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You find the home, I'll find the loan!

Select from hundreds of loan products tailored to your needs

About me

Hey there, I’m Kara – your trusted partner in the mortgage industry. I have been helping families make their homeownership dreams a reality since 2010. I have served hundreds of families in their quest to either save money with a refinance or purchase a home with the best possible financing package. Guild Mortgage has been in business for over 60 years and is a leading mortgage lender. We service a majority of loans we close and handle everything locally. My mission is to understand my clients’ needs and deliver an experience that is far beyond their expectations. In addition to being a mortgage professional, I am most happy when floating on the river. I am a mom to a 10 year old boy and have a black lab that we adore! I am super excited to show you how EASY getting a mortgage can be!

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Let’s find the right home loan for you

We have loan options to fit every situation, from down payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers to government-sponsored programs for military families and rural residents or jumbo loans in high-cost markets.

Conventional

Conventional

A Conventional loan is a great option if you have an average to high credit score and little debt. This allows you to take advantage of lower interest rates. With these types of loans, you have the option to put 20% down, which eliminates the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI) and saves you money. If you don’t have a large down payment saved up though, don’t worry. We have Conventional loan options for down payments as low as 3%.
Down payment assistance

Down payment assistance

If you’re purchasing your first home, you have options to buy without saving a full down payment. Down payment assistance (DPA) programs can help with your down payment in the form of a loan or grant that is often forgiven over time.
FHA

FHA

If you’re looking to buy on a tight budget, these loans are a great option. It’s easier to qualify for FHA loans because they carry lower credit score requirements and lower down payment options starting at 3.5% down. They’re also insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and only issued by FHA-approved lenders.

All loans are subject to underwriter approval; terms and conditions may apply. Subject to change without notice.

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Testimonials

Testimonials
4.94 out of 5.0 stars
4.91
5.0
Katie W
Mar 26, 2025
Verified

Kara Kelsen, never disappoints. All of my/our clients LOVE her. She always goes above and beyond, and in fact, saved this deal AND most importantly our client's DREAMS when she was able to help find insurance coverage on a home my clients have been waiting for for over 20 years. She put them in touch with an insurance broker who offered coverage at an affordable rate when so so so many others wouldn't do coverage at all. I honestly think a lot of other lenders would have thrown up their hands and said, "oh well". Kara spent hours calling around for us so my clients could get the 2nd home they have been dreaming of. She also worked through a few other issues to ensure they were getting the best rate and had great advice for them. As always, Kara, thanks for making me look good!
KATHRYN
Mar 24, 2025
Mesa, AZ
Verified

Kara Kelsen, never disapoints. All of my/our clients LOVE her. She always goes above and beyond, and in fact, saved this deal AND most importantly our clients DREAMS when she was able to help find insruance coverage on a home my clients have been waiting for for over 20 years. She put them in touch with an insurance broker who offered coverage at an affordable rate when so so so many others wouldn't do coverage at all. I honestly think a lot of other lenders would have thrown up their hands and said "oh well". Kara spent hours calling around for us so my clients could get the 2nd home they have been dreaming of. She also worked though a few other issues to ensure they were getting the best rate and had great advice for them. As always Kara, thanks for making me look good!
Paula L
Mar 24, 2025
Verified

This was my first time purchasing a home and I was so lost at first. Kara made this process so smooth and explained everthing very detailed so I did not walk away from any meetings with any questions. I love the flexibility and attention to detail from Karas end as well as Ed's, they both responded to my messages so quickly. One of my favorite things was the video updates we would get sent anytime we moved on to the next step in our loan. Before agreeing to work with Guild I had spoken to 2 other lenders and heard different answers but felt the most comfortable working with Guild. We were paired up with an amazing program. We will never forget this amazing first time buyer experience.
Rhonda
Mar 10, 2025
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Verified

Kara did everything we asked and in a timely and professional manner.
John
Mar 03, 2025
Maricopa, AZ
Verified

Ease of contact, updates provided. Questions answered in timely fashion. Kara was wonderful!
Shannon R
Mar 03, 2025
Verified

Kara goes above and beyond for her people. Great communication and kept in the loop on where things are. Always gets the client across the finish line. Highly recommend.

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Awards

Causes & Memberships

member of Guild Giving
NMLS ID #1607673
I am authorized to do business in the state of Arizona. AZ BK#0018883; AZ BKBR# 0119516; AZ LO Lic.# 0944271;