steps, and we want to see you win. We take pride in our social partnerships and giving back to our communities so that when you’re winning your community is winning as well.

Top 10 Mortgage Terms You Need to Know

If you’ve just started learning about mortgages, you’ve probably seen mortgage terms like APR, PMI, and DTI pop up. There is a lot to learn when it comes to mortgages, but mortgages don’t have to be confusing! We’ve put together a list of the Top 10 Mortgage Terms You Need to Know. Continue reading for the top mortgage terms and definitions you need to know when looking and applying for a mortgage.

 

1. Annual percentage rate (APR)

Annual Percentage Rate (also called APR) identifies the annual cost of a loan, expressed as a percentage. Your APR includes your interest rate as well as other costs, including mortgage insurance, closing costs, and any additional loan or broker fees. It’s a good idea to consider not only the interest rate, but the overall APR of your loan as a good basis when comparing mortgage options.

2. Closing and Closing Costs

Closing is the time and place when all Closing Documents for your loan are signed, dated, and notarized. Closing documents include your agreed upon interest rate, monthly payments, and remaining costs to close the loan.

Closing Costs typically include fees related to title search and insurance, document preparation, attorney fees, appraisals, and any other relevant work that is done to secure your loan. Closing costs are due at the time of closing, and usually costs approximately 3% of your total loan amount. Remember that closing costs don’t include additional items that you will be responsible for, like homeowner’s insurance, mortgage insurance, and property taxes.

3. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Your Debt-to-Income Ratio is calculated by dividing your monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. Monthly debt payments include things like credit cards, car loans, student loans, and any other additional monthly expenses. Your gross monthly income is what you earn before taxes. When divided, your Debt-to-Income Ratio is expressed as a percentage. Typically, monthly mortgage payments should not exceed approximately 30% of your gross monthly income.

4. Down Payment

Down Payments often range anywhere from 5% to 20%. Some loan programs can require as little as 0% down, based on a variety of factors.  Your down payment covers the difference between your loan amount and the purchase price. The benefit of a larger down payment is eliminating your PMI, or Mortgage Insurance, number 6 on our list!

5. Escrow

Escrow refers to funds that you deposit with a third party, that are held until a specific date or condition is met. When you make an offer on a home, your down payment will typically go to an escrow account while you finalize negotiations with the home seller. Mortgage lenders will also require a percentage of yearly taxes to be held in an escrow account which is maintained by the lender.

6. Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)

Loan-to-Value or LTV is the ratio between your loan amount and the total home price you are purchasing. For example, if you apply for an $80,000 loan to purchase a home that costs $100,000, your LTV Ratio is 80% ($80,000 / $100,000). In this example, the remaining $20,000 that’s needed to purchase the home would come from the buyer in the form of a down payment. While the ratio can vary based on down payment amount and loan program, 80% is considered a common LTV Ratio.

7. Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Mortgages are usually paid off over a period between 10 to 30 years. Most buyers are required to make a down payment as collateral for their loan. While the required down payment may vary based on loan program requirements, down payments less than 20% require the buyer to pay for Private Mortgage Insurance, also called PMI. Mortgage insurance is required to protect the lender in case the buyer can no longer afford to pay back the loan. It’s common for buyers who owe to refinance once they have at least 20% equity in their home.

8. Principal & Interest (P&I)

Principal and Interest, abbreviated to P&I, are two of the most common terms when it comes to mortgages. Principal refers to the amount of money borrowed. Interest refers to the amount that is owed for borrowing the money. Principal and interest make up the majority of your mortgage payment, usually followed by taxes, home insurance, and PMI if applicable. You can calculate your expected mortgage payment using our Mortgage Calculator.

9. Interest Rate and Rate Lock

Interest Rates are the most common numbers you’ll see associated with a loan. Your interest rate refers to the amount of interest owed on a loan. Unlike APR, interest rates do not take into account additional fees that may be required for a loan. While looking for and purchasing a home, interest rates may continue to change. A Rate Lock is made when a lender guarantees an interest rate to a borrower for a set period of time. Rate locks are typically used when rates are volatile or have a chance of going up, and help the borrower to secure a rate while they finalize their home purchase. Once the rate lock has expired, the interest rate will be adjusted to account for current market conditions.

10. Term

When you hear the word “term” or “loan term,” it refers to the length of time to pay off a loan. When purchasing a home, the term is provided in years. Loan terms are used to determine your overall monthly payment amount, and the length of your term (10, 15 or 30 years) can affect your interest rate as well as your required down payment.

 

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In accordance with Section 326 of the USA Patriot Act of 2001, Mission Loans LLC NMLS ID: 210853 is required to obtain a copy of the documents used in identifying our new account customers. This notice is being provided to you for adequate notice given under this act. I acknowledge this is not a formal application, under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or a commitment to lend. Your loan officer will contact you to complete your application and determine which products may best suite your financial needs. Final loan approval will be subject to a complete application, complete sales contract when you find a home (purchase transactions only), a property appraisal, determination by the lender that the property meets underwriting and commitment conditions, and a verification of your income, employment, assets, credit history and any other information necessary in compliance with lender’s underwriting guidelines. If you supplied your social security number in the Pre-application, you are permitting the lender to order a credit report in connection with your request for credit.
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