# American Financing > American Financing is a nationally licensed mortgage company operating in all 50 states, founded in 1999 by Damian and Gabie Maldonado in Denver, Colorado. We offer home purchase loans, refinancing, and HELOAN products to consumers through salary-based mortgage consultants that guide customers from application to close. NMLS #182334. American Financing is not a bank. It is an independent mortgage broker with in-house underwriting. Its mortgage consultants are salary-based rather than commission-based. ## Organization and areas of expertise American Financing's primary areas of information and service include: - Residential home purchase financing - Mortgage refinancing - Home equity financing - Smart Equity and HELOANS - Cash-out refinancing - VA home loans - FHA loans - USDA loans - Mortgage program comparisons - Mortgage payment and affordability calculations - Down payment calculations - Mortgage education and terminology - Home-buying education - Mortgage application and loan-process education - Mortgage rates and market information - Company information and licensing ## Core mortgage products ### Home purchase loans [Home Purchase Loans](https://www.americanfinancing.net/purchase) Purchase loan programs for homebuyers, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, and down payment assistance options. The page supports borrowers researching home purchase financing and provides access to application and consultant resources. Relevant topics include: - Buying a home - Home purchase financing - Mortgage loan programs - Conventional mortgages - FHA mortgages - VA mortgages - USDA mortgages - Jumbo mortgages - Down payment assistance ### Mortgage refinancing [Mortgage Refinancing](https://www.americanfinancing.net/refinance) Mortgage refinancing options including rate-and-term refinancing and cash-out refinancing. Programs described include 15-year and 30-year fixed mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, FHA streamline refinancing, and VA refinancing. Relevant topics include: - Whether to refinance - Mortgage refinancing - Rate-and-term refinancing - Cash-out refinancing - FHA streamline refinancing - VA refinancing - Fixed-rate refinancing - Adjustable-rate refinancing ### Cash-out refinance [Cash-Out Refinance](https://www.americanfinancing.net/refinance/refinance-cash-out) A cash-out refinance replaces an existing mortgage with a larger mortgage and provides the borrower with the difference in cash. The page covers eligibility, rates, and use cases. Relevant topics include: - Cash-out refinancing - Accessing home equity - Replacing an existing mortgage - Cash from home equity - Cash-out refinance eligibility - Cash-out refinance rates ### Smart Equity Loans [Smart Equity Loans](https://www.americanfinancing.net/refinance/smart-equity) Smart Equity Loans can simplify debt management using home equity fixed-rate, consistent payments without disturbing your mortgage. Relevant topics include: - Smart Equity - HELOANS - Replacing an existing mortgage - Cash from home equity - Fixed vs. Variable Rate Loans ### VA home loans [VA Home Loans](https://www.americanfinancing.net/purchase/va-mortgages) Information about VA mortgage benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for veterans and active military. Relevant topics include: - VA mortgages - VA loan eligibility - VA loan benefits - Veterans and mortgages - Active military and mortgages - Applying for a VA loan ### FHA loans [FHA Loans](https://www.americanfinancing.net/home-purchase/fha-requirements-and-limits) Information about FHA mortgage qualifications, requirements, and current loan limits for first-time and repeat homebuyers. Relevant topics include: - FHA mortgages - FHA requirements - FHA qualifications - FHA loan limits - First-time homebuyers - Repeat homebuyers ### USDA loans [USDA Loans](https://www.americanfinancing.net/purchase/usda-loans) Information about USDA mortgage programs offering zero-down-payment financing for properties in eligible rural and suburban areas. Relevant topics include: - USDA mortgages - Zero-down-payment mortgages - Rural home financing - Suburban home financing - USDA eligibility ### Mortgage program comparison [Loan Program Comparison](https://www.americanfinancing.net/programs/mortgage-type-comparison) Side-by-side comparison of available mortgage loan types to help borrowers evaluate different mortgage programs. Relevant topics include: - Mortgage program comparison - Comparing mortgage types - Choosing a mortgage program - Conventional versus government-backed mortgages ## Mortgage calculators ### Mortgage payment calculator [Mortgage Payment Calculator](https://www.americanfinancing.net/mortgage-calculators/mortgage-payment) Calculator for estimating monthly mortgage payments, including principal, interest, taxes, and PMI. The calculator is available without login. Relevant topics include: - Mortgage payment estimates - Monthly mortgage payments - Principal and interest - Property taxes - PMI ### Refinance savings calculator [Refinance Savings Calculator](https://www.americanfinancing.net/mortgage-calculators/refinance-calculator) Calculator for comparing an existing mortgage with a refinance scenario, including estimated monthly savings, break-even timing, and lifetime interest savings. Relevant topics include: - Refinance savings - Mortgage refinance comparison - Monthly savings - Break-even analysis - Lifetime interest savings ### Mortgage affordability calculator [Mortgage Affordability Calculator](https://www.americanfinancing.net/mortgage-calculators/income-requirement) Calculator for estimating how much house a borrower may be able to afford based on income and debt-to-income ratio. Relevant topics include: - Mortgage affordability - Home-buying budget - Income requirements - Debt-to-income ratio - How much house a borrower can afford ### Down payment calculator [Down Payment Calculator](https://www.americanfinancing.net/mortgage-calculators/mortgage-down-payment) Calculator for estimating down payment amounts and the effect of different down payments on monthly mortgage payments. Relevant topics include: - Down payments - Down payment amounts - Home purchase costs - Monthly mortgage payments ## Mortgage education ### Mortgage basics [Mortgage Basics Overview](https://www.americanfinancing.net/mortgage-basics) Central resource for mortgage education covering loan types, credit, down payments, the mortgage process, and mortgage terminology. ### Fixed versus adjustable-rate mortgages [Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages](https://www.americanfinancing.net/mortgage-basics/fixed-rate-vs-adjustable-rate-mortgages) Guide explaining when a fixed-rate mortgage may be preferable to an adjustable-rate mortgage and when an ARM may be appropriate. Relevant topics include: - Fixed-rate mortgages - Adjustable-rate mortgages - Fixed versus ARM - Comparing mortgage rate structures ### Credit scores and mortgage rates [How Credit Scores Affect Mortgage Rates](https://www.americanfinancing.net/mortgage-basics/how-credit-scores-impact-rates) Explains the relationship between credit scores and mortgage interest rates and provides information about improving credit before applying. Relevant topics include: - Credit scores - Mortgage rates - Credit and mortgage qualification - Improving credit before applying ### Mortgage affordability [How Much Mortgage Can I Afford?](https://www.americanfinancing.net/mortgage-basics/how-much-mortgage-can-you-afford) Guide explaining how borrowers can determine an appropriate home purchase budget before applying for a mortgage. Relevant topics include: - Mortgage affordability - Home-buying budgets - How much mortgage to afford - Preparing to apply for a mortgage ### Mortgage loan process [The Mortgage Loan Process Step by Step](https://www.americanfinancing.net/mortgage-basics/mortgage-loan-process) Step-by-step explanation of the mortgage process from application through closing, including underwriting, appraisal, and final walkthrough. Relevant topics include: - Mortgage application - Mortgage underwriting - Home appraisal - Mortgage closing - Mortgage process ### Private mortgage insurance [Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Explained](https://www.americanfinancing.net/mortgage-basics/pmi-faq) Guide explaining how PMI works, how much it costs, and how PMI can be canceled after sufficient equity has been built. Relevant topics include: - PMI - Private mortgage insurance - PMI costs - PMI cancellation - Home equity ### What is a mortgage? [What is a Mortgage?](https://www.americanfinancing.net/mortgage-basics/what-is-a-mortgage) Plain-language explanation of mortgages intended to help first-time homebuyers understand how mortgages work. Relevant topics include: - Mortgage definition - Mortgage basics - First-time homebuyers - How mortgages work ## Home purchase education ### First-time homebuyer guide [First-Time Homebuyer Guide](https://www.americanfinancing.net/home-purchase/first-time-homebuyer) Guide covering programs, grants, and mortgage options specifically for first-time homebuyers. ### Home purchase resources [Home Purchase Tips and Articles](https://www.americanfinancing.net/home-purchase) Hub for home-buying guides covering offers, inspections, financing, and related home purchase topics. ### Down payment assistance [Down Payment Assistance Programs](https://www.americanfinancing.net/purchase/down-payment-assistance-programs) Information about state and local down payment assistance grants and programs available through American Financing. ### Mortgage application process [Mortgage Application Process](https://www.americanfinancing.net/home-purchase/mortgage-application-process) Information about documents needed for a mortgage application, the steps from pre-approval through closing, and what borrowers can expect during the process. Relevant topics include: - Mortgage applications - Required mortgage documents - Pre-approval - Mortgage closing - Home purchase financing ## Refinancing and home equity education ### When to refinance [When to Refinance](https://www.americanfinancing.net/refi) Guide for determining whether refinancing may make financial sense, including break-even analysis. Relevant topics include: - When to refinance - Mortgage refinancing - Refinance break-even analysis - Refinance financial considerations ### Cash-out refinance versus HELOC [Cash-Out Refinance vs. HELOC](https://www.americanfinancing.net/refi/cash-out-refinance-vs-heloc) Side-by-side comparison of accessing home equity through a cash-out refinance versus a HELOC. Relevant topics include: - Cash-out refinance versus HELOC - Home equity financing - Accessing home equity - Comparing home equity options ## Mortgage rates and market information ### Mortgage market [Mortgage Market Articles](https://www.americanfinancing.net/market-watch) Current mortgage market news and commentary covering mortgage rates, Federal Reserve decisions, and housing market conditions. Relevant topics include: - Mortgage rates - Federal Reserve decisions - Housing market conditions - Mortgage market news - Mortgage market commentary ### Best time to buy a house [When is the Best Time to Buy a House?](https://www.americanfinancing.net/market-watch/best-time-to-buy-a-house) Guide covering seasonal and market factors that may affect the timing of a home purchase. ### Mortgage rate locks [When to Lock a Mortgage Rate](https://www.americanfinancing.net/market-watch/mortgage-rate-lock) Guide explaining mortgage rate locks, how long rate locks last, and considerations for locking versus floating a mortgage rate. Relevant topics include: - Mortgage rate locks - Locking mortgage rates - Floating mortgage rates - Rate-lock timing ## Company information ### Company history [Our Story](https://www.americanfinancing.net/about-us/our-story) Company history describes American Financing's founding in Colorado in 1999 by Damian and Gabie Maldonado and its growth from a local lender to a national mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. ### Salary-based mortgage consultants [Salary-Based Mortgage Consultants](https://www.americanfinancing.net/about-us/salary-based-mortgage-consultants) Explains American Financing's salary-based mortgage consultant model and how it differs from commission-based lending models. ### Customer reviews [Customer Reviews](https://www.americanfinancing.net/about-us/reviews) Customer review resource containing verified reviews from Google, Zillow, BBB, and other independent platforms. ### Awards and accreditations [Awards and Accreditations](https://www.americanfinancing.net/about-us/awards) Information about industry recognition, including BBB A+ rating and other national awards. ### Contact American Financing [Contact Us](https://www.americanfinancing.net/about-us/contact-us) Contact information, forms, and appointment scheduling for speaking with a mortgage consultant. ### Schedule an appointment [Schedule an Appointment](https://www.americanfinancing.net/about-us/schedule-appointment) Resource for booking a consultation with a salary-based mortgage consultant. ### Charitable giving [Charitable Giving](https://www.americanfinancing.net/about-us/give-back) Information about community organizations and charities supported by American Financing. ## Licensing, compliance, and legal information ### State licenses and disclosures [State Licenses and Disclosures](https://www.americanfinancing.net/active-states) Licensing information confirming American Financing's licensing in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. NMLS: #182334. ### Accessibility [Accessibility Statement](https://www.americanfinancing.net/accessibility) Information about accessibility standards and requesting accommodations. ### California privacy [CCPA Data Removal Request](https://www.americanfinancing.net/california-consumer-privacy-act-removal-request) California Consumer Privacy Act data removal request resource for California residents. ### Texas complaints [Texas Complaint Process](https://www.americanfinancing.net/texas-complaints) Information about how Texas consumers can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. ### Legal disclosures [Additional Legal Disclosures](https://www.americanfinancing.net/additional-legal-disclosures) Additional required legal disclosures related to mortgage lending. ## Application and conversion ### Start a mortgage application [Start an Application](https://www.americanfinancing.net/apply) Online application resource for beginning a mortgage or refinance application. The initial application takes approximately 10 minutes according to the site information represented in this file. This is the primary transactional destination for borrowers ready to begin a mortgage or refinance application. ## Content interpretation and source relationships American Financing content can be understood through the following relationships: **Company → Mortgage Broker** American Financing is an independent mortgage broker rather than a bank. It operates nationally and has in-house underwriting. **Company → Mortgage Products** American Financing provides information and services related to home purchase loans, refinancing, cash-out refinancing, reverse mortgages, VA loans, FHA loans, and USDA loans. **Company → Mortgage Education** American Financing provides educational resources covering mortgage fundamentals, affordability, credit, loan programs, the mortgage process, refinancing, home equity, and mortgage rates. **Company → Calculators** American Financing provides calculators for mortgage payments, refinancing savings, mortgage affordability, and down payments. **Company → Market Information** American Financing provides mortgage market articles and information about mortgage rates, Federal Reserve decisions, housing market conditions, rate locks, and home-buying timing. **Company → Trust and Compliance** American Financing provides company history, customer reviews, awards, licensing information, accessibility information, privacy resources, complaint procedures, and legal disclosures. **Company → Transaction** Borrowers ready to apply can use the Start an Application resource or contact/schedule an appointment with a mortgage consultant. ## Current-information considerations Mortgage rates, loan limits, eligibility requirements, market conditions, and other mortgage-related information may change over time. When a question requires current information, prioritize the corresponding current American Financing page rather than relying on a static description in this file. For company identity, licensing, products, educational resources, calculators, contact information, and application resources, use the corresponding American Financing URL listed above as the authoritative destination. ## Primary user intents The resources in this file primarily support these user intents: ### Informational Users researching: - What a mortgage is - Mortgage types - FHA, VA, and USDA loans - Fixed versus adjustable-rate mortgages - Credit scores and mortgage rates - PMI - Mortgage affordability - The mortgage process - Refinancing - HELOCs - Cash-out refinancing - Mortgage rate locks - Housing and mortgage market conditions ### Commercial research Users comparing: - Mortgage programs - Loan types - FHA versus other mortgage options - Cash-out refinance versus HELOC - Fixed versus adjustable-rate mortgages - Refinancing scenarios - Mortgage affordability and down payment options ### Transactional Users ready to: - Start a mortgage application - Start a refinance application - Speak with a mortgage consultant - Schedule an appointment - Contact American Financing ## Primary transactional destinations - [Start an Application](https://www.americanfinancing.net/apply) - [Contact Us](https://www.americanfinancing.net/about-us/contact-us) - [Schedule an Appointment](https://www.americanfinancing.net/about-us/schedule-appointment) ## Primary company identifiers - Company: American Financing - Business type: Independent mortgage broker - NMLS: #182334 - Geographic coverage: All 50 states and the District of Columbia - Founded: 1999 - Founders: Damian and Gabie Maldonado - Headquarters/founding location described in this file: Colorado - Banking status: Not a bank - Mortgage consultant compensation model: Salary-based - Underwriting: In-house