Tag: Mortgage Broker

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/ 

Scott Sealey Ranks In Scotsman Guide

damon Damon Germanides
April 22, 2025

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.

Damon Germanides Featured Editorial In Scotsman Guide

Admin
December 30, 2024

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.

Unlocking the Secrets of High-End Financing: Insights from Romy Nourafchan of Insignia Mortgage in Scotsman Guide

victoria chuidian
November 7, 2024

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 Guide here.

Market Commentary 11/01/2024

victoria chuidian
November 1, 2024

Bonds Yields Rise As Markets Brace for Election & Fed Meeting

Interest rates are on the rise as a weak Jobs report showed the addition of only 12,000 new jobs. Bond traders reacted unexpectedly to the news, with the market’s focus shifting to the growing U.S. deficit and the risk of persistent inflation. Of particular concern is the fact that neither presidential candidate has presented a plan to address the deficit, while the bond market appears to be signaling disapproval of continued government spending. With long-term Treasury yields rising since the Fed’s 50 basis point rate cut in September, we’re closely watching the 2-year Treasury as a proxy for next week’s Fed meeting. While a 25 basis point cut is anticipated, some experts suggest a pause might be more prudent, given the recent upward trend in rates and mixed economic signals

There’s an argument that current interest rates aren’t overly restrictive despite numerous factors like steady GDP growth, improved consumer confidence, a strong stock market, speculative crypto activity, tight underwriting, narrow bond spreads, and persistent wage inflation. For many individuals and businesses that secured historically low rates, recent rate fluctuations have had minimal impact. Additionally, with money market yields near 5% and rising housing and equity values, higher inflation may benefit wealthier Americans.

There may be an additional silver lining for real estate professionals. Many homeowners have held onto properties longer than planned, and home builders are running out of incentive options. If rates stabilize, home prices may need to adjust downward, which could entice prospective buyers off the sidelines.

Market Commentary 10/6/2023

damon Damon Germanides
October 6, 2023

Strong Jobs Market Boosts Equities 

A better-than-expected jobs report had a strong negative impact on both the bond and equity markets Friday morning, with the initial market reaction suggesting that good news might be bad news for bonds. However, a closer examination of the jobs report data reveals that wage increases are flattening, and hours worked are declining. This likely explains the subsequent market reversal, with mortgage bond yields still up but not as much, and the equity markets rallying. On the downside, the probability of yet another rate hike increased after the latest jobs report, with the odds of a hike rising from last week’s 18% to around 30%. 

It’s almost as if the WSJ has been reading our blog (joking), as Friday’s paper featured an article explaining the importance of shopping for a mortgage in today’s lending market. Banks are now offering varying interest rates, with differences of up to 1%. This aligns perfectly with what we do at Insignia Mortgage. Our experienced and dedicated broker team actively seeks the best execution for each deal by matching a borrower’s financials with the best-priced lender. Given our expertise in reviewing complex financials, we’ve noticed significant variations between lenders. Our hard work continues to pay off as clients trust us to secure their unique mortgages. 

Look out for a recap of our recent loan successes for more insight into the complexity of our client financial scenarios. While the market may be volatile, our commitment to creating individualized lending solutions remains steadfast.  

Scotsman Guide Profiles Romy Nourafchan As ‘Top Jumbo Originator Nationwide’

Admin
October 2, 2023

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…

Insignia’s Neil Patel Featured In MPA Magazine

Admin
September 12, 2023

Congratulations to Neil Patel for his recent feature in MPA Magazine as a Top Originator! Neil has been a rockstar on Insignia Mortgage’s team for several years as a mortgage broker and CPA.

“In the heart of Beverly Hills, where the real estate market is as dynamic as the city’s famed boulevards, Neil Patel stands out as a mortgage strategist who’s not merely crunching numbers but turning complex transactions into success stories. 

Patel (pictured) is a licensed mortgage broker and CPA at Insignia Mortgage, specializing in underwriting loans for borrowers with complex financials and tax returns.

A specialist in complexity

While many mortgage brokers might shy away from complicated cases, Patel and his team at Insignia Mortgage lean into them.

Focusing on boutique mortgages, they cater to a unique clientele: the self-employed, high net-worth individuals, and those whose financial situations might seem like a puzzle to most.

“A lot of Los Angeles people are self-employed,” Patel said. “They tend to have self-employed tax returns, LLCs, and corporations.”

This often leads to a disconnect between what’s on paper and the client’s actual financial standing. But where others see complications, Patel sees an opportunity to bridge the gap, simplifying these complexities for underwriters and banks.”

Read the full article now at https://www.mpamag.com/us/specialty/wholesale/top-originator-spotlight-neil-patel-of-insignia-mortgage/459216

Mortgage Professional America Magazine Features Damon Germanides

Admin
April 12, 2023

Insignia Mortgage co-founder, Damon Germanides, was featured in the editorial article “From slinging hash to serving up the dream of homeownership” in Mortgage Professional America (MPA) Magazine. The article, written by Tony Cantu, shares how Germanides moved from the family restaurant business to be a successful mortgage broker in a niche space. In particular, the article highlights Insignia Mortgage’s unique business model as ”lean and mean” and how the team consistently ranks on the Scotsman Guide’s list of Top Originators. 

Despite the lean-and-mean model, his volume is far from shabby – $311 million across 140 units in 2021 and $285 million over 104 units last year. That performance has helped him secure the 27th ranking nationally among brokers. And he’s not alone in being nationally ranked, either: “I’m very proud of our little company,” he said. “We have four of the top 25 brokers in the country who work for this office.”

Read the full article here. Learn more about Insignia Mortgage’s successful transactions, unique loan scenarios, and mortgage industry innovations by subscribing to our weekly newsletter. 

Insignia Mortgage Launches Digital Loan Application Tool “E-Insignia” 

Admin
April 4, 2023

Beverly Hills, CA, April 4, 2023 – Insignia Mortgage, Inc. Developed and launched their new digital loan application tool, E-Insignia. The application is designed to remove all manual processes and provide complete automation to the lending workflow. Insignia Mortgage’s Digital Loan Application allows the company to better connect clients, real estate partners, and multi-tenant transactional businesses using a streamlined application and loan approval process, as well as, keep past borrowers apprised of the current state of the mortgage market by seamlessly syncing with the company’s marketing platform.  

“It’s far from typical and rather revolutionary for a company of our size to be doing direct lender implementations of technology and bringing this level of automation and borrower experience to the marketplace,” says Encompass Expert, Steve Shamoo. By leveraging enterprise-level technology from Salesforce to Simple Nexus, E-Insignia allows consumers to upload, manage, and sign documents online and via a single mobile app. “I’ve spoken to major lenders who don’t have a solution that’s as integrated as this. It says a lot about our passion for the business, our intention to exceed what our competition’s doing, and our commitment to be in this for the long term.” 

On average, a jumbo loan in California may require anywhere from 50 to 100 pages of paper documents over a period of as long as 60 days (about 2 months) to be processed. E-Insignia reduces the amount of paper used, expedites the loan process for all involved, and contains security measures to protect sensitive information as well as ensure compliance with regulations. Key benefits of the Insignia Mortgage Digital Loan Application also include ease of use, faster transaction times, timely notifications, and a streamlined loan experience. E-Insignia is available for download via The App Store. To learn more about Insignia Mortgage, click here.