Tag: los angeles

A Decade of Distinction: How Insignia Mortgage Became a Top Originator Powerhouse 

victoria chuidian
May 7, 2025

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? 

Contact Insignia Mortgage to schedule a confidential consultation. 

References 

Scotsman Guide. (2025). Top Originators 2025 Rankings. Retrieved from https://www.scotsmanguide.com/rankings/top-originators/ 

Resources for Southern California Fire Victims 2025

damon Damon Germanides
January 24, 2025

At Insignia Mortgage, our hearts go out to those affected by the recent Los Angeles and Altadena fires. We understand this is a deeply challenging time and are here to guide you. Below are several key considerations and best practices based on our experience assisting homeowners during post-catastrophe recovery.

Best Practices for Homeowners:

  1. Property Taxes
    If your property has been significantly damaged or destroyed, you may qualify for a reduction in property taxes to reflect the assessed land value. Contact your county tax assessor’s office for details or visit https://ttc.lacounty.gov/ for more information.
  1. Mortgage Payments
    While the loss of your home is devastating, it’s important to remain current on your mortgage payments. Please note that the obligation to pay your mortgage remains in effect even if your home has been damaged or destroyed.
  1. Insurance Claims
    If you plan to file an insurance claim for property damage, notify your lender immediately to understand their requirements for processing insurance claim funds. Clear communication is essential to avoid delays.
  1. Forbearance Requests
    If you are considering requesting a forbearance on your mortgage payments, ensure that you obtain written confirmation from your lender. This confirmation should specify that the forbearance will not negatively affect your credit report.
  1. Property Vesting
    Avoid changing the vesting (ownership structure) of your property without prior approval from your insurance company. Doing so could affect your ability to file or process an insurance claim.
  1. Property Tax Relief
    Per Executive Order N-10-25, property owners in affected ZIP codes (90019, 90041, 90049, 90066, 90265, 90272, 90290, 90402, 91001, 91040, 91104, 91106, 91107, 93535, or 93536) may delay their property tax payments until April 10, 2026, without penalty. Please note that while payment is delayed, taxes will still need to be paid. For the full executive order and details, visit https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025.01.16.-EO-Property-Tax-Penalties-Relief-_bl-11.51am_-GGN-Signed_.pdf.
  1. Temporary Housing Assistance
    If your home is uninhabitable, you may qualify for temporary housing assistance through your insurance policy. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE), which may include hotel stays, rental costs, and other expenses.
  1. FEMA and Disaster Assistance
    If the fire has been declared a federal disaster, you may be eligible for financial or housing assistance from FEMA. Visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster-assistance or call 1-800-621-3362 to learn more about available resources.
  1. Document Recovery
    If you’ve lost important documents like property deeds, insurance policies, or identification, begin the recovery process as soon as possible. Contact your local recorder’s office for property records or visit https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents for tips on replacing lost identification or documents.
  1. Utility Notifications
    Contact your utility providers (electricity, gas, water) to inform them of any damage to your property. Request temporary disconnection if necessary and inquire about disaster relief programs they may offer, such as waived fees or payment assistance.

Important Disclaimer:

The above information is provided by Insignia Mortgage for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. We recommend consulting with qualified professionals for advice tailored to your unique circumstances.

If you have additional questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Warm regards,
The Insignia Mortgage Team

Market Commentary 01/10/2025

damon Damon Germanides
January 10, 2025

Wild Fires, Rising Rates & What’s Next For Housing

The recent L.A. fires are expected to become the costliest blazes in U.S. history. First-hand accounts from borrowers who have gained access to fire-ravaged areas in the Palisades and Malibu describe scenes that are nothing short of apocalyptic. Our hearts go out to the friends, colleagues, and clients who have tragically lost their homes. With the economic toll forecasted up to 50 billion and rising, the impact of these fires on the conscience of our residents in addition to the significant emotional and financial cost to rebuild, will be an unfortunate toll on our city.  Thoughtful work needs to be done to ensure the safety of our residents.  Plain and simple, our elected officials failed us.  We are better than this.

In parallel, we remain concerned about the Federal Reserve’s decision to lower short-term interest rates despite sticky inflation and an overall healthy economy. Speculative trading in high-beta AI stocks, cryptocurrencies, and meme stocks, combined with historically tight spreads on high-yield bonds, signaled that financial conditions weren’t as restrictive as many believed. Lamentably, this is proving true. The 10-year Treasury yield surged to over 4.70% from approximately 3.60% before the Fed’s jumbo rate cut in September. While the consensus expected the entire yield curve to drop alongside the Fed’s decision, the opposite has occurred. Factors such as the Trump administration’s “America First” policies and tariff threats appear to be inflationary while mounting national debt alarms the bond market. This presents both a challenge (consumers face the highest interest rates in over 30 years) and an opportunity (policymakers may be forced to address these issues).

The pressing question now is how these elevated interest rates and the rising cost of living will impact asset prices. If rates climb further, we anticipate a reset in both single-family and commercial real estate values.  The rising cost of living, combined with steep financing costs, has made homeownership increasingly unattainable. If the expectation of declining rates fades, downward pressure on home prices will be needed to attract buyers. In California, where Insignia Mortgage operates, higher insurance premiums in fire-prone (and highly desirable) areas will add further pressure. On the commercial side, equity in properties purchased at market value over the past few years has been significantly impaired, with higher cap rates and increased fixed costs eroding returns. Meanwhile, businesses and consumers alike face elevated loan costs as business and auto loans often track the 10-year Treasury, leaving interest expenses stubbornly high.

The equity markets to date have been resilient. However, as interest rates move up toward 5% at some point, equities will not be immune. With the S&P having risen 20% plus in back-to-back years, it is unlikely that the run-up in equities will continue. In fact, we would not be surprised to see the equity indexes move lower. 

Despite these challenges, there is hope. A pro-business administration may drive economic growth to help rebalance incomes against the higher cost of living that has persisted since COVID. From our perspective as a real estate lender focused on entrepreneurs, we’re observing mixed conditions across industries. Clients in technology and advanced industries are thriving, while others—such as plastic surgeons, retailers, and manufacturers who saw significant demand post-COVID—are now experiencing slowdowns.

Market Commentary 10/18/2024

damon Damon Germanides
October 18, 2024

Mortgage Rates Higher As Economy Continues To Grow

Interest rates have settled in the 4%–4.10% range on the 10-year Treasury, as the economy continues to show steady momentum. Housing starts met expectations with a consistent pace in single-family homes and a decline in multi-family, while the market absorbs the significant supply that recently came online. The consumer remains resilient as the cumulative effects of inflation continue to be a pain point. Nonetheless, the US stock market continues an upward trend, seemingly unaffected by talk of slower Fed rate cuts, rising oil prices, and ongoing geopolitical concerns. Mortgage applications have decreased as the base rate for 30-year conforming mortgages has climbed back into the mid-6% range, amidst the rise in interest rates.

In mature markets like Los Angeles, which depend on existing home sales, there has been a noticeable slowdown since the mid-summer uptick. The luxury market is facing adjustments, with many high-end properties sitting on the market. As interest rates rise, sellers may feel increased pressure to lower prices. Regardless, there is a significant number of buyers waiting for a price correction to offset the higher financing costs and secure a better deal. We anticipate many potential buyers are waiting for the outcome of the upcoming election, which is now less than three weeks away.

While the recent spike in rates may cause hesitation, Insignia Mortgage is here to guide you through these market changes. Our high-end, non-QM lending solutions have been curated to meet to your specific needs. Case in point, some of our team’s most recent loan successes include 2 week closings and 98% LTVs. 

Insignia Mortgage Appoints Jay Robertson to Associate Broker 

Admin
June 22, 2023

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – June 22, 2023 

As of June 22, 2023, Insignia Mortgage is thrilled to welcome Jay Robertson to our team of brokers. Jay has over 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry. As the former president of First Capital and Luther Burbank Mortgage in Los Angeles, he has overseen or personally originated over $20 billion in loans in Southern California. 

Jay’s deep knowledge of the industry, combined with his commitment to exceptional customer service, makes him a perfect fit for Insignia Mortgage. We know that his expertise will help us to continue providing our clients with the best possible service and advice.  

In his new role at Insignia Mortgage, Jay will work closely with clients to help them secure the right mortgage for their needs. He will use his extensive network of industry contacts and his in-depth knowledge of the mortgage market to help our clients navigate the complex process of securing a mortgage. 

Damon Germanides, co-founder of Insignia Mortgage commented that “Jay brings such a unique perspective to Insignia Mortgage as he has been both a CEO of a large mortgage company as well as a loan originator. He knows better than most what it takes to win over clients and how to create long-term partnerships with referral partners. His knowledge will be great to our boutique firm.” 

When asked to describe his customer relationship style, Jay stated that “I believe in taking care of my clients.” He is known for being a trusted advisor who always puts his clients’ needs first. “It’s not about the volume of business I do. It’s about arming my clients with the most current information so they can make educated decisions about their future,” he explains. Jay’s honest and expert guidance, backed by decades of experience in real estate finance and luxury residential real estate sales, continues to define his personalized white-glove approach to service.  

About Insignia Mortgage 

At Insignia Mortgage, we understand that what works for one client does not always work for everyone. Especially when your financial picture doesn’t adhere to the strict model that many conforming lenders demand. Even under the most complex circumstances, our team of loan experts can quickly navigate through the process to deliver the most highly competitive loan solutions. We’ve successfully closed some of the largest and most complex transactions in the country for high net-worth clients, many of whom are self-employed and have significant assets but fluctuating incomes; and, for foreign nationals who receive income outside of the United States or are buying in the United States for the first time.