About Leah Silvestri
Helping first-time homebuyers, self-employed borrowers, and real estate investors in New York achieve homeownership with confidence, without the stress. Hi, I'm Leah Silvestri, a mortgage loan officer based in New York, helping clients navigate the home financing process with clarity, confidence, and personalized guidance. With 20 years of industry experience and involvement in more than $3 billion in real estate transactions, I specialize in helping first-time homebuyers, self-employed borrowers, and real estate investors find financing solutions that fit their unique goals. I also take pride in serving the professionals who serve our communities, including members of the military, firefighters and EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, and teachers. Whether you're: - Buying your first home - Building your real estate investment portfolio - Self-employed and struggling to qualify through traditional banks - Looking for Conventional or Non-QM financing options I'll help you understand every step of the mortgage process and create a financing strategy that's designed around your unique situation, not a one-size-fits-all solution. What truly sets me apart is my approach to educating my clients. Before becoming a mortgage professional, I earned a teaching degree and certification, and that background continues to shape the way I work today. While many loan officers focus on selling, I focus on teaching. My goal is to make sure you understand your options, feel empowered to make informed decisions, and move through the process with confidence instead of uncertainty. What sets me apart: - An educator's approach that simplifies even the most complex mortgage scenarios. - Extensive experience helping self-employed borrowers who have been turned away by traditional banks. - Personalized guidance for first-time buyers and investors at every stage of the process. - Honest communication, quick responses, and no surprises from application through closing. - Available on weekends with direct answers and proactive updates so you're never left wondering what's next. Do you need 20% down to buy a home? Not necessarily. Many buyers qualify with significantly lower down payment options depending on the loan program and their financial situation. What credit score do you need? Every borrower's situation is different. Even if you've been told "no" before, there may be financing solutions available that better fit your circumstances. How much home can you afford? We'll carefully review your income, assets, and long-term goals to determine a comfortable price range and financing strategy that works for you. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of helping thousands of families and investors navigate the mortgage process while contributing to more than $3 billion in real estate transactions. My clients appreciate that I never treat them like just another loan file. I believe in building lasting relationships through education, consistent communication, and genuine follow-through, ensuring every client feels supported long after closing. Outside of work, I'm deeply involved in my community as an active member of my local Chamber of Commerce, a proud member of NAHREP, and a Girl Scout troop leader. I also host the Hustle & Heart podcast, where I share the real-life highs and lows of balancing a successful career with motherhood. When I'm not helping clients, you'll usually find me gardening, creating art with my children, or making lasting memories through meaningful family travel. I believe buying a home is one of life's biggest milestones, and having the right guide can make all the difference. If you're thinking about purchasing a home, growing your investment portfolio, or exploring financing options as a self-employed borrower, I'd love the opportunity to help you move forward with confidence.
We can make it happen!
Down payment assistance
Overcoming the obstacle of a down payment is possible with grants and programs available from federal and local governments for homeownership.
Low down payment loans
As the initial home investment, we offer VA loans, FHA loans, and USDA loans which have 0-10% down payment requirements.
Veteran loans
Military service members and their families are in the unique position to build equity through real estate at a lower cost than typical homebuyers.
Bank Statement loans
Self-employed? Our Bank Statement Loan program allows self-employed borrowers to seek a home loan without tax returns, W2s or pay stubs.
Jumbo loans
You may consider this type if you plan to purchase a larger property or luxury home in high-end real estate markets.
Lock in your rate
Lock ‘N’ Roll: Lock in a mortgage rate for 60, 75, or 90 days without a signed contract. Secure a lower rate while house shopping with this program.
Accelerated timelines
Our Same-Day program facilitates you to get your loan approved in one day with options as little as 3% down.
Physician loans
Physician homes loan, can be an affordable option for medical professionals. Our program includes paid mortgage insurance and as little as 5% down.
Foreign National loans
Not a US Citizen? Foreign National loans are available without a social security number, green card, or visa and do not require a FICO score.
Mortgage Calculator
Get a sense of the costs of buying a home with our monthly mortgage calculator.
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*This is not a commitment to lend. Consumers are advised to obtain a Loan Estimate. Rates are subject to change and are dependent on credit and underwriting criteria.
Your actual rate, payment and costs could be higher. Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC cannot predict where rates will be in the future. Sample rate provided for illustration purposes only and is not intended to provide mortgage or other financial advice specific to the circumstances of any individual and should not be relied upon in that regard. Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC for current rates and for more information. All information provided in this publication is for informational and educational purposes only, and in no way is any of the content contained herein to be construed as financial, investment,or legal advice or instruction. Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timelines of the information in this publication. While efforts are made to verify the information provided, the information should not be assumed to be error free. Some information in the publication may have been provided by third parties and has not necessarily been verified by Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC. Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC its affiliates and subsidiaries do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, or exemplary, or other damages whatsoever and howsoever caused, arising out of or in connection with the use of this publication or in reliance on the information, including any personal or pecuniary loss, whether the action is in contract, tort (including negligence) or other tortious action. Sample rate provided for illustration purposes only and is not intended to provide mortgage or other financial advice specific to the circumstances of any individual and should not be relied upon in that regard.
Located at 348 West 14th St - 2nd, Floor New York NY, 10014