Ashley Ragan

Branch Manager & Loan Officer
Licensed in Arizona

En Español →

NMLS #1375482

AZ LO-0931228

En Español →

Where do you stand right now?

Pick the situation that fits and I’ll point you in the right direction.

Buying my first home

“I am not sure where to start, or if I can even qualify yet.”

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Moving up to my next home

“My family is growing. I need more space and the right loan to get there.”

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I am self-employed

“My tax returns do not show my real income. I need someone who gets that.”

→

I am a real estate investor

“I want to qualify on the property’s rental income, not my personal DTI.”

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I served, and I want my VA benefit

“I earned this. I want a loan officer who knows VA loans cold.”

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Don’t see your situation above? No problem. I have worked with just about every scenario, including refinances. Just give me a call:

928-699-4301

Here's Where I Specialize

“As a broker, I compare lenders to find what works for your situation. These are the three areas where I spend most of my time.”

Conventional Loans

The most common loan in America. Strong rates and flexible terms for buyers with solid credit and steady income. A great fit for first-time and move-up buyers alike.

Learn about Conventional loans →

FHA Loans

A practical path for first-time buyers and clients building credit. Lower down payment, easier qualifying, and credit scores as low as 580. I will walk you through every requirement.

Learn about FHA loans →

VA Loans

Northern Arizona is home to a lot of veterans, and this benefit is earned. Zero down for those who qualify, no monthly mortgage insurance, and rates that are tough to beat.

Learn about VA loans →

These are my top three, but I work with the full range of loan programs available →

Here's How It Works

No surprises, no pressure. This is what working with me actually looks like.

1

Tell me your situation

"We talk through your goals, your timeline, and your finances. No commitment. Just a conversation."

2

I shop your scenario

“I compare lenders for you and bring back the best options with real numbers, not guesses.”

3

You choose the best fit

“I explain each option in plain English. You decide, with no jargon and no pressure from me.”

4

We close, and I stay reachable

“From application to keys in hand, I manage the process and stay easy to reach the whole way.”

No commitment required. Just a conversation.

Run the Numbers Yourself

Use these free tools right here. No login, no forms, no sales calls.

Mortgage Payment Estimator

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Home Price ($)

Down Payment ($)

Down payment cannot exceed the home price.

Loan Amount ($)

Loan amount cannot exceed the home price.

Interest Rate (%)

Loan Term

Monthly Tax + Insurance (optional)

Estimated Monthly Payment

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This is an estimate only. Your actual payment may vary based on your loan type, credit profile, and lender. Contact Steve for an accurate quote.

How Much Can I Buy?

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Household Income — Pre-Tax

Include all borrowers who will be on the loan. Enter your combined pre-tax income.

Monthly Debt Payments ($)

Include car payments, student loans, credit card minimums, and any other monthly loan payments. Do not include household bills such as rent, utilities, phone, or insurance.

Down Payment ($)

Based on what you've entered, you may qualify for a home up to

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This is an estimate based on standard debt-to-income guidelines. Your actual buying power depends on your credit score, loan type, and lender. Talk to Steve for a real number.

From the First-Time Homebuyer Guide

Know your real number before you shop

Understanding pre-approval vs. pre-qualification so you shop with confidence, not guesses.

Down payment assistance is more common than you think

Most buyers don't realize help exists in their state. This guide shows you what's available.

Closing costs are negotiable

Knowing what's negotiable before you make an offer can save you thousands.

“We put this guide together for the first-time buyers we work with.”

Free PDF — No email required

Why I Do This Work

“Everybody is a homebuyer. It is just a matter of when.”

I never planned on a mortgage career. In 2010 I took a front-desk job at a mortgage company while I was looking for something else, and I fell for the work almost right away.

Since then I have sat in nearly every seat in this industry, both operations and sales. That means I see the whole loan, not just the sales side, and I know where files get stuck before they do.

I have been called tenacious by clients and referral partners for as long as I can remember. Every mortgage is different, and not everyone fits the same box. Whether you are buying your first home, refinancing, or adding an investment property, I look at every option and find the most streamlined, cost-efficient fit, while keeping you in the loop at each step.

I have lived in Flagstaff my whole life. My husband and I are raising two boys here, and we spend our time on the sports and outdoor activities this community does so well. I have served on the Flagstaff Little League board for years, in school PTO groups, and on the Housing Committee for Northern Arizona Housing. Giving back here is not a marketing line for me. It is home.

Licensed in Arizona

NMLS #1375482

In Mortgages Since 2010

Branch Manager

Flagstaff Local

Questions I Hear Most

Straight answers, no sales pitch.

Understanding the Broker Model

What is the difference between a mortgage broker and a lender?

A lender can only offer its own loans. I am a broker, so I shop your scenario across many lenders and bring back a real comparison. Having sat on the operations side for years, I know how each lender underwrites, which means I can match your file to the one most likely to say yes on good terms.

Does it cost more to work with a broker?

No. In most cases working with me saves you money, because I compare lenders and steer you to the most cost-efficient fit. I am after the lowest total cost for your situation, not one institution’s rate sheet.

Why use a broker instead of going straight to my bank?

Your bank only has its own products. I compare lenders for you, and because I have seen loans from both the sales and operations seats, I know where a file stalls before it does. For most buyers that means a better rate, lower cost, or a program their bank never offered.

Getting Started

What do I need to get pre-approved?

Two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, two months of bank statements, and your ID. Self-employed clients should add profit and loss statements. I will hand you a clear checklist so nothing slows you down at the worst moment.

How long does pre-approval take?

Often the same day once I have your documents. A full underwriting pre-approval, the kind that carries weight with sellers, usually takes a day or two. I push files, I do not let them sit.

Will getting pre-approved hurt my credit?

The pull is a small, temporary dip. Mortgage shopping inside a short window counts as a single inquiry, so checking with me will not stack up against you.

Credit and Qualification

How much do I need for a down payment in Flagstaff?

Less than most people think. VA and USDA can reach zero down for those who qualify. FHA starts at 3.5%, some conventional loans at 3%. Flagstaff prices run above much of the state, so I always check whether Arizona down payment assistance can cover a chunk of it for you.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer to get help with the down payment?

No. Several Arizona assistance programs are open to repeat buyers, and some target workforce and public-service roles. I will tell you straight which ones you actually qualify for.

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

It depends on the loan. FHA can go to 500 with 10% down, or 580 with 3.5% down. VA sets no minimum, though lenders add overlays. Conventional usually starts around 620, with better scores earning better rates. If yours needs work, I will lay out exactly what to do before you apply.

Specialty Programs

Can you help self-employed buyers?

Yes, it is one of my specialties. I run bank statement and profit-and-loss programs for clients whose tax returns do not tell the whole income story. We qualify you on what you truly earn.

Do you work with real estate investors?

Yes. I offer DSCR loans that qualify on the property’s rental income rather than your personal debt-to-income ratio, so you can grow a portfolio without your tax returns getting in the way.

What about down payment assistance?

Arizona has several programs and they change often. I stay current on what is available across Northern Arizona and match you to any you qualify for, first-time buyer or not.

Working with Ashley Ragan

How do you communicate during the loan?

Whatever you prefer, call, text, or email, and you get my direct line. I answer it. You will not get bounced between five different people on the way to closing.

How long does it take to close in Northern Arizona?

Most purchase loans close in about three to four weeks once you are under contract. Because I see the whole file, I catch the snags early and keep your timeline steady.

Do you work with real estate agents and builders?

All the time. Much of my business is repeat clients and referrals from agents and partners across Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. I make them look good by closing on time, every time.

Licensing

Ashley Ragan
NMLS #1375482.

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses