Low Pressure Broker Identifies Mortgage that is Right for the Client
THE SHINTANI GROUP STANDS OUT as a shining example of what ethical mortgage brokering looks like: honorable, experienced and transparent.
“People are smart enough to make the right decisions when they understand their options and know what is available,” says Stephen Shintani.
In contrast to other brokers, Stephen and his right-hand man, Adam Kam, always take the time to educate their clients, walking them through the residential mortgage process from pre-qualification, to processing, to underwriting, and closing. “We pair our clients’ financial needs with the banks’ lending guidelines,” Adam explains. “That way we ensure a proper fit while meeting all deadlines.”
The Shintani group looks at the big picture, from assets and income to the true cost of the loan over its lifetime. They also consider where their customers are in their lives and when they expect to retire.
People can be shortsighted when it comes to their finances, so it’s important to have people like the Shintani Group on your side. They’ll empower you to prepare for a successful financial future. Stephen explains, “I want to give people a long view so they have a debt free retirement.”
| NAME | Stephen Shintani |
| LICENSE NUMBER | Cal BRE #01134414 NMLS ID #299624 |
| PHONE NUMBER | (310) 481-0669 |
| ADDRESS | 10866 Wilshire Blvd #1625, Los Angeles, CA 90024 |
| stephen@shintanigroup.com | |
| WEBSITE | http://shintanigroup.com/ |
| SOCIAL MEDIA | |
| FORMS OF PAYMENT | |
| SERVICES PROVIDED | Real Estate Financing, Home Loans, Mortgage Broker, Refinancing |
| SERVICE AREAS |
Central Atwater Village • Baldwin Hills • Bel Air • Beverly Grove • Beverly Hills • Boyle Heights • Century City • Cheviot Hills • Chinatown • Commerce • Culver City • Dockweiler • Dodgertown • Downtown • East Hollywood • East Los Angeles • Echo Park • Edendale • Fairfax • Firestone Park • Gramercy Park • Griffith Park • Hancock Park • Hollywood • Hollywood Hills • Inglewood • Jefferson Park • Koreatown • Ladera Heights • Larchmont Village • Leimert Park • Los Angeles • Los Feliz • Macarthur Park • Mid-Wilshire • Miracle Mile • Mount Olympus • Oakwood • Outpost Estates • Palms • Park Mesa Heights • Pico Heights • Pico-Robertson • Pico-Union • Rancho Park • Rimpau • Silver Lake • University Park • Vermont • Vermont Square • View Park • Watts • West Adams • West Hollywood • Westlake • Westwood • Whitley Heights • Windsor Hills San Fernando Valley Arleta • Bell Canyon • Burbank • Calabasas • Canoga Park • Chatsworth • Encino • Granada Hills • Granada Hills North • Hewitt • Hidden Hills • Lake Balboa • Lakeside Park • Mission Hills • North Hills • North Hollywood • Northridge • Pacoima • Panorama City • Porter Ranch • Reseda • San Fernando • Shadow Hills • Sherman Oaks • Sherman Village • Studio City • Sun Valley • Sunland • Sylmar • Tarzana • Toluca Lake • Toluca Terrace • Tujunga • Universal City • Valley Glen • Valley Village • Van Nuys • West Hills • Winnetka • Woodland Hills Westside Brentwood • El Segundo • Fox Hills • Lennox • Malibu • Mar Vista • Marina del Rey • Montana • Ocean Park • Pacific Palisades • Playa del Rey • Playa Vista • Santa Monica • Sawtelle • Topanga • Venice • West Los Angeles • Westchester |
- Overall Satisfaction
- Quality of Work
- Customer Service
- Value for Price
Michele Ronsen
San Francisco - March 23, 2018
Simply put, Stephen and his team are top notch. They listen, are proactive, follow up and speak in human terms (versus bank terms). They provided options, mapped out several scenarios, had recommendations when asked and were always friendly. I am thrilled with where we landed and duly impressed with not only WHAT they were able to accomplish in the time-frame but HOW they accomplished it. Thank you, Shintani Group!!
Shelley Beals
Gardena - January 31, 2018
I cannot express how thankful I am to have found Stephen! I was having a really hard time securing a mortgage as a small business owner. I had called an extensive list of lenders and no one could seem to help me out, not even my friend who owns New American Funding. I was pretty much ready to give up. As a last resort, I called Stephen who came recommended by one of my employees. Stephen is awesome. He got everything done so easily and so quickly. I was in shock. He is professional, down to earth and made the whole process so simple. Stephen keeps your best interest in mind and is always looking for ways to save you money. I appreciate the way he continues to check in with me, following up so things stay current. I also love his team; I know that I am in good hands. Anyone looking for a pleasant mortgage or refi experience should call Stephen. He is the only one I will ever look to. Thank you, Stephen, thank you, thank you, a thousand times over!
Joe Lauducci
Newport Beach - March 6, 2017
Stephen Shintani is phenomenal to work with. Of course he's extremely knowledgeable about the many nuances of the mortgage industry. He's ultra responsive which is critically important when you need things to happen quickly. Most importantly he's trustworthy and will always look to do the right thing for you as the client.
Sam
West LA - November 9, 2016
As a first time home buyer, finding a loan broker we trusted and felt comfortable working with was not easy. Luckily, I came into contact with Stephen through N2N. He was always generous with his time and I could easily tell that he knew the options that suited our family's financial situation. He worked with me every step of the way and took care of everything seamlessly with our real estate agent. His assistant Adam is friendly, knowledgeable and responsive as well. When it came time to close I was very confident and could sleep well with the Shintani Group.
Lisa Heisinger
Los Angeles - October 15, 2015
I cannot speak more highly of Stephen Shintani and his team. We have chosen the Shintani team for all four of our mortgages over the past 10 years because of their professionalism, responsiveness, market knowledge, and competitive rates. Stephen has a talent for listening to his clients' needs, proposing and explaining options simply, and helping people to reach their own conclusions about which product will be best for them. When I went to my bank to wire funds for our recent refinance, the banker (who happened to be the home equity specialist) couldn't believe the rate the Shintani team had gotten for us! They have never missed an opportunity to provide great service and we will not hesitate to use them for our next home purchase.
H.Z.
Los Angeles - October 2, 2015
Being a first time home buyer I was of course, very intimidated and overwhelmed by the whole process- lingo and all. I was referred to Stephen Shintani by a family friend... I gave him a call that same day and right away felt comfortable and at ease. Stephen was very patient, responsive, understanding, helpful and hardworking through out the whole process. I knew I could call him with any question at any time, and he would get back to me as soon as possible and make sure I truly understood the answer, before hanging up. There is no doubt in my mind, that Stephen Shintani is the best in the business! I feel extremely grateful that I had Stephen on my side, through the process. I can't wait to refer him to my friends and family. Thank you, Stephen and team!!!
Lori R. Andrade
Del Rey - October 14, 2013
I worked with Stephen to purchase and refinance both my homes. The first was in 1996, and I bought my current home in 1999. During that time he processed multiple refi’s for each house. I guess you could call me a refi repeat offender, but the rates kept dropping and with Stephen the process was relatively painless. He and I joke that my 2012 refi was my last, but then again we thought my 2011 refi was the last. It’s hard to believe the rates dropped again after the market hit what seemed to be “rock bottom” at the time! Stephen and his team are very responsive when communicating with me. He often initiates or returns the calls himself, or emails me to tell me which team member will be calling me and why. I would absolutely recommend Stephen, and I have, to nearly a dozen friends and coworkers over the years. They are all satisfied customers. There is a high level of personal care that Stephen puts into every business transaction. You know you can trust him, and the value of his service is priceless. I am confident that I am one of his least wealthy clients, yet he treats me just as he would one of his wealthiest: with respect, with uncanny market timing, and most importantly with a solid understanding of my personal and financial goals beyond the real estate transaction itself.
Stacey and Michael Schobert
Santa Monica - October 6, 2013
We've used Stephen seven times over 15 years—five home purchases and two refinances. His service was unbelievable. He got done what nobody else gets done, on time and on budget. In the beginning, we were overwhelmed and he took the time to explain. All his staff get back to you right away and they're so well-informed. I don't know how he does it. He had us do some extra documentation for a short sale and when the time came, we got the place! His pricing is competitive, too. One realtor tried to talk us into using someone else. We said, "Nope, we'll never leave Stephen!"
A. Nunn
Porter Ranch - October 6, 2013
Stephen took my calls back in 2002, before I was even a client of his and in the position to look for a house. He educated me on my options, different rate choices and ways to do loans. He really looks at the big picture when working with people. He takes into consideration your long-term goals, what you want to do in life, and helps you shop for the best possible home for you. I’ve been a client of his for ten years now, since 2004, and have done about six transactions over that period. He helped me purchase my first home and more recently some investment property. What really wowed me was how Stephen handled my first loan. It had a 10-year interest-only period. It was the best option for me at the time, so he got me the loan just to get me in the house, but he knew the idea of a big payment jump after the first 10 years was making me nervous. He actively kept an eye on the market and within six months he found me a better rate and better terms. Stephen was proactive before, during, and even well after my loan closed! Stephen and his team are amazing. They are reliable, and they do all the work for you. I love that everything moves so efficiently. Stephen is also very responsive. He calls me when the market shifts and thinks it would be a good time to refinance. He also returns my calls quickly and will spend a ton of time on the phone going over pros and cons with me. He really knows the market and the all products out there. I recommend him proactively to everybody— friends, family, even acquaintances—for any of their needs. He is great!
F. Saito
Culver City - October 6, 2013
I was looking for a refi and my financial adviser referred me to Stephen. Everything went really smoothly. From the onset, Stephen listened to exactly what I was looking for and would personally call me back whenever I needed to speak with him. He even helped me close a price just before midnight. The personnel in the Shintani Group are courteous, reliable, and very efficient. I was also happy to learn that they are a green company—all the paperwork was done online. Within 45 days all the work was completed and done. I have since referred my son to Stephen and he has helped him too!
Mark N.
San Gabriel - October 6, 2013
I had already refinanced a few times when I started asking around for someone good and Stephen Shintani’s name came up. I recalled meeting him about twelve years ago, back when his wife was my coworker at an investment firm. This was before she went to work with Stephen to help him start his own company. Just speaking with him again was great. Stephen is very cool, super sharp and very easy to work with. He doesn’t push, and I’ve never felt any pressure working with him. I find him extremely knowledgeable about finding the lowest rate possible. I have refinanced with him twice now, both times with very good results. Stephen always speaks to you about your options, which I like. His team does the follow ups and are right on top of everything. I refer him to anyone I know who is looking to refinance: co-workers, friends, even my mother is a client now!
Mallory C.
Idyllwild - April 25, 2013
I called Stephen when I was panicking about my re-fi that was about to close. I gave the information to Stephen's assistant and Stephen called me from New York to go over it all with me. In the end he counseled me to stick with the loan I was in process with which gave me a peace of mind I just didn't have before. He could have told me to scrap the loan I was working on and go with him, but he's really someone with integrity and put my needs ahead of profit. That's a rare thing.
Sam Apt
Hancock Park - December 21, 2012
I’ve been working with Stephen Shintani for 15 years. He’s been outstanding for me. He is able to get me what I need when I need it. He’s very personable and trustworthy and he cares about his clients. He is busy, but he always gets back to me promptly. If there are any issues with lenders he’s able to work through them. I can’t tell you how many people have gotten mortgage financing through Stephen after I referred him. And I will continue to refer people to him! It’s nice to do something for someone who has done so much for me.
T. Jensen
Hancock Park - December 26, 2011
I have worked with Stephen for over ten years. I have bought and refinanced three different places with him. Stephen is great. His office has several people that are always fantastic. Stephen is always very thorough at explaining options and giving me a variety of choices. Because we have worked together so much, he understands my style, that I tend to err on the conservative side, but he still manages to give me multiple options and scenarios. Stephen stays in touch with the market and what new products are available and he calls me to let me know if there is something that would benefit me. Generally if rates are going down, he will contact me to let me know and will present two situations: one where I can lower my monthly payment and another where I can pay the same amount, but reduce the number of years I pay the mortgage (which I generally choose). Stephen is very reachable. If I need him right away, for example if I want to make an offer on a place and need a pre-approval letter, and he is on the phone, someone in the office will instant message him and let me know exactly how long it will be before he gets back to me. He can quickly determine if I am approved. Another plus is that Stephen makes money off of commissions from the financial product, not from any extra fees. Before I met Stephen I had another situation where I was stuck with a fee that wasn’t fair.
Bruce Walker
Hancock Park - December 4, 2011
I sell houses. One of my past clients six years ago called me and recommended the Shintani Group to me. It’s funny you are calling now because I just received a call two minutes ago from one of my clients who is having trouble with his loan. Stephen earned my loyalty by financing my home for me seven years ago. He got me a competitive rate, the fees were reasonable, he was professional, and he closed on time. Seven months later, the loan was done, and I was living in my house. He gave me a call. “I was reviewing your file. You know, I can refi and get you a better rate and save you $500 per month.” He told me what to do and I said “I’m there!” I did it, and he got me new loan. Again he charged nominal fees, and all the sudden I am saving $500/mo. The point of story is he didn’t have to do that. He was done with me. Let me ask you? How many people will keep in touch and redo the loan for you without asking?
I have a client now, and I told him to talk to Stephen. He said that he had a company he was working with for a few weeks. Now the company is 3 weeks late, hasn’t removed the contingencies, the seller has to move out, and the lender doing old bait and switch thing on him. My client is a lawyer and is freaking out, threatening to sue. He looked online and found out the company has complaints. Some loan companies get you down to the wire and you can’t switch and the rate they quoted you doesn’t exist! Now you’re six days from closing, and the buyer is stuck! The law has gotten better for consumers, but these problems still exist.
This hasn’t happened ever with the Shintani Group. I could not ever refer a client to a broker that would misrepresent a rate or not close on time. If they did that one time, I couldn’t use them. I’ve been using Stephen for ten years now! I have absolutely no complaints. On the contrary I have only praise.
His people are always available, always courteous, and complete everything in timely manner. They will even send a traveling notary if can’t make to the office. I can’t think of any area where they are in need of improvement. They are an A Plus rating.
Jan Reichmann
Westwood - November 14, 2011
Stephen is by far the best loan broker I know of. I’ve worked as a realtor for 32 years and I’ve dealt with many brokers and brokerage firms. Stephen is extremely careful and smart about pre-approving people and being honest with them about what they can actually borrow. He saves our clients and me time by determining a truly reasonable budget. Stephen is highly creative with finding the best package for clients. He advises them on how to organize their finances and financial history before applying so they can get approved quickly. He’s punctual, has an excellent staff, and his customer service is excellent. He always finds the best loan—if I bring him an offer and ask him if he can beat it, he always finds something better. His follow-up is very good—if forms are missing his staff is in touch promptly and he responds quickly to email.
L. Crosswaite
Sherman Oaks - October 9, 2011
“Beyond first-rate” is how I would describe Stephen. Stephen got us a couple loans—the original loan for our house, and a refi as well. He’s so on top of things. Both my husband and I recommend him to anyone we can—whenever the subject of buying a home comes up. He locked us in at the point last fall when interest rates were at their lowest in years. He was so kind and he held our hands throughout the process. He’s a great reader of people and knows what you need to hear to get through it. It’s a lot of money. It was scary, specifically with regard to our refi, because things were so scary then with everything that was going on with the banks. The Shintani Group’s customer service is perfect. They are a fabulous, incredibly well run organization. Stephen’s competency and knowledge are incredible—he knows exactly what’s going on at all times in the market. Stephen also sends periodic newsletters to keep his customers up to date on what’s going on the market. And most importantly, I found him to be completely trustworthy.
David Checel
Studio City - September 23, 2011
I used the Shintani Group for both new loans and refi’s. The quality is amazing. Stephen is punctual and on budget. He provided great customer service and great pricing. He called frequently throughout the process with each deal to see how it was going for me. I always know I can call him with any problem and get answers. Stephen is super easy to work with. Financing loans, especially in this market, is a very stressful process, but Stephen makes it less stressful. I’ve worked with Stephen on three or four loans so far. On the first, I was using two brokers. Stephen closed and beat the rate of the other broker (who couldn’t even close on time) by half a point. Stephen follows up after escrow as well—he recently called to tell me he could save me approximately $400 a month if I wanted to refinance, which is a lot of money over 36 months! Stephen also explains every detail. He’s been doing this for so long he really knows his stuff. I recommend everyone I know to Stephen and they all say the same things I’m saying about him.
L. Cichy
Valencia - May 26, 2011
I am writing to you to express what a pleasure it was working with Stephen Shintani and his team. Over the past few years Stephen has assisted us with our home refinance and we just closed Escrow last week on another property. Every transaction has been stress-free and, best of all, no surprises at the close of escrow. Stephen always takes the time to explain different loan programs that best fit our needs. He is very easy to work with and is always available to take our calls. I also had the pleasure of working with Adam and Scarlett who were very helpful and a joy to work with. The Shintani Group has always gone that extra mile for us. This is something you rarely find these days. We trust and will use the Shintani Group for our future Mortgage needs.
Carolyn Hemann
Westchester - April 25, 2011
I’m a financial adviser and I have been recommending Stephen Shintani to my clients for twenty years. Stephen is very professional, very responsive and proactive. He makes the refinance process as painless as possible for my clients. He looks at the whole picture to determine the best situation for them specifically. Then he makes a recommendation and then he and I consult about it. I have had bad experiences with other mortgage brokers with lack of communication and bad customer service. Stephen has great customer service. I have even used him myself.
Barbara L.
Glendale - February 11, 2011
I became a client of Mr. Stephen Shintani back in 1998! Back then I turned over all my personal documentation with absolutely no idea of the caliber of services and benefits that I’d come to know and enjoy. For over a decade, Stephen has individualized and brokered financing for me twelve times: five new real estate loans and seven refis. The protocol for each closing has always been the same: a keen aptitude for real estate financing; thoroughly researched loan programs; close monitoring of every detail; and honest, creditable conversation. These landed me an amazing loan each and every time.
Stephen does so much more than just find financing. He is driven to build relationships with his clients. His mindset is to arm clients with info and choice that grow their worth. Faithfully behind his desk, he labors on their behalf. My 2010 refi of two rental properties is a prime example of this. The 2008 housing topple progressively worsened my monthly cash flow. By 2010, I was clearly having colossal challenges managing all of my obligations. Combing through his vast resources, Stephen located a banker that approved both properties for funding at the reduced rate of 5.5%. The refis netted me an additional $700. per month. Wow! The relief was immediate and gargantuan!
Doing business with Stephen renders so many incentives and accommodations. He engages in conversation after conversation about my financial goals. As well, he always provides me options i.e. option to go with bank “A” or bank “B”; option of “money-out” loans or “interest-only” loans. Several of the aforementioned transactions were completed without cost to me—again, without cost.
The Shintani Group is clearly a one-of-a-kind loan brokerage firm. The striking character Stephen displays personally overflows into the Shintani Group work place. He has created a climate of honesty, excellence and hard work in his Westside office, of course. Each time I come in, his staff is on task, professional, knowledgeable and welcoming. From the flat screen on the wall to desktops on every desk, technology is constantly used to track rates, trends and money news. On Stephen’s desk sits two computer monitors which are simultaneously used to examine and retrieve information with a tap of the mouse. Phone calls and emails are returned within a day. Stephen has frequently phoned late evening to update me on new products. This young man is serious. This young man is masterful.
Rest assured, my quality of life has risen as a result of the work of Stephen and his team. Suggestions, referrals and multiple financings obtained through the Shintani Group have provided the financial armor needed to realize the dreams of not only myself, but those of my children and grandchildren as well.