First Coast Financial

First Coast Financial is a full-service mortgage broker that arranges purchase loans, refinances and home equity loans. Its options include adjustable-rate, fixed-rate, jumbo and FHA loans. Because a broker isn't tied to one lender's products, the firm compares programs from several banks. Founder Chris Tsamoudakis leads the company and has roughly 19 years of experience in real estate and financial services.

The company is privately held, which it says lets it move quickly on loan files. Its site lists an office at 18012 Cowan in Irvine, California, and says it lends in most California cities, subject to property and location restrictions. Clients who have bought or refinanced with the firm often mention Tsamoudakis by name, and the site describes him as walking first-time buyers through the paperwork. Office hours are listed as open every day into the evening.