🏡 First-Time Homebuyer Specialists
Your First Home Is More Affordable Than You Think
Buying your first home doesn't have to be complicated or scary. We'll guide you through every step and show you programs that make homeownership possible even if you think you're not ready.
Let's Bust Some Myths
What you think might be stopping you probably isn't true
Myth
"I need 20% down"
Reality
Many first-time buyer programs require just 3% down, and some require nothing at all. That $350,000 home? You might only need $10,500 down.
Myth
"My credit score isn't good enough"
Reality
FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580, and some programs go even lower. Less-than-perfect credit doesn't automatically disqualify you.
Myth
"I can't afford it with student loans"
Reality
Student loans are factored into your debt-to-income ratio, but they don't automatically disqualify you. Many first-time buyers with student debt get approved.
Your Path to
Homeownership
We break it down into simple, manageable steps
Programs Made for You
First-time buyers get access to special programs and benefits
Purchase Loans
Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, we have the right solution for you.
FHA Loans
FHA loans offer flexibility for low credit scores, higher debt-to-income ratios and offer a low down payment.
VA Loans
Low or no down payment, government insured loan for veterans and their families with competitive rates.
Conventional Loans
Competitive interest rates and terms without requiring a large down payment for well-qualified borrowers.
First-Time Buyers Just Like You
Real stories from people who thought homeownership was out of reach
4 months ago
Andrea is the best. She worked as hard as anyone I know!
Andrea is the best. She worked as hard as anyone I know!
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9 months ago
Andrea was the perfect partner to walk us through the mortgage process. She set clear expectations a
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Andrea was the perfect partner to walk us through the mortgage process. She set clear expectations at every step and provided regular communication regarding status. We would strongly recommend her to others, without any reservations.
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1 year ago
Andrea provided great service in record time. She worked hard for us to obtain respectable interest
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Andrea provided great service in record time. She worked hard for us to obtain respectable interest rates for our loan when rates were not being friendly. I highly recommend her.
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1 year ago
Andrea was excellent. She is a great communicator and has the energy to push through the arduous pro
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Andrea was excellent. She is a great communicator and has the energy to push through the arduous process of getting a loan. She was assertive in dealing with all parties in the loan and closing process. I would highly recommend Andrea.
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1 year ago
Andrea is absolutely fantastic!! Prior to working with Andrea we were in the final stages of closing
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Andrea is absolutely fantastic!! Prior to working with Andrea we were in the final stages of closing when our previous lender (one of the big national banks) ran into issues which would have delayed our closing past our deadline. Andrea was able to jump in immediately and get us a loan that met the closing deadline in record time and save the day!! So grateful for her expertise and extremely quick turn around times! Would absolutely work with Andrea again in the future!
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2 years ago
Andrea is amazing! I can't recommend her more highly. She is super responsive and was very patient w
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Andrea is amazing! I can't recommend her more highly. She is super responsive and was very patient with all my questions as a first-time buyer.
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2 years ago
I work with a lot of mortgage brokers in my job. Andrea is one of the most caring, hardworking, h
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I work with a lot of mortgage brokers in my job. Andrea is one of the most caring, hardworking, honest mortgage brokers I have ever worked with. I've seen her go above and beyond on many transactions to help her customers get into their home. She is definitely one of the best mortgage brokers out there.
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2 years ago
Andrea was wonderful to work with! She is very professional and went above and beyond to meet our ne
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Andrea was wonderful to work with! She is very professional and went above and beyond to meet our needs. She answered any and all questions. All communication was prompt and courteous. We won’t hesitate to use her services again! We really appreciate all of her hard work and highly recommend her!
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2 years ago
Andrea is a talented & knowledgeable professional who makes finance and mortgage topics easy to unde
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Andrea is a talented & knowledgeable professional who makes finance and mortgage topics easy to understand. With her dedicated research and support, she was instrumental in helping us decide the best plan of action to increase our real estate portfolio while keeping our lifestyle and cash flow needs in mind. She always made herself available during the week and on weekends. Andrea earned our trust and we will continue using her as our mortgage advisor partner now and in the future.
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2 years ago
Andrea made my first-time home buying experience easy and smooth. The made sure to explain every ste
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Andrea made my first-time home buying experience easy and smooth. The made sure to explain every step of the process to me in detail and answered every question I had. She secured me a competitive rate and worked very hard to keep everything on track through closing. She also is a true joy to work with! I highly, highly recommend choosing Andrea!
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2 years ago
Great to work with and communicated well through out the loan process.
Great to work with and communicated well through out the loan process.
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2 years ago
Andrea was instrumental in helping us decide our best options to increase our real estate portfolio.
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Andrea was instrumental in helping us decide our best options to increase our real estate portfolio. There was always outstanding communication through every loan process. Andrea is very personable and a complete professional. We will continue to use her through any and all future loan transactions!
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2 years ago
I recently needed a loan and Andrea was recommended by my Relator. From the first time I met Andrea
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I recently needed a loan and Andrea was recommended by my Relator. From the first time I met Andrea I knew we would become friends. She has extensive knowledge about loans and the process. She worked relentlessly to assist me in obtaining a loan. She had a solution for every obstacle we encountered. Her kindness, knowledge and passion for her clients are the reasons I would highly recommend her.
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2 years ago
Andrea understood our needs and fought for our interests throughout a process that at times wasn't t
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Andrea understood our needs and fought for our interests throughout a process that at times wasn't the simplest with our situation. She was available at all times, even on her vacation, to ensure everything moved quickly to completion. I have no hesitation in recommending her for your loan!
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2 years ago
My first time working with Andrea. Super impressed with her knowledge, communication and professiona
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My first time working with Andrea. Super impressed with her knowledge, communication and professionalism. Called Andrea to help me with a client that was declined by another lender due to the property type. Was able to get it done in record time and made the process super smooth…..
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3 years ago
If I could give Andrea FIFTY stars, I would do it. From the get-go, it was clear that Andrea was inc
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If I could give Andrea FIFTY stars, I would do it. From the get-go, it was clear that Andrea was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about helping myself and my partner purchase our first home. She went above and beyond with her communication, keeping us updated and educating us when necessary at any day or time and even while on vacation.
Andrea was an empathetic and passionate loan officer that made us feel empowered and prepared as my partner and I navigated the home-buying process. She helped us to get the best loan possible (with a great rate!) for our situation.
Andrea was very knowledgeable in all aspects of the purchase transaction of our home, including affordable housing with deed restrictions. It's very clear that Andrea is talented at her job, passionate about her clients and cares deeply about doing what's best for YOU. We wouldn't've wanted to purchase our first home with anyone else.
Thank you, Andrea!!!
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Andrea was an empathetic and passionate loan officer that made us feel empowered and prepared as my partner and I navigated the home-buying process. She helped us to get the best loan possible (with a great rate!) for our situation.
Andrea was very knowledgeable in all aspects of the purchase transaction of our home, including affordable housing with deed restrictions. It's very clear that Andrea is talented at her job, passionate about her clients and cares deeply about doing what's best for YOU. We wouldn't've wanted to purchase our first home with anyone else.
Thank you, Andrea!!!
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3 years ago
We can't recommend Andrea highly enough. She brings years of financial industry and business experti
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We can't recommend Andrea highly enough. She brings years of financial industry and business expertise to understanding the current financing options available ranging from traditional conventional to reverse mortgages. She was thoughtful in helping us consider various methods of accessing our homes equity as we begin retirement. Beyond helping us understand well our options she was instrumental in executing as well, giving us multiple lender's options and getting us financing with relative ease and speed. Wonderful having so competent and able an advisor.
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3 years ago
Andrea is the first broker that I have worked with that absolutely works to get the best loan for th
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Andrea is the first broker that I have worked with that absolutely works to get the best loan for the customer! She is super knowledgable and responsive. She got us a better mortgage than we thought was possible in this market and got it done very quickly over the holidays! I cannot imagine finding anyone that could do a better job and be more responsive and efficient than Andrea!
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3 years ago
Andrea is amazing! She helped us close on our home in record time, over the busy holiday season. She
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Andrea is amazing! She helped us close on our home in record time, over the busy holiday season. She is friendly, funny and made us feel special—as though we were her only clients—though we know she has many! We feel we made a friend for life and can’t recommend her highly enough. Bravo Andrea!
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3 years ago
Highly recommend Andrea Cox with 1st Rate Mortgage. She worked tirelessly on a more difficult loan t
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Highly recommend Andrea Cox with 1st Rate Mortgage. She worked tirelessly on a more difficult loan that another lender had failed on, and got it to closing in spite of the Holiday Season! Thank you Andrea!
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3 years ago
Andrea is simply amazing. I was the listing agent and she kept me updated every step of the way. I a
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Andrea is simply amazing. I was the listing agent and she kept me updated every step of the way. I am so impressed I will refer to every client and agent in the Park City area!
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3 years ago
I can not say enough wonderful things about Andrea. She was so responsive, knowledgeable, and passi
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I can not say enough wonderful things about Andrea. She was so responsive, knowledgeable, and passionate about her job. I would say she was the friendliest mortgage broker I ever dealt with. We will use Andrea for all future mortgages. Thank you Andrea
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3 years ago
Highest professional competence and commitment. Thanks Andrea!
Highest professional competence and commitment. Thanks Andrea!
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3 years ago
This woman will work for you on Sunday. She will make the impossible possible ! Loved working with
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This woman will work for you on Sunday. She will make the impossible possible ! Loved working with her because she really cared about my schedule and made sure to get the loan on time even though certain obstacles came up. She was even available after closing to make sure everything was done. Would definitely work with her again in the future.
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3 years ago
Andrea is a fabulous loan office and goes the extra mile (or extra 50!) to make sure she gets the be
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Andrea is a fabulous loan office and goes the extra mile (or extra 50!) to make sure she gets the best outcomes for her clients. As a realtor, I know that she is on top of every step of the lending process for my clients. Andrea makes good communication a priority with everyone involved to make sure the transaction moves smoothly. She is a joy to work with and is the consummate professional!
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3 years ago
Andrea is the consummate professional mortgage broker. She is deeply passionate about fighting for h
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Andrea is the consummate professional mortgage broker. She is deeply passionate about fighting for her customer, incredibly energetic, and highly skilled both in general financial awareness and especially the details of home financing.
We worked with Andrea to close a loan during the summer of 2022. Despite the chaotic macroeconomic picture, Andrea deftly navigated the loan closing. We ended up with a 30-year fixed rate that was 80 to 100 basis points below what the St. Louis Fed average showed for the time period.
On top of delivering a fantastic outcome, Andrea was a delight to work with and gave us a warm welcome to Park City. We were so lucky to have found her and we give our highest recommendation that you engage her for your mortgage.
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We worked with Andrea to close a loan during the summer of 2022. Despite the chaotic macroeconomic picture, Andrea deftly navigated the loan closing. We ended up with a 30-year fixed rate that was 80 to 100 basis points below what the St. Louis Fed average showed for the time period.
On top of delivering a fantastic outcome, Andrea was a delight to work with and gave us a warm welcome to Park City. We were so lucky to have found her and we give our highest recommendation that you engage her for your mortgage.
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3 years ago
Until Andrea we've never had great experiences with mortgage brokers. Andrea was incredibly helpful,
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Until Andrea we've never had great experiences with mortgage brokers. Andrea was incredibly helpful, responsive, and most importantly honest. When we called Andrea rates were going up the next day and she somehow locked us in at 7am the next morning before the Fed meeting. Andrea will be our go to broker moving forward.
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4 years ago
Andrea is AMAZING! If I could give her more stars, I would! Friendly, intelligent, wonderful persona
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Andrea is AMAZING! If I could give her more stars, I would! Friendly, intelligent, wonderful personality all of which our outshined only by her incredible performance!
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4 years ago
Andrea was super helpful in getting us the best loan! She was super communicative- even on her perso
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Andrea was super helpful in getting us the best loan! She was super communicative- even on her personal vacation time in Hawaii!- and very kind throughout the entire process. She was professional and transparent, and became a friend throughout our time working with her! I am so glad and grateful to have found her, and I recommend her to anyone looking for a loan- she will fight to get you the best option out there! Thank you for all your help, Andrea!
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4 years ago
As a mortgage and real estate professional for nearly twenty years, I was highly impressed with Andr
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As a mortgage and real estate professional for nearly twenty years, I was highly impressed with Andrea Cox’s ability to navigate the lending process. Together, we recently helped a family purchase a home in Old Town Park City, Utah.
Due to the nature of the market, we were put under very tight timelines with abnormal challenges. Adding complexity to the transaction, the lender required two appraisals on the luxury home because of the purchase price and loan amount.
Andrea flawlessly pulled off an early closing, and she did a phenomenal job managing the lending process. Andrea’s communication was incredible from beginning to end.
I'd highly recommend working with Andrea Cox.
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Due to the nature of the market, we were put under very tight timelines with abnormal challenges. Adding complexity to the transaction, the lender required two appraisals on the luxury home because of the purchase price and loan amount.
Andrea flawlessly pulled off an early closing, and she did a phenomenal job managing the lending process. Andrea’s communication was incredible from beginning to end.
I'd highly recommend working with Andrea Cox.
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4 years ago
Andrea explained everything in a way that was easy to understand from the making the offer, to worki
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Andrea explained everything in a way that was easy to understand from the making the offer, to working with the mortgage banker and the city. She made it really easy to move things forward. Very professional, experienced and helpful. Highly recommend.
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4 years ago
Andrea me ayudó muchísimo en conseguir el crédito hipotecario, buscando siempre la mejor tasa y lo m
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Andrea me ayudó muchísimo en conseguir el crédito hipotecario, buscando siempre la mejor tasa y lo mejor para mi. Aparte de ser una gran profesional es una gran persona. Con su ayuda pude comprar una casa muy bonita en Apex, en Canyons Park City
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4 years ago
Andrea puts her clients first and is a pleasure to work with. She even recommended I utilize an alte
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Andrea puts her clients first and is a pleasure to work with. She even recommended I utilize an alternative relationship I had not previously considered for a loan given my specific situation.
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4 years ago
I was introduced to Andrea Cox by a very good friend of mine. I have to say it was a pleasure to wor
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I was introduced to Andrea Cox by a very good friend of mine. I have to say it was a pleasure to work with her. From the very beginning she was understanding and attentive to our needs - not hers. She will ask us questions and if we had any she will be very responsive and will show us all the different variables. I will definitely be recommending 1st Rate Mortgage to all of my family members and friends.
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4 years ago
Absolutely Incredible. Andrea was responsive, professional, caring, and made the process completely
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Absolutely Incredible. Andrea was responsive, professional, caring, and made the process completely smooth and seamless. She helped me purchase a ski condo in Park City and found me a product that no one else could based on the type of property. Not only did she deliver on getting it done, she did so at incredible speed with fantastic communication. I would recommend her to anyone looking to purchase a property. Cannot say enough good things. Highly recommend Andrea and her team. I have purchased several property over the years, and have had no one as good as Andrea.
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4 years ago
Andrea is the epitome of professionalism and integrity. Customer service is a lost art, particularly
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Andrea is the epitome of professionalism and integrity. Customer service is a lost art, particularly in this industry, but Andrea will restore your faith in humanity. She's a great mortgage broker and a better person. Rest easy, she will not steer you wrong.
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4 years ago
I have represented a buyer on 2 purchases in Park City that Andrea successfully completed. Andrea m
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I have represented a buyer on 2 purchases in Park City that Andrea successfully completed. Andrea makes the most difficult of loans seem easier than they are. She works harder than any other loan officer I have ever worked with. She is attentive, communicative, passionate and professional. I highly recommend Andrea!
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4 years ago
Great job of finding the best product for me!
Great job of finding the best product for me!
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4 years ago
Getting a jumbo loan on an investment property can be a daunting, Darwinian walk on coals. Andrea w
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Getting a jumbo loan on an investment property can be a daunting, Darwinian walk on coals. Andrea was relentless, overcoming every obstacle the process threw at us, and getting us to the finish line in one piece. This property is a dream come true, and it would not have happened without Andrea. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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4 years ago
Andrea was absolutely great to work with. I purchased a deed restricted unit with some hiccups with
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Andrea was absolutely great to work with. I purchased a deed restricted unit with some hiccups with the appraisals. Her knowledge and commitment to resolve the issue made the whole experience very easy. I would definitely recommend her. I felt like she had my back through the whole process. Thanks
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4 years ago
Andrea recently assisted me with two real estate financing projects, totally $5,000,000. One was a r
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Andrea recently assisted me with two real estate financing projects, totally $5,000,000. One was a refi on a California property, the other a purchase in Utah.
My income is primarily K1 flow through. Bank statement/non conforming loans were required. My credit score is very good, debt to income is low, but the transactions were complicated and not automatic. Andrea helped me get two very good loans. I will not say that it felt smooth at every turn, but both transactions were competed to my satisfaction.
Andrea took our projects personally...and was instrumental in getting things done which were not of the "slam dunk' variety.
If you need a loan that is complicated and involves multiple millions, Andrea is a very good choice.
Randy Schroeder
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My income is primarily K1 flow through. Bank statement/non conforming loans were required. My credit score is very good, debt to income is low, but the transactions were complicated and not automatic. Andrea helped me get two very good loans. I will not say that it felt smooth at every turn, but both transactions were competed to my satisfaction.
Andrea took our projects personally...and was instrumental in getting things done which were not of the "slam dunk' variety.
If you need a loan that is complicated and involves multiple millions, Andrea is a very good choice.
Randy Schroeder
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4 years ago
This women was always honest with me from the beginning. She really gets the job done. I was so happ
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This women was always honest with me from the beginning. She really gets the job done. I was so happy to have her help me out with my loan process in Park City. Loved working with her and look forward to working with her in the future.
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5 years ago
Andrea is the BEST to work with! She guided us through our 1st time homebuying process painlessly an
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Andrea is the BEST to work with! She guided us through our 1st time homebuying process painlessly and now with refinancing. She followed up on all angles possible to insure that we would be able to attain the best rates for us. Andrea kept us well informed by educating us in the process and following up. My husband and I are greatful to have a great, knowledgeable mortgage expert representing us for all of our home buying needs. We trust her so much, that we have and will continue to refer her to friends and family. That's how much we enjoy working with Andrea!
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5 years ago
We loved having Andrea work With us on our first home purchase. We had lots of questions and she was
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We loved having Andrea work With us on our first home purchase. We had lots of questions and she was always there to answer them and help going forward. When the rates dropped we were able to refinance and it was even smoother that the first time. Andrea is the best! Very personal experience, and always there to help or answer questions!
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5 years ago
Andrea was the best helping my husband and I to buy our first home. She was so dedicated and caring
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Andrea was the best helping my husband and I to buy our first home. She was so dedicated and caring about every detail, I will recommend her for anyone, she is the best!
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5 years ago
Andrea is the BEST! She helped us get our first mortgage and we have worked with her on two refinan
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Andrea is the BEST! She helped us get our first mortgage and we have worked with her on two refinances, Andrea is very knowledgeable in the field and truly cares about her clients!
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5 years ago
I would highly recommend Andrea Cox of 1st Rate Mortgage for all of your loan needs. Andrea helped m
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I would highly recommend Andrea Cox of 1st Rate Mortgage for all of your loan needs. Andrea helped me with my first mortgage and got me into my very first home. I've also refinanced with her since. She went above and beyond in teaching me every step of the process along the way and caring about what was best for me and my situation. She kept me so informed, protected my money and had my back through the whole process. I fully trust her and would recommend her to all of my family and friends!
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5 years ago
Andrea worked very hard to get me the best mortgage option possible for my situation. We had some ch
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Andrea worked very hard to get me the best mortgage option possible for my situation. We had some challenges along the way (related to the lender) and she kept me in the loop the entire time so I knew what was happening and that she was on it. Overall very happy to finally be in Park City, and Andrea helped me make that happen!
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Let's find out what you qualify for. No pressure, no obligation—just answers about what's possible for you.