Industry Insights on Today’s Housing Market and Creative Lending Solutions
We’re excited to announce that Damon Germanides, co-founder of Insignia Mortgage, was recently featured in Mortgage Professional America (MPA) Magazine — one of the most respected publications in the mortgage and real estate finance industry.
In his interview, Damon shares candid insights on today’s “illiquid” housing market, the impact of historically low rates, and why brokers must lead with honesty when advising clients. He also highlights how creative loan solutions, including bridge financing through Insignia Capital Corp, are helping borrowers and brokers navigate this challenging environment.
Key Takeaways from Damon’s MPA Interview
Why waiting for 2% mortgage rates isn’t realistic Damon explains that the era of ultra-low rates is over and that buyers waiting for them to return may be on the sidelines indefinitely.
The challenges of an illiquid housing market From seniors staying put to first-time buyers unable to move up, Damon outlines why housing supply remains tight and mobility limited.
Why honesty matters in mortgage advising Instead of telling clients “it’s always a great time to buy,” Damon emphasizes the importance of being transparent about market realities — a key to building trust.
Bridge financing as a solution With traditional banks pulling back, Damon discusses how Insignia Capital Corp is providing flexible bridge loans to help clients unlock equity and move forward with confidence.
Why This Feature Matters
Damon’s inclusion in MPA Magazine reinforces Insignia Mortgage’s reputation as a trusted leader in complex lending. With over a decade of experience funding non-QM loans, jumbo financing, and creative real estate solutions, Insignia continues to be a go-to resource for borrowers, real estate agents, and investors navigating California’s luxury markets.
Join Damon Germanides at the 2025 IMN Non-QM Forum in Dana Point
Insignia Mortgage is proud to announce that our co-founder, Damon Germanides, will be speaking at the prestigious IMN Non-QM & Non-Agency Mortgage Forum, taking place June 5, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point, California.
A recognized leader in complex, non-agency lending solutions, Damon will be sharing valuable insights during the session: “New Product Innovation: What Does the Market Need?”
As the mortgage industry continues to evolve, this panel will explore the next wave of lending products designed to meet the unique needs of today’s borrowers—including real estate investors, self-employed individuals, and high-net-worth clients. Drawing on his extensive experience at Insignia Mortgage, one of the nation’s top-performing boutique mortgage brokerages, Damon will offer real-world perspective on where the non-QM market is headed and how lenders can stay ahead of the curve.
Why Attend?
Learn from thought leaders in non-QM mortgage lending
Get first-hand insights on product trends, risk management, and borrower behavior
Network with top professionals, lenders, and capital markets experts
Hear directly from a broker who’s helped originate over $6 billion in non-agency loans
📍 Event: IMN Non-QM & Non-Agency Mortgage Forum 📅 Date: June 5, 2025 📌 Location: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, Dana Point, CA 🔗 Register here:https://lnkd.in/dtAGwj2m
Whether you’re a lender, capital markets professional, or real estate investor, this session is a must-attend for anyone navigating the future of alternative mortgage products.
Don’t miss it — reserve your spot today and connect with Damon Germanides live at Dana Point!
In the dynamic world of real estate finance, consistency and performance aren’t just admirable—they’re essential. For over a decade, Insignia Mortgage has exemplified both, earning top-tier recognition on the Scotsman Guide’s Top Originators list every single year. In 2025, the tradition continues—with multiple Insignia originators securing elite national rankings across categories.
Why the Scotsman Guide Matters
Since 2010, the Scotsman Guide has served as the industry standard for mortgage originator rankings. These rankings are based on verified loan volume and production metrics across key categories like Non-QM lending, brokered loans, and refinances. Earning a place on this list isn’t just a badge of honor—it’s a signal to real estate professionals that they’re working with the best in the business.
Insignia’s 2025 Highlights: A National Benchmark
This year, Chris Furie and Damon Germanides, co-founders of Insignia Mortgage, once again achieved standout rankings:
Chris Furie:
#8 – Top Mortgage Brokers
#4 – Top Non-QM Originators
#32 – Top Refinance Originators
Damon Germanides:
#9 – Top Mortgage Brokers
#5 – Top Non-QM Originators
#18 – Top Refinance Originators
The rest of the Insignia Mortgage team are also prominently featured:
Romy Nourafchan: #29 Top Broker, #139 Top Refinance, #153 Top HELOC
Neil Patel: #53 Top Broker, #22 Top Non-QM Originator
Scott Sealey: Ranked #235 among Top Brokers nationally, first year on the Top Originator List
This level of performance is rare and reflects a commitment to excellence, creativity, and an unrivaled understanding of the residential mortgage market.
Founders Who Lead by Example
Insignia Mortgage is more than a company—it’s the result of decades of leadership, vision, and resilience.
Chris Furie, with over 35 years of experience, has built a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable and trusted professionals in Southern California real estate finance. His work has helped redefine what it means to deliver concierge-level mortgage advisory services for affluent and complex borrowers.
Damon Germanides, now in his 21st year in the business, has distinguished himself through his expertise in structuring customized Non-QM and jumbo mortgage solutions. His focus on precision, transparency, and long-term relationships makes him a favorite among investors and financial advisors alike.
The Insignia Advantage
What sets Insignia Mortgage apart is its deep bench of talent and its boutique-style approach to client service. The firm specializes in:
Non-QM and jumbo loan solutions for complex borrower profiles
Tailored loan structures for self-employed, high-net-worth individuals
Fast, reliable closings backed by deep lender relationships
A high-touch, consultative experience from application to funding
As independent mortgage brokers, the Insignia team isn’t tied to any single lender or underwriting standard. That flexibility translates into more options—and better outcomes—for clients navigating competitive real estate markets.
Trusted by Investors, Realtors, and Financial Advisors
Real estate investors, luxury agents, and high-end developers repeatedly turn to Insignia for one reason: results. The firm’s ability to structure loans that other providers can’t—or won’t—consider makes it a powerful strategic partner in today’s market.
Whether financing a multi-unit property, leveraging a portfolio of assets, or optimizing tax strategies through mortgage structuring, Insignia brings clarity and confidence to every deal.
A Legacy Still in the Making… Let’s Grow Together.
Being named to the Scotsman Guide Top Originators list for over ten consecutive years is a reflection of talent, trust, and tireless dedication. But at Insignia Mortgage, the team isn’t resting on past achievements—they’re raising the bar, year after year.
For investors, agents, and borrowers seeking elite mortgage solutions, Insignia Mortgage remains the gold standard.
Interested in working with one of the nation’s top-ranked mortgage teams?
At Insignia Mortgage, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and expertise in every transaction—and that commitment is exemplified by our own Scott Sealey. Insignia Mortgage has ranked on Scotsman Guide’s Top Originators list for the past decade, and we’re so pleased to celebrate Scott’s inaugural success this 2025 as a Top Mortgage Broker.
With over 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Scott has built a reputation for solving even the most complex loan scenarios. His journey began in 1992 as a loan officer at Great Western Bank, and since then, he has remained dedicated to helping clients—regardless of the size or scope of the loan.
In 2024, Scott’s consistent performance and client-first approach earned him recognition in the Scotsman Guide, where he was honored for closing over $30 million in loans. It’s a testament to his deep industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and, most importantly, his ability to communicate clearly with clients, referral partners, and investors alike.
Scott’s success reflects the values we uphold at Insignia Mortgage: personalized service, expert guidance, and a relentless drive to deliver results. We’re proud to have him on our team and look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.
Why Mortgage Brokers Are Essential in Today’s Market
In a lending landscape with higher mortgage rates and options more fragmented than ever, navigating your financing options can feel overwhelming. That’s why having a skilled mortgage broker on your side is more important than ever. In his latest article, “Mortgage brokers will excel with the cheap-debt era over” for the Scotsman Guide, Damon Germanides explains how mortgage brokers are uniquely positioned to connect borrowers with tailored solutions that traditional lenders might not openly offer.
From private banking products to non-QM loans like bank statement-only options for self-employed individuals, brokers open the door to a broader range of opportunities. Whether you’re exploring jumbo loans, specialized lending products, or first-time buyer programs, a broker’s expertise can help you find the best fit for your needs. As traditional lenders pull back on FHA and low down payment programs, brokers are bridging the gap to make homeownership more accessible.
Curious to learn more? Read the full article here to discover how a mortgage broker could make all the difference in your financing journey.
Expertise is key to navigating a dynamic market and securing successful client outcomes in high-end financing. Insignia Mortgage’s seasoned loan officer, Romy Nourafchan, has shared his insights on this topic in an exclusive article for Scotsman Guide. In this piece, Romy dives deep into strategies for thriving as a high-end financing expert, offering valuable tips and perspectives for both industry professionals and investors. His expert advice provides a roadmap for making informed, strategic decisions that can lead to rewarding results.
Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge or sharpen your skills in high-end real estate finance, Romy’s article is a must-read for staying ahead in today’s competitive environment. Discover actionable insights by reading the full article in the Scotsman Guidehere.
Insignia Mortgage founder Damon Germanides was recently featured in MPA Magazine’s July 2024 issue, in the article “California mortgage market: How are buyers coping with rapid price hikes?” by Fergal McAlinden. Germanides commented on the resilience of buyers in the mortgage industry and discussed the rise of non-QM lending.
“It’s amazing how the consumer can adjust. The rate quotes you were giving a year ago, people were shocked, and now they’re like, ‘Oh, that sounds OK. It’s better than it was a month ago.’ So that’s interesting, how human nature works.”
Damon Germanides
Read the full article and Damon’s insights at the link below.
Insignia Mortgage is thrilled to announce the newest loan officer to our team, Jonathan Bulaon. With an impressive background in luxury mortgage lending and a passion for delivering exceptional client experiences, Jonathan brings expertise and a commitment to excellence that aligns perfectly with our values. Join us in welcoming Jonathon Bulaon to Insignia Mortgage. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we expand our team of experts dedicated to closing the most complex loans.
About Jonathan Bulaon, Loan Originator:
Growing up in Los Angeles, Jonathan began his career in Private Money, honing his skills in a fast-paced environment. He later moved to a boutique brokerage in Beverly Hills and excelled in serving high-end clients. Jonathon has a proven track record of navigating tough deals and finding innovative solutions for his clients.
Now, at Insignia Mortgage, Jonathan is excited to bring his passion, dedication, and dynamic industry knowledge to help clients achieve their financial goals. Jonathan is poised to make a significant impact in the mortgage landscape.
Meet Insignia Mortgage founders, Damon Germanides and Chris Furie, at the 5th Annual Non-QM Forum 2024 at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, in Dana Point, CA, from June 12th to 14th. We’re excited to announce that Damon Germanides will be a featured speaker for the session on “Harnessing Automation & Optimizing Your Technology Stack to Improve the Lender, Broker & Borrower Experience” along with John Lowenthal, Paul Gigliotti, and Peter Fastovsky, scheduled to take place at 11:45 am on June 13th, make sure to save your seat!
Damon Germanides, known for his insightful perspectives and expertise in mortgage lending, will share his valuable experiences and knowledge during the conference. His panel will focus on the latest innovations in underwriting processes, standards, and automation technology. His participation is eagerly anticipated, as attendees look forward to learning from his extensive background in the mortgage industry. He also writes a weekly “Market Commentary” with insights on current rates, trends, and where the industry is headed.
About The 5th Annual Non-QM Forum 2024
The 5th Annual Non-QM Forum will be constructed from both the loan origination and investor perspectives, delving into the critical issues through panel discussions with multiple points of view, and smaller group meetings and roundtables for a more holistic forum experience.
As lenders begin to re-enter the space, Longevity is still relevant. Can lenders take the long road? Mortgage rates and subsequent housing prices continue to surge, Non-QM could be viewed as unstable. The market is certainly seeing some level of resilience and housing prices are beginning to lighten up a bit. Join the biggest conversations surrounding the industry’s top trends, opportunities and challenges this June.
The 5th Annual Non-QM Forum 2024 promises to deliver meaningful content and excellent networking opportunities for those interested in the evolving landscape of private lending. For more information on the conference and to register, visit the IMN event page.
Don’t miss the chance to gain insights from leading experts like Damon Germanides and explore the latest strategies in the private credit marketplace. We hope to see you there!
Romy Nourfchan was recently profiled in Scotsman Guide as a “Featured Top Originator” in the nation, for his debut as No. 1 on Scotsman Guide’s newest ranking ‘Top Jumbo Originators.’ The article, written by Hannah Darden, details Nourfchan’s journey to success in this niche lending space and Insignia Mortgage.
“My career started in 1990. For seven or eight years, I worked as a broker, then went into banking and worked for big banks and a few smaller banks,” Nourafchan said. “Over this time, my strategy has always been to go after jumbo loans … and continually build my business on higher dollar amounts.”
– Romy Nourfchan, Scotsman Guide “Featured Top Originator” October 2023
Watch the interview below, or read the full article here.
Romy Nourafchan of Insignia Mortgage shares his experience as a luxury broker with high-end clients in this installment of the new Featured Top Originator video series. Nourafchan, who placed first in Scotsman Guide’s 2023 Top Jumbo Originators rankings and 20th in the Top Mortgage Brokers rankings, was chosen as October’s Featured Top Originator. To learn more about Nourafchan, read the full FTO article here: https://www.scotsmanguide.com/?p=64135 To see the Top Jumbo Originators or Top Mortgage Brokers rankings, visit the Top Originators homepage at https://www.scotsmanguide.com/ranking…
(1) Disclosures
(1) No Tax Return loans and foreign national loan products require other forms of income documentation and asset verification in lieu of tax returns. Not all applicants will qualify. Some products we offer may have a higher interest rate, more points or more fees than other products requiring more extensive or different documentation. (2) Minimum FICO, reserve, and other requirements apply. Contact your loan officer for additional program guidelines, restrictions, and eligibility requirements. Rates, points, APRs and programs are subject to change without notice. Loan to values (LTV) are based on appraised value. Actual closing times will vary based on borrower qualifications and loan terms. All loans are subject to credit approval. (3) With an interest-only mortgage payment, you will not pay down the loan's principal balance during the interest-only period. Once the interest-only period ends, your payments will increase to pay back the principal and interest. Rates are subject to increase over the life of the loan. Contact your Insignia Mortgage, Inc. loan officer to determine what your payments might be once the interest-only period ends. (4) With an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), once the fixed rate period ends, the loan payment will adjust after an initial period and then adjust on a regular basis as set forth in the loan documents. For example, a “3/1” loan will have an interest adjustment 3 years after the loan closes and every 12 months thereafter. Also, the loan will be subject to annual and lifetime adjustment caps. Contact your Insignia Mortgage loan officer to determine what your payments might be once the fixed rate period of the loan ends. (5) Insignia Mortgage, Inc., is a real estate broker licensed by the CA Department of Real Estate, DRE #01969620, NMLS #1277691
(2) Disclosures
(1) Minimum FICO, reserve, and other requirements apply. Contact your loan officer for additional program guidelines, restrictions, and eligibility requirements. Rates, points, APRs and programs are subject to change without notice. Actual closing times will vary based on borrower qualifications and loan terms. All loans are subject to credit approval. (2) “Loan to Cost” (LTC) is defined as the acquisition price of the property plus the cost to build as determined by a bank appraisal. Contact your loan officer for additional program guidelines, restrictions, and eligibility requirements. (3) With an interest-only mortgage payment, you will not pay down the loan's principal balance during the interest-only period. Once the interest-only period ends, your payments will increase to pay back the principal and interest. Rates are subject to increase over the life of the loan. Contact your Insignia Mortgage, Inc. loan officer to determine what your payments might be once the interest-only period ends. (4) With an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), the loan payment will adjust after an initial period and then adjust on a regular basis as set forth in the loan documents. For example, a “3/1” loan will have an interest adjustment 3 years after the loan closes and every 12 months thereafter. Also, the loan will be subject to annual and lifetime adjustment caps. Contact your Insignia Mortgage loan officer to determine what your payments might be once the fixed rate period of the loan ends. (5) Insignia Mortgage, Inc., is a real estate broker licensed by the CA Department of Real Estate, DRE #01969620, NMLS #1277691.
Disclosures
(1) Disclosures
(1) No Tax Return loans and foreign national loan products require other forms of income documentation and asset verification in lieu of tax returns. Not all applicants will qualify. Some products we offer may have a higher interest rate, more points or more fees than other products requiring more extensive or different documentation. (2) Minimum FICO, reserve, and other requirements apply. Contact your loan officer for additional program guidelines, restrictions, and eligibility requirements. Rates, points, APRs and programs are subject to change without notice. Loan to values (LTV) are based on appraised value. Actual closing times will vary based on borrower qualifications and loan terms. All loans are subject to credit approval. (3) With an interest-only mortgage payment, you will not pay down the loan's principal balance during the interest-only period. Once the interest-only period ends, your payments will increase to pay back the principal and interest. Rates are subject to increase over the life of the loan. Contact your Insignia Mortgage, Inc. loan officer to determine what your payments might be once the interest-only period ends. (4) With an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), once the fixed rate period ends, the loan payment will adjust after an initial period and then adjust on a regular basis as set forth in the loan documents. For example, a “3/1” loan will have an interest adjustment 3 years after the loan closes and every 12 months thereafter. Also, the loan will be subject to annual and lifetime adjustment caps. Contact your Insignia Mortgage loan officer to determine what your payments might be once the fixed rate period of the loan ends. (5) Insignia Mortgage, Inc., is a real estate broker licensed by the CA Department of Real Estate, DRE #01969620, NMLS #1277691
(2) Disclosures
(1) Minimum FICO, reserve, and other requirements apply. Contact your loan officer for additional program guidelines, restrictions, and eligibility requirements. Rates, points, APRs and programs are subject to change without notice. Actual closing times will vary based on borrower qualifications and loan terms. All loans are subject to credit approval. (2) “Loan to Cost” (LTC) is defined as the acquisition price of the property plus the cost to build as determined by a bank appraisal. Contact your loan officer for additional program guidelines, restrictions, and eligibility requirements. (3) With an interest-only mortgage payment, you will not pay down the loan's principal balance during the interest-only period. Once the interest-only period ends, your payments will increase to pay back the principal and interest. Rates are subject to increase over the life of the loan. Contact your Insignia Mortgage, Inc. loan officer to determine what your payments might be once the interest-only period ends. (4) With an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), the loan payment will adjust after an initial period and then adjust on a regular basis as set forth in the loan documents. For example, a “3/1” loan will have an interest adjustment 3 years after the loan closes and every 12 months thereafter. Also, the loan will be subject to annual and lifetime adjustment caps. Contact your Insignia Mortgage loan officer to determine what your payments might be once the fixed rate period of the loan ends. (5) Insignia Mortgage, Inc., is a real estate broker licensed by the CA Department of Real Estate, DRE #01969620, NMLS #1277691.
Disclosure
Insignia Mortgage corporate NMLS #1277691 and DRE #01969620
