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jj-connell

JJ Connell

  • Loan Officer
  • Arizona
En Español →
AZ LO-2017709
En Español →
928-202-8816
Apply with JJ Connell

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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I served, and I want my VA benefit

“I earned this. I want a loan officer who treats it that way.”

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Refinancing or moving up

“I have a home already. Now I want better terms or more space.”

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I am self-employed

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

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New to the area in Arizona

“I am relocating and need someone who knows the whole state.”

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Don’t see your situation above? No problem. I have learned this business by helping people one at a time, and I will do the same for you. Just give me a call:
928-202-8816

Here's Where I Specialize

“As a broker, I compare lenders to find what fits your situation. These are the three loans I work with most.”

Conventional Loans

The most common loan in the country. Strong rates and flexible terms for buyers with solid credit and steady income. A good fit whether you are buying or refinancing.

Learn about Conventional loans →

FHA Loans

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

Learn about FHA loans →

VA Loans

Arizona is home to many who have served, and this benefit is earned. Zero down for those who qualify, no monthly mortgage insurance, and rates that are hard 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.”

928-202-8816

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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Down payment cannot exceed the home price.
Loan amount cannot exceed the home price.
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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Include all borrowers who will be on the loan. Enter your combined pre-tax income.

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.

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.”

Download the Free Guide →

Free PDF — No email required

Apply with JJ Connell
Schedule a Call →

Why I Do This Work

jj-connell
“My favorite call to make is the one where I tell you, you are clear to close.”

I am a Flagstaff native. I grew up in Northern Arizona, and after more than 50 years in this state, I know its corners well. These days my husband and I live in San Tan Valley, closer to family.

 

For more than 20 years I worked in the automotive industry at the same dealership. I learned how to take care of people, earn their trust, and walk them through a big decision without rushing them. That is the part of the work I loved, and it is the part I brought with me to mortgages.

 

I moved into the mortgage business for one simple reason. I wanted to be the person who calls a buyer and says, you are cleared to close. That moment is what this job is about for me. A home is one of the biggest steps a family takes, and I want to be steady, clear, and reachable the whole way through.

 

I ask questions, I double-check the details, and I have a full brokerage behind me. So you get fresh attention from me and the strength of a team that has closed loans across Arizona. My husband and I married 34 years ago, and we have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and two grandchildren. Family is why I do this work.

Licensed in Arizona
NMLS #2813083
20+ Years Serving Customers
Flagstaff Native
FHA & VA Focused
928-202-8816

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 offers only its own loans. I am a broker, so I shop your scenario across many lenders and bring back a real side-by-side comparison. That means you are not stuck with one company’s rate sheet. You get options, and I help you read them.
Does it cost more to work with a broker?
No. In most cases it costs less, because I compare lenders and steer you toward the best total cost. I am working to find your lowest cost, not to protect any one bank’s pricing.
Why use a broker instead of going straight to my bank?
Your bank can only sell you its own products. I bring you several lenders and let the numbers compete. For a lot of buyers that means a better rate, a lower cost, or a program their bank never mentioned.
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. If you are self-employed, add profit and loss statements. I will give you a simple checklist so nothing trips you up later.
How long does pre-approval take?
Often the same day once I have your documents in hand. A full underwriting pre-approval, the kind sellers take seriously, usually takes a day or two. I keep things moving and keep you posted.
Will getting pre-approved hurt my credit?
The credit pull causes a small, short dip. Mortgage shopping inside a short window counts as one inquiry, so checking with me will not pile up against your score.
Credit and Qualification
How much do I need for a down payment in Arizona?
Less than most people expect. VA and USDA can reach zero down for those who qualify. FHA starts at 3.5%, and some conventional loans at 3%. I will also check whether any Arizona down payment assistance can cover part of it for you.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to get help with the down payment?
No. Several Arizona programs are open to repeat buyers too, and some are aimed at workforce and public-service roles. I will tell you plainly 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 their own rules. Conventional usually starts near 620. If your score needs work, I will show you what to fix first.
Specialty Programs
Can you help self-employed buyers?
Yes. Self-employed income takes a closer look, and that is fine with me. We document what you truly earn, and I work with lenders who understand business owners. I will tell you up front what the file needs so there are no surprises.
Do you work with VA buyers?
Yes, and I take it seriously. VA loans have real advantages, zero down for those who qualify and no monthly mortgage insurance. I make sure your benefit is used the right way and that the process respects what you earned.
I am relocating within Arizona. Can you still help?
Absolutely. I grew up in Flagstaff and now live in San Tan Valley, so I know this state from the high country to the valley. Wherever in Arizona you are headed, I can guide you, and everything we do is by phone, text, or email.
What about down payment assistance?
Arizona has several programs, and they change often. I keep up with what is available statewide and match you to anything you qualify for, first-time buyer or not.
Working with JJ Connell
How do you communicate during the loan?
However works best for you, call, text, or email, and you reach me directly. I answer. You will not get passed around a phone tree on the way to your closing.
You are new to mortgages. Why should I trust you with mine?
Fair question, and here is my honest answer. I am new to mortgages, but not to taking care of people. I spent over 20 years earning trust one customer at a time, and I have an experienced brokerage behind me on every file. You get my full attention plus their depth.
How long does it take to close in Arizona?
Most purchase loans close in about three to four weeks once you are under contract. I stay on top of the details and keep your timeline steady, because I want to make that cleared-to-close call on time.
Licensing
  • JJ Connell
  • NMLS #2813083.

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses
AZ LO-2017709