Meet Our Team at Preferred Mortgage Rates

Meet Our Team At Preferred Mortgage Rates

Preferred Mortgage Rates is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gustan Cho Associates. Preferred Mortgage Rates is the discount arm of Gustan Cho Associates and one of nine wholly-owned subsidiaries. Marga Jurilla, the executive vice president and chief operating officer at Preferred Mortgage Rates says the following:

The team at Preferred Mortgage Rates will help borrowers of Gustan Cho Associates and subsidiaries work on their credit profile and maximize their credit scores before working with each borrower at Preferred Mortgage Rates and price out their loan for the best rates.

Meet Our Team at Preferred Mortgage Rates, industry leaders in complex mortgage financing, and learn about their award-winning mortgage professionals that help clients with low credit scores, bankruptcies, and other financial challenges achieve the dream of homeownership.

Our Leadership: The Visionaries Behind Your Success

Preferred Mortgage Rates is the first mortgage company in the country specializing in servicing the underserved mortgage market. Our leadership team and founders built one of the largest and most successful mortgage companies in the country with the added value and guiding principle that every American should have a clear path towards homeownership.

The leadership team at Preferred Mortgage Rates and founders have decades of experience in the mortgage banking industry, underwriting, and financial advisory.

With that experience, they have the capability of handling the most difficult scenarios that most lenders do not. They are problem settlers and solution oriented where most other lenders are not. With that in mind, the team prides itself in being one of the most innovative in the industry, not simply the mortgage industry. They have always been and continue to be the most innovative by adjusting to the ever changing market conditions and regulatory guidelines.

Meet Our Team: Award Winning Mortgage Experts

The greatest asset we have include award winning mortgage experts. Every expert is selected not just for their skills but for their passion for helping people achieve their goals. All experts are mortgage industry award winners and are certified and recognized for their high performance, ethics, and advocacy.

There are experts from every niche are mortgage lending. From FHA and VA loans, and non-QM and portfolio loans. Because of this, we will have experts ready to assist you with all their knowledge and experience despite how complicated your situation is.

This is true for most of the people in our company because we have also struggled with credit. Because of this, we have a lot of gratitude for the hard work and determination our clients put in. My and in understanding the clients struggles.

Experts in the Most Difficult Credit Situations

Our Team at Preferred Mortgage Rates are the only people in the business with the talent to handle difficult credit situations exclusively. Unlike others in this field who only work with clients who have excellent credit scores, we help those who have been turned away everywhere else. Our team is especially well equipped to handle:

Clients whose credit is lower than 500.
Clients who have recently gone through a bankruptcy (Chapter 13 or Chapter 7).
Clients who have been through a short sale or foreclosure.
Clients who have self-employed with unusual income.
Clients with limited credit.
Clients with high debt-to-income ratios.
Clients who are foreign nationals.

Our staff work with you to help better understand the working parts of credit scoring by showing you what can be done to better your credit profile through mortgage approval. This wins clients better terms at the closing.

Our Clients are Always in the Center

Both the clients and Preferred Mortgage Rates understand the importance of technical knowledge, and this is why the team employs a client-centric model focused around client exceptional service centered around communication, transparency, and education.

You will have a staff member assigned to you for the duration of your time with us who will act as your point of contact and only you, in order to eliminate the chance of you getting lost in the shuffle.

We take the time to explain every step of the mortgage process using simple language so you can make decisions for your financing future using your own voice. Responsiveness and availability are trademarks of our team, and many of our clients tell us how refreshing it is to actually get in touch with a loan officer. Service is what drives us to improve and has created a loyal clientele that comes back to us for future financing needs and refers us to family and friends.

Meet Our Team: Ongoing Education and Industry Leadership

The mortgage lending space continues to undergo rapid changes, and our team works to embrace those changes. Our Associates obtain the most up-to-date information in loan programs, underwriting rules, and applicable mortgage regulations through our quality training programs so that they can also embrace those changes.

Several of our employees hold leadership positions, and many are authors and speakers who engage with the industry to enhance their thought leadership. Pioneering this level of thought leadership is what empowers our clients to obtain the best financing strategies available.

Meet Our Team at PMR: One Big Support Team

Every loan officer is paired with committed support staff. They make sure everything gets done efficiently and seamlessly, from taking the application to closing the loan. Our support staff in processing, underwriting, and closing are just as passionate as we are about assisting complicated clients with homeownership.

They are extremely skilled in working with the difficult documentation and verification requirements of our clientele, and most have been with us for years.

With this level of support, our clients should enjoy faster processing of their applications with predictably fewer delays and surprises during the closing process. When clients come to us for a loan, they should know they have the support of a complete team, not just a loan officer to achieve their homeownership goals.

Meet Our Team: Based in Illinois with a Nationwide Presence

Preferred Mortgage Rates (PMR) is one of nine wholly-owned subsidiaries of Gustan Cho Associates. PMR is the discount subsidiary of Gustan Cho Associates.

Although the headquarters of the company is located in Westmont, Illinois, we serve clients from all over the country. From us, clients get the personalized care and attention of a local boutique while they also enjoy the benefits of working with a large national company.

The team in Westmont, Illinois understands the Texas real estate market, but they also have the licenses and know-how to serve clients in many other states, too.

By blending a customized understanding of local markets with the ability to tap into a national network of 280 lenders, we can find the optimal financing solution for your needs, no matter where you want to buy a property.

Meet Our Team at preferred mortgage rates

Our support and operations team provides the essential backbone for our daily functions, focusing on digital marketing, content creation, and strategic initiatives to enhance user experiences across our websites and platforms.

NMLS Licensed Mortgage Loan Originators, Managers, and Loan Officer Assistants

Our team of NMLS-licensed mortgage loan originators brings decades of combined experience in handling complex loans, including FHA, VA, and non-QM options for borrowers with low credit scores or unique challenges. They are dedicated to transparency, accessibility, and turning “no” into “yes” for our clients.

Gustan Cho, NMLS 873293-Branch Manager & National Managing Director

Gustan Cho, NMLS 873293, serves as the National Managing Director and Branch Manager of NEXA Mortgage, LLC, doing business as Gustan Cho Associates, at our Westmont, IL, Office Regional Branch (NMLS 2315275).
With a proven track record of closing complex loans that other lenders decline, Gustan manages a nationwide platform offering government, conventional, and non-QM loans.
His expertise shines in helping borrowers with lower credit scores, credit issues, recent credit events, or unconventional income sources
Known as the go-to expert for denied loans, Gustan provides hands-on support, educational resources on real estate and mortgage topics, and innovative solutions for challenging scenarios.

Contact:
gcho@gustancho.com
(262) 627-1965
Get A Quote

Alex Carlucci NMLS 229891: Senior Loan Officer and Regional Managing Director

Alex Carlucci, NMLS 229891, serves as a Senior Loan Officer and Regional Managing Director.
He is an expert in FHA, VA, conventional, and non-QM loans, breaking down complex programs into simple, understandable steps.
Alex guides clients through the entire process with clarity and confidence, making him a trusted resource for first-time homebuyers and those with non-standard needs.

Borrower Testimonial:

Alex walked me through every tiny detail. I never dreamed my credit could get me a mortgage, but he found the option I needed

Danielle L.FHA Borrower
Contact:
alex@gustancho.com
630-915-7550
Get A Quote

John Strange, NMLS 230932: Senior Mortgage Loan Originator

John Strange, NMLS 230932, is a Senior Mortgage Loan Originator with over 30 years of experience.
He specializes in VA loans and assists borrowers with challenging financial situations, offering weekend availability and a commitment to transparency.
John’s guidance helps clients navigate complex loan processes efficiently and effectively

Contact:
jstrange@gustancho.com
(630) 292-0266
Get A Quote

Dale Elenteny NMLS 1936359: Senior Loan Officer & Regional Managing Director

Dale Elenteny, NMLS 1936359, is a Senior Loan Officer and Regional Managing Director at Gustan Cho Associates.
He specializes in challenging loans that other lenders avoid, excelling in manual underwriting, particularly for borrowers with high debt-to-income ratios and those with low credit scores, as well as FHA and VA loans.
Dale’s expertise ensures borrowers with complex financial situations receive tailored solutions and successful closings.

Contact:
Email: dale@gustancho.com
630-479-2719
Get A Quote

Mike Gracz, NMLS 1161202-Mortgage Loan Originator

Michael Gracz, NMLS 1161202, is a Mortgage Loan Originator and Real Estate Broker at Gustan Cho Associates.
As a former National Sales Manager, he brings extensive experience in FHA and VA loans for borrowers with credit scores as low as 500 FICO.
An award-winning mortgage blogger, Michael is an expert in Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases and provides comprehensive support for difficult lending scenarios.

Contact:
Email: mike@gustancho.com
(630) 659-7644
Get A Quote

Sonny Walton, NMLS Mortgage Loan Originator and Real Estate Broker

Sonny Walton, with his NMLS license, is a Mortgage Loan Originator and Real Estate Broker based in Houston, Texas.
Leveraging Gustan Cho Associates’ access to over 280 wholesale lenders
Sonny delivers tailored mortgage solutions for clients with low credit scores or complex situations, ensuring personalized service and successful outcomes.

Contact:
Email: sonny@gustancho.com
(800) 900-8569
Get A Quote

Tanhia Romero, NMLS Mortgage Loan Originator

Tanhia Romero, NMLS 489760, is a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator based in Westmont, Illinois.
She specializes in assisting borrowers with challenging profiles, including those with low credit scores as low as 500 FICO, high debt-to-income ratios, and non-QM loans for individuals who have recently emerged from bankruptcy or foreclosure.
Tanhia focuses on providing accessible and flexible mortgage options.

Contact:
Email: tanhia@gustancho.com
(251) 298-7697
Get A Quote

Why Management & Leadership

Margarett Jurilla: Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Marga Jurilla, reachable at marga@gustancho.com is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Gustan Cho Associates and its wholly owned subsidiaries.
As the second-highest-ranking officer and executive assistant to the branch manager, Marga is in charge of overseeing the general operations of Gustan Cho Associates and its subsidiaries including the following:

Human resources (HR), employee promotions, terminations, and onboarding; management of personal, business, and corporate affairs.
Licensing and Compliance.
Profit and Loss ledgers
Accounting and Budgeting
Public Relations
Audits
Disputes and All Operational intricacies
Her authoritative role ensures seamless efficiency, regulatory adherence, and strategic growth across our nationwide operations

Contact:
Email:marga@gustancho.com

Angie Torres: National Operations Director

Angie Torres, available at angies@gustancho.com and atorres@nexamortgage.com, serves as the National Operations Director at Gustan Cho Associates.
She oversees support and operations processes across 48 states (excluding MA and NY), including Washington, DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Angie’s responsibilities include:

Managing support and operations staff, as well as wholesale and correspondent lending partners.
Compliance and Audits
Regulatory Examinations
Secondary Markets and Post-Closing Conditions
Her expertise ensures efficient, compliant operations that support our clients’ mortgage journeys from application to closing.

Contact:
angie@gustancho.com

Sapna Sharma: Chief Technology and Digital Marketing Officer

Sapna Sharma, reachable at sapna@gustancho.com, serves as the Chief Technology and Digital Marketing Officer for Gustan Cho Associates and its subsidiary websites and platforms.
She is responsible for all technology-related initiatives, digital media marketing strategies, and oversight of employees, third-party vendors, and contractors in these areas.
Sapna’s leadership drives our innovative online presence, SEO optimization, and technological advancements, ensuring that our digital portals deliver engaging and user-friendly experiences for homebuyers, investors, and business owners.

Contact:
sapna@gustancho.com

Why Borrowers Choose Us

We specialize in helping borrowers who have been denied elsewhere. Here’s what sets our team apart.

No Lender Overlays

We follow only the official FHA, VA, and agency guidelines—no extra restrictions that other lenders add.

24/7 Availability

Our team is available seven days a week, including evenings and holidays, to assist with your needs.

Support, Operations and Marketing Staff

Anngelli Abenes: Senior Digital Media Marketing Strategist and Associate Contributing Editor

Anngelli Abenes, reachable at anngelli@gustancho.com, is the Senior Digital Media Marketing Strategist and Associate Contributing Editor for Gustan Cho Associates.
As an assistant to Sapna Sharma and Marga Jurilla, she also serves as Senior Marketing Content Manager.
Anngelli develops and implements digital media strategies, contributes editorial content, and manages marketing initiatives to engage our audience of homebuyers, sellers, and investors, ensuring our platforms offer valuable, SEO-optimized resources.

Sheena Love: SEO and Digital Media Marketing Strategist & Associate Contributing Editor

Sheena Love, contactable at sheena@gustancho.com, holds the titles of SEO and Digital Media Marketing Strategist, as well as Associate Contributing Editor for Gustan Cho Associates.
She specializes in search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, digital media marketing, and contributing editorial content.
Sheena’s work focuses on enhancing online visibility, creating compelling content, and driving traffic to our websites and forums, providing rewarding experiences for members and viewers seeking mortgage and real estate insights.

The Preferred Mortgage Rates Advantage

When it comes to finding the right mortgage lender, what some consider the most important factor—their pricing—may actually be the least important factor. Instead, find a lender that will fight for your right to secure a mortgage and will be with you every step of the way to clear any obstacles put in your way in the home-buying process. The Preferred Mortgage Rates’ advantage includes:

Expertise in tough credit situations
280 lender access and specialty lending programs
Client satisfaction and service excellence awards
Ethical and educational advocacy
Winning where other lenders give up
Support from one of the largest in the industry for your entire mortgage process

When you put a loan with us, you will be joined to a partner who will help you achieve your financial goals and be financially successful for the rest of your life.

Meet Our Team at Preferred Mortgage Rates: Frequently Asked Questions

What differentiates the team at Preferred Mortgage Rates from other lenders in the industry?

We work with clients other lenders refuse to help.
Out of over 280 lenders, we deploy value throughout our specific industry.
We help clients with credit as low as 500, clients who have filed bankruptcies recently, and other financially complicated clients.
Our award-winning team offers both technical expertise and exceptional customer service.

We work with first time home buyers, correct?

Of course.
We enjoy working with first time home buyers.
This is such a big milestone and we get the privilege of helping them through a very complicated, yet rewarding, process.
A good amount of our first time buyers have a credit hurdle or limited credit.
This is where our expertise comes in very handy.
More guidance is offered than usual to ensure the first time buyers know and understand the process.

How experienced is your team with bankruptcies?

We work with clients in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.
Unlike other companies, our team understands the specific waiting periods, documentation requirements, and rules each lender has for bankruptcies.
We have worked with clients who were told they would have to wait years after bankruptcies to work with us to find solutions in months. We have clients in bankruptcies now and our difference is finding solutions in months.

Can I work directly with a loan officer, or will I be passed around?

You will have your own loan officer for the entire process when working with us at Preferred Mortgage Rates.
We do have a full team of support processors and underwriters, but your loan officer is your main contact, mentor, and supporter.
We do this so you do not get lost in the mix of a bunch of different people from other departments or a call center.

Does your team have the experience of working with investment property loans?

Yes, our team has great experience with investment properties for clients with bad credit.
We work with a lot of borrowers for different lenders who do investment property loans if they don’t qualify through conventional means.
We have tailored solutions for clients for their first rental property or if they are wanting to purchase more properties to grow their portfolio.

How do the members of your team help customers improve their credit score?

Improving your credit score is a multi-faceted approach.
We help you take the necessary actions in boosting your score while we are also getting you a loan.
Our specialists are able to see the small steps you can take to gain a few extra points to help you get better credit.
Adding to that we also help you with larger plans to keep your credit score healthy and to keep improving.
We do this at no charge because we want to see you thrive.

Which states are served by your team?

Our team is based in Westmont, Illinois but we can serve clients in a variety of different states.
Our dove tailing with lenders and our licensing is what allows us to help customers in different states throughout the US.
To see if we can serve your area we recommend reaching out directly to us since our licensing is regularly updated.

How quickly can I expect to hear back from your team?

You can expect a response from our team very quickly, often within a few hours of your inquiry during business hours, and we pride ourselves on our responsiveness.
All of our clients receive communication from their team members as they can reach their loan officer through a phone call, email, or text whenever they need to.
We know communication is extremely important when closing a real estate deal, and that’s why we are available at all times during business hours.

Does your team handle refinances as well as purchases?

That is correct, our team is capable of handling both purchases and refinances.
We do have some clients that will reach out to us to obtain a purchase loan, and then once they are ready to obtain a refinance to receive better interest rates or withdraw some of their cash equity, they will reach back out to us.
We can handle rate and term refinances, cash out refinances, and streamline refinances, especially with clients that have difficult credit.

What kind of training does your team receive?

To ensure our team has the relevant knowledge and expertise on the most recent loan programs, underwriting guidelines, and industry best practices, the team participates in continuous training and education.
We put a strong emphasis on training and development and a number of our employees have advanced credentials in specialized sectors of mortgage lending.
Because of our focus on education, the industry best practices and guidelines are offered to our clients.

Mortgage loan applicants with any questions can join Great Content Authority Forums (GCA Forums), the nation’s largest online community and the number one resource center for mortgage and real estate topics.