Real Stories from Real Clients

At Gustan Cho Associates, we specialize in turning dreams of homeownership into reality for borrowers who have been turned away by other lenders. Remarkably, 80% of our clients come to us after being denied elsewhere due to low credit scores, high debt-to-income ratios, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, or other financial challenges. Our no-lender-overlay approach and access to over 190 wholesale lenders allow us to offer tailored solutions, including FHA, VA, and non-QM loans. Read our client testimonials to discover why Gustan Cho Associates is the trusted choice for mortgage financing across 48 states.

Claudia Pagaza

Navigating a divorce and Chapter 13 bankruptcy made refinancing my home seem impossible. Other lenders turned me away, but Gustan Cho Associates stepped in with compassion and expertise. Their team was available every step of the way, even on weekends, and explained the process clearly. They secured my refinance quickly, helping me move forward with confidence. I can’t thank them enough!

Anonymous, North Carolina

After completing my Chapter 13 bankruptcy in May 2020, my credit union enforced a strict two-year waiting period despite my 720 credit score. I wanted to relocate to North Carolina, but other lenders wouldn’t budge. Gustan Cho Associates used manual underwriting to get me pre-approved for an FHA loan. Their team worked tirelessly to close my loan, and I’m now settled in my new home!

Gina

With an open Chapter 13 bankruptcy, I thought homeownership was out of reach. Multiple lenders denied me, but Gustan Cho Associates made it happen. After 12 months in my repayment plan, they secured an FHA loan with no hassle. Their availability—seven days a week—and clear communication made the process stress-free. I’m now a proud homeowner!

John D.

As a veteran, I wanted a VA loan, but my credit issues led to rejections from other lenders. Gustan Cho Associates’ no-overlay approach and vast lender network made all the difference. They closed my loan in weeks, and their team was always available to answer questions. If you’ve been denied elsewhere, Gustan Cho is the place to go!

Maria S.

Self-employed with a 580 credit score, I was denied by three lenders for a conventional loan. Gustan Cho Associates offered a non-QM bank statement loan that fit my needs perfectly. Their team explained every detail, and I felt supported throughout. They turned my rejection into approval, and I’m now in my dream home!

Robert T.

After a foreclosure, I thought I’d never qualify for a mortgage again. Gustan Cho Associates proved me wrong with their non-QM loan options. They worked with me one day out of foreclosure, something no other lender would consider. Their dedication and expertise made homeownership possible again!

Why Gustan Cho Associates Stands Out

Gustan Cho Associates, a dba of NEXA Mortgage, LLC (NMLS 1660690), is a leading mortgage broker licensed in 48 states, including Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (not licensed in NY or MA). Based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois (Branch NMLS 2315275), our team has earned a national reputation for closing loans that other lenders cannot. With 80% of our borrowers coming to us after being denied elsewhere, we specialize in overcoming obstacles like low credit scores (down to 500 FICO), high debt-to-income ratios, and active or recently discharged bankruptcies.

Our no-lender-overlay policy on government and conventional loans ensures flexibility, while our partnerships with over 190 wholesale lenders provide access to a wide range of loan products, including:

  • FHA and VA loans for credit scores as low as 500 FICO, including manual underwriting
  • Non-QM loans for self-employed borrowers or those with non-traditional income
  • Bank statement loans for entrepreneurs and gig economy workers
  • Mortgage approvals during or one day after Chapter 13 bankruptcy discharge
  • Specialized programs for borrowers with past foreclosures or short sales

Our licensed loan officers, including Gustan Cho (NMLS 873293), John Strange (NMLS 230932), Mike Gracz (NMLS 1160212), Rhonda Smith (NMLS 1502981), and Ethel Matthews (NMLS 2352355), bring decades of combined experience to the table. They work tirelessly to provide personalized solutions, ensuring every client understands the process. Unlike other lenders, we’re available seven days a week, including evenings and holidays, to answer questions and guide you through your mortgage journey.

What sets us apart is our commitment to saying “yes” when others say “no.” Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a veteran, or someone recovering from financial setbacks, we tailor our approach to your unique needs. Our clients appreciate our transparency, responsiveness, and ability to close loans quickly—often in weeks—making homeownership achievable for those who thought it was out of reach.

Get Started: (800) 900-8569

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Gustan Cho Associates, we’re more than just a mortgage broker—we’re your partner in achieving financial freedom. Our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and glowing reviews across platforms like Google, Zillow, and Yelp reflect our dedication to client satisfaction. We’re proud to be an Equal Housing Lender, ensuring fair and transparent lending practices for all. Our YouTube channel features client stories and educational content to empower you with knowledge about the mortgage process.

  • Reviews & Testimonials Accredited Member BBB With A+ Rating
  • Reviews & Testimonials NEXA Mortgage
  • Reviews & Testimonials Google Reviews
  • Reviews & Testimonials Trust Privacy Protected
  • Reviews & Testimonials Equal Housing Lender
  • Reviews & Testimonials Zillow Reviews
     
  • Reviews & Testimonials Yelp Customer Testimonials
  • Reviews & Testimonials YouTube Videos

How We Help Borrowers Denied Elsewhere

The fact that 80% of our borrowers were denied by other lenders speaks to our unique ability to find solutions where others see roadblocks. Traditional lenders often impose strict overlays, rejecting applicants with credit scores below 620, high debt-to-income ratios, or recent bankruptcies. At Gustan Cho Associates, we eliminate these barriers. Our manual underwriting expertise allows us to evaluate your full financial picture, not just a credit score. For example, we can approve FHA and VA loans for borrowers with credit scores as low as 500, often with no waiting period after bankruptcy discharge.

For self-employed borrowers or those with non-traditional income, our non-QM and bank statement loans provide flexible options. We also specialize in helping clients in active Chapter 13 bankruptcy plans, requiring only 12 months of repayment history to qualify. Our extensive network of wholesale lenders ensures we can match you with the right loan product, whether you’re purchasing a home, refinancing, or consolidating debt. Our goal is to make homeownership accessible, no matter your financial past.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you’ve been denied by other lenders, don’t give up. Gustan Cho Associates has the expertise, resources, and dedication to help you achieve your homeownership goals. Contact our team today to get pre-approved or learn more about our loan programs. We’re here seven days a week, ready to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

Call Now: (800) 900-8569

6 Comments

  1. Claudia pagaza says:

    I need your help in refinancing my house to buy out my husband we’re in divorcing process.

    We’re also in Chapter 13 BK.

    Please reply

    1. Gustan Cho says:

      Please contact us with your contact information at gcho@gustancho.com or call us at 262-716-8151. Text us for a faster response.

  2. I was satisfactorily completed my chapter 13 plan and was discharged 05-2020. So I’m 1.5 years after discharge and my regular credit union is standing hard on their 2-year waiting period. I want to move to North Carolina or north Georgia and I have found a few small places that I like and was wondering if I could get them financed or do I have to wait until May of 2022 to clear my credit report of chapter 13? My score is 720 ish and I have 15-20k in cash to close a deal. Taxes in 2020 were gross 48k. Taxes for 2021 will probably show 60 k. Don’t have a real debt except for a 34k mortgage on some rental property. The places I’m looking at are in the 200k price range with taxes 800 per year and insurance maybe 1000 per year. FHA? OR?

    1. Gustan Cho says:

      We can definitely help you with your FHA loan under manual underwriting. Gustan Cho Associates has no lender overlays on government and conventional loans. Let’s get started and get you qualified and pre-approved. Please email us with your contact information at gcho@gustancho.com. We are looking to working with you and your family.

  3. can you help people that have an open chapter 13?

    1. Gustan Cho says:

      Yes, you need to have been in a open Chapter 13 repayment plan for at least 12 months and you can qualify for an FHA and/or VA loan.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *