Updated · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555
California Real Estate Agent Lender Partner
California real estate agents face deals that fall apart on financing constantly — CCBS contingency issues, self-employed buyers, jumbo buyers, doctor buyers with student debt. Mike Certo helps agents close the deals other lenders walk away from.
Why California real estate agents refer to Mike
Mike handles the harder California scenarios cleanly:
- CCBS rescue: Buyer's offer is Contract Contingent on Buyer Sale. Mike's bridge structure removes the contingency so the offer reads as cash-equivalent to the seller.
- Self-employed buyers: NonQM bank statement, P&L only, asset qualifier, asset utilization — California has high self-employed buyer concentration.
- Jumbo buyers: Full-doc, alt-doc, super-jumbo, Medical Professionals jumbo for California physicians.
- Doctor buyers: Up to 100% LTV with no PMI. Residents/fellows eligible 150 days pre-start.
- Investor buyers: DSCR financing for California rental property.
- Out-of-state buyers entering California: Coordinated cross-state financing.
CCBS rescue playbook
When a California listing agent encounters a Contract Contingent on Buyer Sale (CCBS) buyer whose offer is at risk because the seller doesn't want a contingent offer:
- Listing agent calls Mike with the buyer's scenario
- Mike runs scenario in 20 minutes: equity in current home, target purchase price, buyer financial picture
- If bridge or Guaranteed Backup Contract financing works, Mike issues preliminary pre-approval within 3-7 days
- Buyer revises offer to non-contingent
- Bridge/backup contract closes alongside new purchase mortgage
RESPA-compliant co-marketing
Mike co-markets with California real estate agents in RESPA-safe ways:
- Joint educational content (with proper attribution)
- Shared community engagement (open houses, agent-buyer education)
- Appropriate fair-market-value cost-sharing arrangements documented per RESPA standards
What we do NOT do: kickbacks, things of value in exchange for referrals, or any arrangement that violates RESPA Section 8.
Communication expectations
Agents who work with Mike report:
- 20-minute initial scenario review (not a 5-day callback)
- Pre-approval letters in 3-7 days after document submission
- Direct loan-officer access throughout the file — not a call-center experience
- Real-time loan status updates so agents know where each file stands
- Coordination with listing agents on bridge or BBYS files
Submit a scenario
If you have a California buyer scenario you'd like Mike to review, submit through the form below or call. Most scenarios get a yes/no/maybe answer within the 20-minute initial call. No commitment from your buyer required — the goal is identifying whether the deal CAN be made financeable before you and your buyer go through cancellation.
Related
FAQ
Does Mike work with all California real estate agents?
Yes. Mike works with any California real estate agent representing a buyer who needs Cornerstone financing. No exclusive arrangements required.
Can I co-market with Mike?
Yes, in RESPA-compliant ways. Joint educational content, shared community engagement, and documented fair-market-value cost-sharing are appropriate. Kickbacks or referral-fee arrangements are not.
How fast can Mike issue a pre-approval letter on a CCBS rescue?
Typically 3-7 days after complete buyer documents arrive. Faster if the buyer was previously pre-approved.
Does Mike work statewide California or just specific regions?
Statewide. Mike has worked files in the Bay Area, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Sacramento area, Central Valley, and Inland Empire.