Rick Valdez, Loan Officer, NMLS105548, Mortgage Express, LLC provides mortgages, home loans, refinancing, home equity lines of credit, ITIN loans, jumbo loans, and DACA recipients to Oregon, California, Washington, Arizona and Idaho.
I was going through a difficult time and had lost hope. I truly believed this would never happen. After working with multiple loan officers, I kept hearing the same response — “No, we can’t help you at this time.” I felt completely discouraged and uncertain about moving forward.
Rick and his team, however, were different. They reached out to me despite my complicated situation and assured me that they could make it happen. They found solutions, guided me through numerous obstacles, and supported me every step of the way.
Rick was always available — answering my questions, offering valuable advice, and keeping me focused on reaching the finish line. Despite his busy schedule, he remained incredibly responsive and dependable.
Sometimes in life, you have to go through tough times to meet people who remind you that you’re not alone. Rick and his team did exactly that. They helped me achieve what once felt impossible, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful. They gave me not just an opportunity, but a chance to grow.
Thank You Rick's Team.
ML
Maria D Lara
Oct 30, 2025
5.0
I cannot express the gratitude my family and I have with Rick Valdez and his amazing team! Rick was very informative and gave us hope in buying our first home! He literally held our hand thru out this process! Explained each and every program and loan they had to offer to make sure which one fit our needs. The process was smooth and showed us the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you so much Rick and Mortgage Express! We are extremely happy you guys helped us in the huge milestone for us ❤️❤️❤️
OC
O'Haras Construction
Oct 14, 2025
5.0
10/10 experience working with Rick and his team! This was a difficult transaction and we made it to the finish line. All sorts of obstacles in lending, and they never missed a beat. Knowledgable, kind, prompt, attentive to all details, and most of all patient with first time home buyers. I look forward to working with Rick and associates at Mortgage Express in the future
AM
Adriana Mendoza
Aug 29, 2025
5.0
No puedo agradecer suficiente el esfuerzo de Rick y su equipo. Todos fueron tan amables. Nos explicaron todo el proceso con detalles y siempre estaban disponibles cuando teníamos preguntas. Mi mamá finalmente logró su sueño de tener su casa y fue gracias a Rick.
CP
Celeste Perez
Aug 29, 2025
5.0
Rick has been amazing the whole way! Never gave up on me and tried his best to explain things to me that i didn't understand as a first time home buyer! Thank u for having patience with me rick, and thank u for helping me achieve my goal in owning a home!!!
Frequently Asked Questions About Rick Valdez, Loan Officer, NMLS #105548
Do I need to put 20% down to buy a home?
No, a 20% down payment isn't always necessary. Various loan options are available with minimum down payments of 0%, 3%, or 5%, depending on your qualifications. Some programs even offer down payment assistance. These options have made homeownership more accessible, particularly for younger generations. In fact, the National Association of Realtors reports that as of 2022, millennials comprise 43% of homebuyers, the largest share of any generation. For more information about down payment options, please contact our mortgage lenders.
What is the difference between a pre-qualification and a pre-approval?
A pre-qualification is an initial estimate of what you might be able to afford, based on unverified information such as estimated credit score, income, and debts. It gives you a general idea of your potential borrowing capacity and suitable loan programs. In contrast, a pre-approval is a more thorough process. It involves a comprehensive review of your credit scores, income documentation (like paystubs or tax returns), and assets. We may also verify your employment to confirm income information and job history. This process officially confirms the amount you're eligible to borrow.
How do I know how much I can afford?
After completing your pre-approval process, we will provide you with an estimated payment and price range for your home search. You can consider properties up to the amount for which you're pre-approved, keeping in mind your comfort level with the projected monthly payments. For more detailed information about the pre-approval process and determining your affordability, please reach out to our mortgage lenders.
Can I get a mortgage if I am an ITIN or DACA recipient?
Yes, individuals with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) can indeed qualify for home purchase and refinance loans. Similarly, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients are eligible for most loan types, provided they have an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card with C33 status and a valid government-issued social security number.
I have lots of student loans, can I still buy a house?
Yes, having student loans doesn't automatically disqualify you from homeownership. Qualified borrowers with current student loans, deferred loans, or those on payment plans can still be eligible to purchase a home through various mortgage lenders.
I have filed for bankruptcy. Can I still buy a house?
Yes, filing for bankruptcy doesn't permanently prevent you from buying a house. The waiting period varies depending on the loan program and type of bankruptcy. For some programs, you may be eligible as soon as one year after a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Government loan programs typically require a two-year wait, while other loan programs may require up to four years. For more specific information about home loans and bankruptcy, please contact our team.
What is the minimum credit score needed?
The minimum credit score requirement varies depending on the loan program. Some programs may accept applicants with no credit score, while others might require a score as low as 580. Our mortgage lenders can help determine which program best suits your situation based on your individual credit profile and other eligibility factors.
Does switching jobs hurt my ability to buy a home?
Changing jobs doesn't necessarily hinder your ability to buy a home. Generally, it's not problematic if there are no significant gaps in employment and the change resulted in increased pay, was due to a life event, or improved working conditions. The key requirement is that all borrowers must have at least two years of work history. Recent college graduates may be able to use their college transcripts in place of job history.
What is debt ratio?
The debt ratio is a financial metric used in mortgage lending. It's calculated by dividing all your credit obligations, including any unreported government obligations like taxes, child support, or alimony, by your income. This ratio is a crucial factor in determining how much you can qualify for and afford in terms of a home loan.
What are closing costs?
Closing costs are additional fees you pay at the time of purchase, separate from your down payment. These costs typically range from 2% to 4% of the property's sale price. They cover various expenses such as third-party fees, prepaid interest, home insurance, property taxes, appraisals, inspections, flood insurance, and loan fees. For a more detailed breakdown of closing costs, we recommend contacting our mortgage lenders.
What types of mortgage services does Rick Valdez provide?
Rick Valdez provides mortgages, home loans, refinancing, home equity lines of credit, ITIN loans, jumbo loans, and services for DACA recipients.
Which states does Rick Valdez serve for mortgage services?
Rick Valdez serves Oregon, California, Washington, Arizona, and Idaho.
What are Rick Valdez's regular office hours?
The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Evenings and weekends are available by appointment only.
Where is Rick Valdez's office located?
The office is located at 15115 Southwest Sequoia Parkway, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97224, USA.
How can I contact Rick Valdez?
You can contact Rick Valdez by phone at +1 503-406-2186, by alternate phone at +1 503-621-2634, or by email at rvaldez@mtgxps.com.
Does Rick Valdez offer services in Spanish?
Yes, assistance is available in Spanish in addition to English.
What associations is Rick Valdez affiliated with?
Rick Valdez is affiliated with NNA Licensed Notary for Oregon, Latino Real Estate Professional Network, and University of Phoenix Financial Services Alumni.
Are there other financial service providers near Rick Valdez's office?
Yes, nearby financial service providers include Mortgage Express, LLC., Language Line Services, Willamette Wealth Management, Pittman & Brooks, and Paramount Residential Mortgage Group - PRMG Inc.
What nearby businesses might be helpful when visiting Rick Valdez's office for mortgage services?
You might visit Culshaw and Company (accountants), AlpineCFO (accounting/bookkeeping), or Portland Residential Team (mortgage lender) for complementary services.
Are there any nearby amenities or services for visitors around Rick Valdez's office?
Nearby amenities include Office Depot Print & Copy for printing needs, PetroCard Pacific Pride gas station, and Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics Institute for beauty services.