torin-palmer

Torin Palmer

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 do not know the first step, or whether I can qualify yet.”

Moving up to my next home

“We have outgrown this place. I need the right loan to make the next one work.”

Building, or buying a fixer

“I want to build instant equity, not pay top dollar for someone else’s finish work.”

I want to do this in Spanish

“Quiero entender cada paso en mi propio idioma, de principio a fin.”

I served, and I earned my VA benefit

“I want a loan officer who treats that benefit like it matters.”

Don’t see your situation above? That is fine. In six years I have walked clients through just about everything, including refinances and land loans. Just give me a call:

Here's Where I Specialize

“As a broker, I am not tied to one lender’s rate sheet. I compare lenders to fit your situation. These are the three areas I work in most.”

Conventional Loans

The workhorse loan for buyers with steady income and decent credit. Strong rates, flexible terms, and you can drop mortgage insurance once you build enough equity. A solid fit for first homes and move-up buyers alike.

FHA Loans

Often the cleanest path for a first home or a shorter credit history. As little as 3.5% down and scores from 580. I run the FHA and conventional numbers side by side so you see which one costs you less over time.

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.

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

Down payment cannot exceed the home price.
Loan amount cannot exceed the home price.
Estimated Monthly Payment

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?

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

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

torin-palmer
“My job is to get you closer to homeownership, no matter how many steps it takes.”

I got into this work because I care about my community. Homeownership is how families build stability and pass something on to the next generation. Helping people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives is what gets me up in the morning.

 

I started in mortgages in 2020, after years as an insurance broker. Before that, I spent two years serving a church mission. That is where I learned to put other people first, and where I became fluent in Spanish. I use both every day.

 

What sets me apart is simple. I am genuine, and I shoot you straight on what you can and cannot afford. I meet you where you are, whatever stage you are in, and I care more about getting you closer to a home than closing one quick loan. Communication is my biggest separator. You will always know where your file stands.

 

I love working with first-time buyers, move-up families, investors, and anyone who wants to build instant equity through a construction loan or a home with potential. Showing someone the value in a property they did not see at first is one of my favorite parts of the job.

 

Here in Flagstaff, I coach football at the local high school and baseball and soccer for my three kids, Elaine, Charlotte, and Dallin. I am involved in youth programs through our church, and I spend every spare minute with my wife Sara and the family. This community is home, and I am invested in it.

Licensed in Arizona
NMLS #1928375
In Mortgages Since 2020
English & Español
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 sells you its own loans and nothing else. I am a broker, so I take your file to many lenders and bring back a real comparison. You get more options and a better shot at the right rate, instead of being stuck with whatever one bank happens to offer that day.
Does it cost more to work with a broker?
No, and it often costs less. Because I compare lenders, I can steer you toward the most cost-efficient fit for your situation. My goal is the lowest total cost for you, not the best deal for any one lender.
Why not just go straight to my own bank?
Your bank only has its own menu. I shop several lenders at once, so if your bank cannot make a loan work, I still have other doors to knock on. For most 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, your last couple of pay stubs, two months of bank statements, and a photo ID. If you are self-employed, add a profit and loss statement. I will send you a clear checklist so nothing trips you up later.
How long does pre-approval take?
Usually a day or two once I have your documents, and sometimes the same day. The faster you get me your paperwork, the faster I can get you a letter that sellers take seriously.
Will checking my options hurt my credit?
The credit pull is a small, short-term dip. Mortgage shopping inside a short window counts as one inquiry, so reaching out to me will not pile up against your score.
Credit and Qualification
How much do I need for a down payment in Flagstaff?
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%. Flagstaff prices run higher than much of the state, so I always check whether Arizona down payment assistance can cover part of it for you.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
It depends on the loan. FHA can work with scores as low as 580, sometimes lower with more down. VA has no set minimum, though lenders add their own rules. Conventional usually starts around 620. If your score needs work, I will tell you exactly what to fix before you apply.
Can I still buy if my credit has some bumps?
Often, yes. A few late payments or an old issue does not automatically rule you out. What matters is what happened, when, and where you stand now. Give me a call and I will look at the whole picture with you, not just a number.
Specialty Programs
Can you help self-employed buyers?
Yes. If your tax returns do not show your true income, I have bank statement and profit-and-loss programs built for that. We qualify you on what you actually earn, not just what is left after write-offs.
Do you work with real estate investors?
I do. I offer DSCR loans that qualify on the property’s rental income instead of your personal debt-to-income ratio. That lets you keep growing a portfolio without your tax returns slowing you down.
Do you handle VA loans?
Yes, and I treat that benefit like the earned thing it is. VA loans can mean zero down for those who qualify, no monthly mortgage insurance, and strong rates. Northern Arizona has a lot of veterans, and I am glad to walk you through every step of using it.
Working with Torin Palmer
Can we do the whole loan in Spanish?
Sí, con mucho gusto. I am fluent in Spanish and I can guide you through every step in Spanish, from the first call to closing. I want you to understand each part of your loan in the language you are most comfortable in. There is a full version of this page in Spanish, too.
How do you keep me in the loop during the loan?
However you like, call, text, or email, and you get my direct line. Communication is the thing I pride myself on most. You will not get passed around to five people, and you will always know what is happening with your file.
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. I stay on top of every file so the small snags get caught early and your timeline holds.
Licensing

Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

State Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses
AZ LO-1006519