One application. Dozens of lenders competing for your loan.
A bank can only show you its own rates. Lumena Home Loans is an independent, Bay Area based mortgage brokerage serving all of California. We shop dozens of wholesale lenders, match your profile to the best rate and program, and explain every line of it in English or Spanish.
Who we are
Lumena Home Loans is an independent, minority-owned mortgage brokerage founded by two Mexican-American entrepreneurs from the Bay Area. From our office in Castro Valley we serve all of California, shop dozens of wholesale lenders for every loan, and explain each step in English or Spanish.
Lupe Del Castillo
Lupe has spent her career helping Bay Area families get from pre-approval to keys.
Omar Murillo
Omar, an immigrant and the son of immigrants, has spent his career serving the Bay Area community.
Nayari Villamizar
Nayari has built her career on the trust of her clients.
How it works
Talk it through
A 15-minute call, in English or Spanish, about your income, savings, and what home means for your family. No documents needed yet.
Get pre-approved
We verify your numbers and issue a pre-approval letter, usually within 24 hours. Sellers take your offer seriously.
We shop for you
As brokers, we compare dozens of wholesale lenders and negotiate the rate and fees. You see the options side by side.
Close with confidence
We walk you through every document before you sign, and we’re still your first call years after you have the keys.
A bank shows you its menu. We shop the whole market for you.
Your first home is our favorite loan to close.
If no one in your family has done this before, the process can feel like it was designed to confuse you. It wasn’t. It just has never been explained well. We walk the whole road together, in your language, at a kitchen-table pace: your budget, what assistance you qualify for, and what happens at each step.
Free pre-approval, no obligation
CalHFA & down-payment assistance guidance
Everything explained in English or Spanish
Credit-building plan if you’re not ready yet
Questions we hear every week
What’s the difference between a broker and a bank?
A bank can only offer its own loans. As brokers, we shop dozens of wholesale lenders and they compete for your loan, which usually means a lower rate, lower fees, or both. Brokers are compensated by the lender, so you don’t pay us extra.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Less than most people think. Conventional loans start at 3% down, FHA at 3.5%, VA at 0%, and assistance programs can cover part of it. The 20% rule is a myth. It only affects whether you pay mortgage insurance.
Can I qualify with an ITIN, or without a long credit history?
Often, yes. There are ITIN loan programs, and lenders that accept alternative credit like rent and utility payment history. Bring us your situation. We have probably closed one like it.
How long does pre-approval take?
Usually 24 hours once we have your documents: recent pay stubs, two years of tax returns, and bank statements. The first call takes 15 minutes and needs nothing but questions.
Do you only work in Castro Valley?
No. We’re licensed throughout California and close loans across the Bay Area and beyond. Castro Valley is home base, and your loan happens wherever you are.