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Real Life Deal Save

July 31, 20253 min read

Real Life Deal Save: How the Right Lender Can Make All the Difference

Buying a home is exciting—but it can also be stressful, especially when things don’t go as planned. Recently, I worked with a buyer in Los Angeles County who found himself in a nightmare scenario: he was just 19 days from closing when his original lender turned him down.

He was frustrated, unsure what to do next, and worried about losing the home he and his family had fallen in love with. That’s when his realtor reached out to me for a second opinion—and that’s when everything changed.


A Tricky Situation Most Lenders Wouldn’t Touch

This buyer’s finances were a bit complicated:

  • Both he and his wife worked hourly jobs, but she had taken a leave of absence the previous year, which made her income harder to use for qualifying.

  • He also ran a side business that brought in real money—but like many self-employed borrowers, his tax returns showed a loss.

  • He was buying near the top of his budget in one of the most expensive markets in the country.

  • And did I mention he only had 19 days to close—and he called me on a Friday?

Most lenders would have said “sorry, can’t help.” But that’s where having the right lending partner makes all the difference.


Finding a Path to “Yes”

As a mortgage broker, I have access to hundreds of loan programs from dozens of lenders—including options designed for self-employed buyers or those with unique income situations. Instead of a flat-out “no,” I look for creative solutions to make a loan work.

And here’s the part that really matters: I don’t work 9 to 5.

When my clients need me, I’m there—days, nights, and weekends. I walk my clients through every step of the process, making sure nothing slips through the cracks. In this case, I:

  • Found a lender willing to move quickly and review his unique income situation.

  • Worked evenings and weekends to ensure every document was submitted accurately and on time.

  • Leveraged my relationships with the lender to keep the file moving, even outside of normal business hours.

  • Renegotiated the interest rate at the last minute, saving the borrower thousands in closing costs.

The result? We went from rejected to “clear to close” in just 21 days.


Most Home Loans Aren’t This Dramatic—But I’m Ready if They Are

Most home purchases don’t involve last-minute rescues like this one. I typically help buyers get fully pre-approved before they make an offer, so they can shop with confidence and close smoothly. But life happens, and when it does, you need a lender who will pick up the phone, roll up their sleeves, and get the job done.

Whether your scenario is straightforward or a little outside the box, my job is to find the right loan for your unique situation—and be there for you every step of the way.


Ready to Start Your Home Journey?

If you’re thinking about buying a home—or if another lender has already told you “no”—let’s talk. I’d love to give you a free, no-obligation second opinion and help you explore your options.

📞 Call/Text me at 704-953-3561
💌 Email me

The right lending partner can make all the difference—and I’m here to help you get home.

Jen brings a wealth of experience from the financial services industry, starting as a Certified Financial Planner and later earning her MBA in Finance from Duke University. After working in Corporate Bond Sales and raising three daughters, she joined Team Pogue Real Estate, where she’s spent over a decade building community relationships. With a deep understanding of both finance and family life, Jen offers a personalized, thoughtful approach as a mortgage loan originator—committed to helping families find the right path to financial stability and homeownership.

Jennifer Blau

Jen brings a wealth of experience from the financial services industry, starting as a Certified Financial Planner and later earning her MBA in Finance from Duke University. After working in Corporate Bond Sales and raising three daughters, she joined Team Pogue Real Estate, where she’s spent over a decade building community relationships. With a deep understanding of both finance and family life, Jen offers a personalized, thoughtful approach as a mortgage loan originator—committed to helping families find the right path to financial stability and homeownership.

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