Shannon Christenot

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Shannon Christenot Our team of Los Angeles real estate lending experts have decades of experience in every aspect of mo I started in the mortgage industry in 1996.

At the time, I was performing data entry for one of the largest wholesale mortgage lenders in the country. In that role, I learned the ins and outs of lending disclosures and income documentation for borrowers. That foundation helped me move into a new role as a very knowledgeable loan officer in 1999. I’ve loved every minute, and haven’t looked back since. As the markets have changed over the years, I have evolved with them, moving from the wholesale side of banking to the retail side. In my current role as a mortgage broker, I get to work with customers directly—which is absolutely one of the most satisfying parts of my job.

What should be checked before using equity to reorganize debt? Start with a payoff list, then separate fixed obligations...
10/10/2026

What should be checked before using equity to reorganize debt? Start with a payoff list, then separate fixed obligations from balances that can change, like credit cards or personal loans. It also helps to ask how long the debt took to build, because a short-term fix can create a long-term cost if the term is stretched without a plan. Walk through the steps. https://bit.ly/4b5LKQM

For a first-time buyer with steady W-2 income, USDA can be a useful option when the goal is more space without a large u...
10/09/2026

For a first-time buyer with steady W-2 income, USDA can be a useful option when the goal is more space without a large upfront cash pile. A common mistake is assuming every property outside a city qualifies; the address still has to meet the program's location rules, and the borrower has to fit income guidelines too. Compare this to your situation. https://bit.ly/4wN6h4M

If the buyer is active duty or recently separated, the first thing to check is eligibility timing, not the house itself....
10/08/2026

If the buyer is active duty or recently separated, the first thing to check is eligibility timing, not the house itself. A VA loan file often goes smoother when the service history, income source, and debt picture are organized early, especially if there's a mix of military pay, civilian pay, or 1099 income.

What happens if a borrower pays down cards but leaves one account near the limit? Underwriting can still flag the file b...
10/07/2026

What happens if a borrower pays down cards but leaves one account near the limit? Underwriting can still flag the file because revolving balances are part of the picture, especially for self-employed applicants whose income already needs extra documentation. A cleaner approach is to reduce balances, pause new inquiries, and review the report before submitting 1040s and 1099s. Walk through the steps. https://bit.ly/4i6hZDG

What if the real issue is not the loan, but the move-in checklist? Veterans often focus on eligibility and miss the util...
10/06/2026

What if the real issue is not the loan, but the move-in checklist? Veterans often focus on eligibility and miss the utility details: ask the seller for age and condition on the water heater, HVAC, and major appliances, then decide which upgrades to tackle first. That is a practical way to avoid surprise costs after closing.

When a buyer is using FHA, VA, or conventional financing, the document list changes more than people expect. One common ...
10/05/2026

When a buyer is using FHA, VA, or conventional financing, the document list changes more than people expect. One common mistake is waiting until after an offer is accepted to gather records; a better step is to sort tax forms, asset statements, and any explanation letters early so the file is easier to review.

Before you decide on a neighborhood, look beyond the front curb. A quick stop near school pickup, after work, and late e...
10/04/2026

Before you decide on a neighborhood, look beyond the front curb. A quick stop near school pickup, after work, and late evening can reveal delivery traffic, dog-walking activity, or a busy cut-through street that a daytime visit would hide. If the home is near a route you'd use daily, test that commute too.

Start with your paperwork, not the listing photos. If income comes from a W-2 plus 1099s, or if gift funds are part of t...
10/03/2026

Start with your paperwork, not the listing photos. If income comes from a W-2 plus 1099s, or if gift funds are part of the plan, organize those documents early so the budget conversation matches what underwriting may ask for later. That makes it easier to choose between conventional, FHA, or other options without guessing at the payment side of the decision.

One common mistake is assuming every out-of-town property qualifies just because the buyer likes the area. USDA financin...
10/02/2026

One common mistake is assuming every out-of-town property qualifies just because the buyer likes the area. USDA financing depends on the home being in an eligible location, and the file may also ask for W-2s, 1099s, or other income documents to confirm household eligibility. Compare this to your situation. https://bit.ly/4crEMGs

One common myth is that VA financing is only for buyers with perfect credit or a simple paycheck history. A veteran who ...
10/01/2026

One common myth is that VA financing is only for buyers with perfect credit or a simple paycheck history. A veteran who earns part of income from contract work, for example, may need extra documentation such as 1099s and a clean explanation of deposits before underwriting can make sense of the numbers.

Address

700 Flower Street #1000
Los Angeles, CA
90017

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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