My passion is helping people buy homes and educating them in the home buying process. I am backed by a full-service team of mortgage professionals at Guaranteed Rate Affinity. Although I am based in Metro Orlando, I specialize in both purchase and refinance mortgages ++throughout the state of Florida++, offering Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo and a suite of portfolio products, including Investor Cash Flow, Bank Statement, and HELOC options. We will help you find the best product and terms for your unique financial picture, and will work with you to help you win offers and close on time, and as smoothly as possible.


A UCF grad and UCF Dad, I am a father of four wonderful children- Madison, Ethan, Grace, and Annalise- and husband to my beautiful wife, Suzanne, since 1999. I enjoy golfing, spending time at the beach, and playing music.

VP of Mortgage Lending

Jim Kluegel is your Lake Mary  local lender. As a loan officer at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, a national retail mortgage lender delivering low rates with a streamlined process, Jim is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Jim at (407) 204-7718 for more information!

Jim Kluegel at Guaranteed Rate Affinity (NMLS #276785)

Home is where life happens—and as a mom of three energetic boys, I know just how meaningful the right home can be. Our family lives right here in Seminole County, where my 3 boys (ages 6, 4 and 2) attend local schools. With my husband serving as a City of Lake Mary firefighter, our roots run deep in the place we call home. We don't just work here—we live our life here, too.


My passion for helping families find the right home is shaped by both my personal experiences and my professional background. With extensive experience in compliance, processing, processor management, quality control, and origination, I understand the mortgage process from every angle. My clients trust me because I pair industry expertise with genuine compassion, clear guidance, and honest communication.


I believe your home-buying journey should feel exciting, not intimidating. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a growing family, or someone exploring your financing options, I'm here to make the process simple, transparent, and tailored to your needs.


My team provides a full suite of loan programs—including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo loans, condo loans, down payment assistance, and first-time homebuyer programs—so we can find the solution that supports your goals.


If you're curious about what you might qualify for or simply want a friendly, no-pressure conversation about your options, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.

Ashley Thalmueller is your Lake Mary  local lender. As a loan officer at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, a national retail mortgage lender delivering low rates with a streamlined process, Ashley is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Ashley at (407) 469-5052 for more information!

Ashley Thalmueller at Guaranteed Rate Affinity (NMLS #1691065)

Helping first-time buyers, construction, veterans, investors, self-employed, condo, and luxury home borrowers in Space Coast, FL and Twin Cities, MN buy homes with confidence, without the stress.


Hi, I'm Lisa Howe, a mortgage loan officer based in Lake Mary, FL helping clients navigate the home financing process with clarity and confidence for 33 years.  
I specialize in working with first-time homebuyers, construction, veterans, investors, self-employed, condo, and luxury home borrowers offering tailored loan solutions and a smooth, transparent experience from start to finish.


Whether you're:  
- Buying your first home  
- Exploring refinancing options  
- Looking into programs like Jumbo, Non-QM, Reverse, Builder, and all traditional mortgages  
I'll walk you through your options and help you choose the right strategy—not just the easiest one.


What sets me apart:  
- Exceling at fast closings, unique income, and complex deals  
- Available when customer needs special one-on-one service via text, email, phone, or in person  
- Communication and creative mortgage thinking


Do you need 20% down to buy a home?  
No—many buyers qualify with as little as 3–5% down depending on the loan program.  
What credit score do you need?  
It varies, but there are options available even if your credit isn't perfect.  
How much home can you afford?  
That depends on your income, debt, and goals—I'll help you break it down clearly.


I've helped clients throughout Space Coast, FL and Twin Cities, MN secure financing for homes ranging from all price ranges and property types, and I'm proud to be a trusted resource for both buyers and local real estate agents. I was a President's Club member for 15 years.


Check out my client reviews to see what it's like to work together.


When I'm not helping clients, you'll find me travelling the world, hiking, and playing pickleball or golf!  
I believe this business is about relationships—and being someone people can rely on long after closing.  
If you're thinking about buying, refinancing, or just want to explore your options, let's connect.

Lisa Howe is your Lake Mary  local lender. As a loan officer at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, a national retail mortgage lender delivering low rates with a streamlined process, Lisa is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Lisa at (407) 563-4126 for more information!

Lisa Howe at Guaranteed Rate Affinity (NMLS #501988)

As your trusted Guaranteed Rate Affinity Loan Officer, my goal is to simplify the mortgage process, make your home loan experience easy to navigate and be available to you from application to closing. I take pride in thoroughly educating my customers throughout the mortgage transaction, so they fully understand their options and feel comfortable with their chosen loan program. Whether you are a first time home buyer or seasoned owner, you can trust me and my team with all of your home financing needs. Please reach out anytime using the contact information located on this page and use this website as a resource as you start your home financing journey.

Vice President, Mortgage Lending

Taylor Ard is your Lake Mary  local lender. As a loan officer at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, a national retail mortgage lender delivering low rates with a streamlined process, Taylor is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Taylor at (407) 232-8364 for more information!

Taylor Ard at Guaranteed Rate Affinity (NMLS #370856)

Lake Mary

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4 Loan Officers Lake Mary, FL