Your Local Mortgage Lender

Located in Portland, Oregon

Personalized Mortgage Experience

Todd Brefeld offers personalized service and loan options you'll love. We shop multiple lenders to find the best rate and product for you, getting you into your dream home faster.

With wholesale interest rates and cutting-edge technology, we make the mortgage process seamless. Trust the experts who focus solely on mortgages. Support your local community and experience elite client service.

Let us help you achieve your homeownership dreams!

The Home Loan Process

Mortgage Pre-Approval

Get pre-approved from one of our Loan Officers to see how much you can afford.

House Shopping

Work with a trusted Real Estate Agent to find a home you would like to move into.

Loan Application

Complete your home loan application to get the lending process started.

Don't take my word for it

Mortgage Programs

Experience the best mortgage experience located in Portland, Oregon.

Home Loan Options

Our experienced mortgage advisors will walk you through the best mortgage loan program that will fit your specific scenario.

Conventional Home Loans.

FHA Home Loans.

USDA Home Loans.

VA Home Loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I refinance my mortgage?

There is no limit to the number of times you can refinance. However, you must qualify every time you apply and there will be costs associated with closing the loan each time.

Can I buy a home if I do not have money for a down payment?

Yes! There are a number of bond programs that offer low or no down payment financing options.

How do I know which mortgage is right for me?

The key to choosing the right mortgage is to understand the range of options and features available to you, as well as your budget, circumstances, and goals. Our licensed mortgage professionals are here to help you navigate that process. The more you know, the more comfortable and confident you will be choosing the best option for you and your family.

How long will the loan process take?

The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) does not permit a lender to close a loan until at least seven (7) business days have passed from the date your application was received. A typical home loan takes 30 days, as a number of third-party services such as appraisals, title work, and credit are required in conjunction with the mortgage process. Once you familiarize your Loan Officer with the details of your specific loan scenario, they will be able to provide you with a more specific timeline.

Will I qualify for a home loan?

The only way to find out is to speak with a qualified mortgage professional. Our Loan Officers have helped numerous clients who didn’t know if they could qualify to become home owners. We take the time to understand your financial situation and long-term financial goals, and then match you with the loan program that best fits your needs. Your approval for a loan may also largely depend on the price of the home you are financing. Getting pre-qualified prior to beginning your home search can give you an idea of what you may be able to afford.

Why do people refinance their mortgages?

Homeowners typically refinance to save money, either by obtaining a lower interest rate or by reducing the term of their loan. Refinancing is also a way to convert an adjustable loan to a fixed loan or to consolidate debts.

How much money will I have to pay upfront to buy a home?

This question does not have a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. The exact amount will depend on the price of the home you buy as well the type of mortgage financing you choose. Depending on your loan program, your down payment could be as much as 20% of the home’s price or as little as 3%, while some loans require no down payment at all.

Can I get a mortgage after bankruptcy?

You may still qualify for a home loan even if you have experienced a bankruptcy. The best way to find out if you qualify is to talk with a Loan Officer to discuss your options. Be sure to bring all paperwork regarding your bankruptcy so your Loan Officer can find the program that best fits your situation.

Should I lock my interest rate now, or wait until we are closer to our closing?

Interest rates fluctuate all day, every day. If an interest rate is good, it may be in your best interest to lock now. If you wait, you run the risk of an increase in rates later. If you are concerned that rates may go down after you lock, contact your Loan Officer to discuss your options. Some programs allow you to lock for an extended period and choose to lower your rate should a better one become available.

Most Recent Blog Updates

Veterans Who Have Already Used Their VA Loan Should Know It Can Be Used Again and Here Is How

Veterans Who Have Already Used Their VA Loan Should Know It Can Be Used Again and Here Is How

October 28, 2026•2 min read

The Misconception That Is Costing Veterans a Benefit They Already Earned

Todd Brefeld at Nexa Lending talks to veterans regularly who believe the VA loan is a one-time benefit. They used it on their first home years ago and assume that door is permanently closed. The good news he shares in every one of those conversations is the same. It is not closed.

How VA Entitlement Restoration Works

The VA loan benefit is reusable. If you sold the home that was purchased with a VA loan and that loan was paid off in the process your entitlement can be fully restored. You can use the VA loan again on a new purchase with the same zero down payment benefit, the same exemption from private mortgage insurance, and the same access to competitive rates that the program provides.

Even if you still own the first home you may have enough remaining entitlement to use your VA loan on another property. The calculation depends on the original loan amount, the county loan limit, and how much entitlement was used on the first purchase. The only way to know for certain is to run the numbers and Todd does exactly that for veterans who reach out.

The Four-Unit Option Most Veterans Never Hear About

One of the most powerful and least discussed features of the VA loan is that it can be used to purchase a property with up to four units as long as the veteran occupies one of them as their primary residence. The other units can be rented out and that rental income offsets the mortgage payment.

Depending on the market and the rental rates in the area tenants in the other units could cover most or all of the monthly payment. The veteran is living in a property they own, paying little or nothing out of pocket for housing, and building equity while the tenants effectively fund the asset.

Todd describes this as a wealth building strategy not just a home buying strategy. The VA benefit was earned through service and using it more than once to build a financial position that compounds over time is exactly the kind of outcome it was designed to enable.

What to Do If You Have Already Used Your VA Loan

Message Todd Brefeld at Nexa Lending to find out whether your entitlement is available for another use. No cost. No pressure. Just a clear answer on where you stand and what your options are. The benefit you earned deserves to be used to its full potential.


Sources

VA.gov
MilitaryOneSource.mil
ConsumerFinancialProtectionBureau.gov
MortgageNewsDaily.com
Investopedia.com

blog author avatar

Todd Brefeld

Mortgage lender

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See your total mortgage payments using the tool below.

16.67
%
%
years
$/year
%
$/year
$1,685.20
Your estimated monthly payment with PMI.
PMI:
$208.33
Monthly Tax Paid:
$200.00
Monthly Home Insurance:
$83.33
PMI End Date:
Dec 2027
Total PMI Payments:
27
Monthly Payment after PMI:
$1,476.87
🏠Mortgage Details
Loan Amount:
$250,000.00
Down Payment:
$50,000.00 (16.67%)
Total Interest Paid:
$179,673.77
Total PMI to :
$5,416.67
Total Tax Paid:
$72,000.00
Total Home Insurance:
$30,000.00
Total of 360 Payments:
$537,298.77
Loan pay-off date:
Sep 2055
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Sep 2055
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$179,673.77
Total Interest Paid
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Aug 2051
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$151,482.12
Total Interest Paid
Total Interest Savings: $28,191.64
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(503) 505-4346

6603 N Amherst St Portland, OR 97203

Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Todd Brefeld NMLS #1192274 | Nexa Lending LLC NMLS # 1660690| Equal Housing Opportunity | Equal Housing Lender