A mortgage should fit your life, not the other way around.
I'm CJ Kerls, a Bay Area mortgage lender serving San Francisco, Sonoma County, and surrounding communities. With 35+ years of experience, I help homebuyers and homeowners find financing that fits their circumstances, even when traditional mortgage guidelines don't tell the whole story.
Your Situation
Whether you're buying your first home, self-employed, earning bonuses or RSUs, or investing in real estate, we'll explore your options. Depending on the loan program, assets, cash flow, or rental income may help you qualify.
What to Expect
Clear answers, personalized guidance, and an efficient process. Pre-approvals are typically available within 24–48 hours once the necessary information is received, and many purchase loans close in 21 days or less.
“As first-time home buyers, we had a lot of questions throughout the process, and CJ was incredibly patient, responsive, and helpful every step of the way. He took the time to explain everything clearly, made sure we understood all of our options, and always made us feel comfortable reaching out whenever something came up. … We truly felt like he had our best interests in mind from start to finish.”
Kyle S. · Google ·
★★★★★
“I've been working with CJ for 30+ years and hold him in high regard. He is always responsive, smart and has his pulse on the market. I value his advice and will never do a real estate transaction without him.”
Leslie D. · Google ·
★★★★★
“As a first time home buyer, I had a ton of questions and a lot of unknowns about the process. CJ was extremely prompt and helpful throughout the journey and pulled out all the stops to make a super fast close happen when we found our dream home way faster than expected. I highly recommend him and definitely would work together again in the future!”
Robert H. · Google ·
★★★★★
“CJ was a great resource for the purchase of our new home. Rates were high and our budget was tight, but his team was able to get us approved quickly when a last minute deal came our way. … CJ and the Rate team made it happen! All with friendly communication and an easy online portal for document exchange.”
Joe C. · Google ·
★★★★★
“CJ has closed many loans for me over the past twenty years, and I could not recommend a more thoughtful, intelligent, ethical and accomplished mortgage broker. … His entire team is responsive and dedicated to ensuring a positive consumer experience. … He is the ultimate under-promiser and over-deliverer in an ever changing market. Five stars!”
John F. · Google ·
★★★★★
“I would absolutely recommend CJ and his team … He has worked with us through 2 mortgages and in both cases every step was covered and we were always informed and clear on the process. But also he and his team are amazing at working through more complex mortgage situations. … CJ and his team were always available, quick to respond and just the nicest people!”
Statia H. · Google ·
Primary service areas
Based in Healdsburg · Licensed in 29 states
01San Francisco Bay AreaSan Francisco, Marin County, the Peninsula and East Bay.
