Loan Options Made Easy

There’s no single “best” loan — only the one that fits your situation. VA loans are a big part of what I do, but I also work with conventional, FHA, USDA, and Non-QM financing for buyers and homeowners in the Triangle.

See what people are saying about working with Griffin Stephens

Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I must say it was such a great experience having Griffin S work with me. He was very thorough, supportive and knowledgeable. He really went above and beyond just to make sure that we were comfortable during the process. I really appreciate his hard work. Thank you Griffin! I would definitely recommend others to work with him.
Posted on Google Google
Barbie Sanchez profile picture
Barbie Sanchez
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had a great experience working with Griffin Stephens as my mortgage broker. He made the entire process straightforward and easy to understand, was always available when I had questions, and kept everything moving smoothly from start to finish. What I appreciated most was how responsive and knowledgeable he was throughout the process. He took the time to explain my options, kept me updated along the way, and made sure there were no surprises as we got closer to closing. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone looking for a mortgage broker who is professional, dependable, and genuinely invested in helping his clients get the best outcome possible.
Posted on Google Google
Joshua Keithline profile picture
Joshua Keithline
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Griffin was quite literally THE BEST part of our home buying experience!! He was dedicated to ensuring we received the most competitive mortgage rate. He worked closely with us to ensure a seamless Home buying experience from start to end and even went the extra mile afterwards. 10/10
Posted on Google Google
Josh Lamb profile picture
Josh Lamb
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Griffin is amazing. He went above and beyond to make sure my first time home buying experience was the best. He still checks up on me and keeps me posted about any changes to my property value. He’s simply the best at what he does. Thanks again for everything you’ve done for me and my family Griffin.
Posted on Google Google
CaaNoBe profile picture
CaaNoBe
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Working with Griffin made buying our first home so much less stressful. He was incredibly proactive, always checking in to see if we had questions, and took the time to explain everything in a way that actually made sense. The personalized videos he sent were so helpful because we could go back and watch them anytime. He was knowledgeable, responsive, and made us feel confident every step of the way. We couldn’t have asked for a better lender and would absolutely use him again and recommend him to anyone looking to buy a home!
Posted on Google Google
Payton Lamb profile picture
Payton Lamb
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Griffin did a fantastic job helping secure my mortgage. Not only did he walk through other mortgage offers I had received, he beat the rates and the terms, and worked alongside my realtor and me the whole process. I couldn't have been happier and can't recommend him highly enough.
Posted on Google Google
Patrick Brennan profile picture
Patrick Brennan
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Griffin is great to work with. He is attentive and prompt.
Posted on Google Google
Tom Coffman profile picture
Tom Coffman
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very professional and dedicated to offering the best options, opportunities and benefits. Always in touch to provide updates.
Posted on Google Google
Manuel Mendes profile picture
Manuel Mendes
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Having Griffin as a resource for our team has been fantastic. As a buyer's agent, the myriad balls in the air can sometimes be a challenge. It is wonderful to know that Griffin has the financial angle locked down. He is proactive, communicative and always ready to help clear any hurdle. Honestly, he has made my job so much easier. Kudos to Griffin.
Posted on Google Google
Greg Parsons profile picture
Greg Parsons
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
10/10 would recommend for anyone looking for a home in the area, he was able to match and even do better than any other deal I could find and they were engaging the entire way through, answering any questions we might’ve had and checking in on us during waiting periods to make sure we’re doing good!
Posted on Google Google
Joshua Gales profile picture
Joshua Gales

VA Loans

BEST FOR:

• Veterans
• Active-duty service members
• Eligible surviving spouses

WHY IT WORKS:

Zero down payment in most cases, no monthly mortgage insurance, competitive rates, and flexible credit guidelines. The military doesn’t teach us how to use the VA loan benefit, so that’s where I come in. I help you understand your options, avoid unnecessary costs, and make the most of the benefit you earned.

Conventional Loans

BEST FOR:

Buyers with stronger credit and the ability to put some money down

WHY IT WORKS:

Flexible terms, often lower rates for well-qualified borrowers, and good options for both primary residences and investment properties.

FHA Loans

BEST FOR:

First-time buyers or those with less-than-perfect credit

WHY IT WORKS:

Lower down payment requirements and more forgiving credit standards than most conventional loans.

Non-QM Loans

BEST FOR:

• Self Employed
• Gig Workers
• 1099/No W-2s
• Investors

WHY IT WORKS:

Non-traditional income doesn’t mean homeownership is out of reach. Non-QM loans, including bank statement programs, can offer more flexible ways to qualify for self-employed, 1099, gig, and other non-traditional income borrowers, with rates that may be much closer to conventional financing than many expect.

Heads Up!

"I also work with USDA loans (for eligible rural and some suburban areas), jumbo loans, and investment property financing when the situation calls for it. If you’re not sure which direction fits, we’ll walk through it together."

Loan F.A.Q.

Can I use a VA loan to buy a home near Fort Bragg or in the Triangle?

Yes. Eligible veterans and active-duty service members can use VA financing throughout North Carolina, including the Fort Bragg area and the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle, as long as they meet VA and lender qualification requirements.

Do VA loans really allow you to buy a home with no down payment?

Yes. Eligible borrowers can often purchase with no down payment. Zero down does not necessarily mean zero cash at closing — you may still need funds for prepaid items, escrow, or other closing costs. I’ll walk you through what is actually due at closing.

What credit score do I need for a VA loan?

The VA does not set a universal minimum credit score. Individual lenders set their own requirements, so a denial from one lender does not mean you cannot qualify somewhere else. We’ll look at your full picture, not just a number.

Can I get preapproved before I arrive at Fort Bragg?

Yes. Most of the process can be done remotely — documents, loan options, and preapproval — before you arrive in North Carolina. Ideally, start before you need to write an offer so there is time to fix issues and understand your realistic price and payment range.

Can I use my VA home-loan benefit more than once?

Yes. Many veterans use the benefit more than once, depending on available or restored entitlement. In some cases you can even have two VA loans at the same time if you have remaining entitlement and qualify for both. We’ll check your specific entitlement before you make a plan.

Does using a VA loan make my offer less competitive?

Not inherently. A strong preapproval, a knowledgeable agent, and a lender who can clearly explain VA financing to the listing side can address the usual seller concerns. The offer is only as weak as the team behind it.

Ready to take the next step?

Reach out and find out what you may qualify for.