Steven Levitt has been in the mortgage business since 1991, has consistently been recognized for his high level of production, and superior customer service. An impressive amount of his clients would use him again, and he continues to grow his business, thanks to word-of-mouth referrals. Steven's goal, is to simplify the mortgage process for his customers, and make the home loan process easy to navigate. He and his team thoroughly educate their borrowers throughout the mortgage transaction, so they fully understand their options, and feel comfortable with their chosen loan program. He also strives to get loans closed in record time. Steven was born In Brooklyn, NY, raised in NJ, moved to San Diego, and currently resides in the Chicago area.

VP of Sales Performance

Steve Levitt is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Steve is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Steve at (773) 290-0369 for more information!

Steve Levitt at Proper Rate (NMLS #222993)

Licensed Production Manager

Jonathan Kauzlarich at Proper Rate (NMLS #1207889)

As your trusted Proper Rate Loan Officer, my goal is to simplify the mortgage process, make your home loan experience easy to navigate and be available to you from application to closing. I take pride in thoroughly educating my customers throughout the mortgage transaction, so they fully understand their options and feel comfortable with their chosen loan program. Whether you are a first time home buyer or seasoned owner, you can trust me and my team with all of your home financing needs. Please reach out anytime using the contact information located on this page and use this website as a resource as you start your home financing journey.

SVP of Mortgage Lending

Joe Burke is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Joe is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Joe at (773) 435-0637 for more information!

Joe Burke at Proper Rate (NMLS #251383)

Will Madden prides himself on honesty and transparency with the goal of educating his buyers throughout the process. Will has seen good and bad lending from the buyer's perspective. He wants to make sure his buyers feel comfortable and help them understand the in's and out's of what could be the biggest purchase of their life. Speed, availability, and open lines of communication are important to Will's clients so he happily makes himself available well beyond 5pm on weeknights and anytime on the weekends. Connect with Will to see how your homebuying experience can truly be an enjoyable one!

VP of Mortgage Lending

Will Madden is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Will is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Will at (847) 943-2148 for more information!

Will Madden at Proper Rate (NMLS #2073895)

During his20+ year career, Michael has closed over $1.2 billion in residential mortgages. With figures like these, it is no wonder that he is a top producing loan officer ranked in the top 1% nationally (2010-2021, Scotsman Guide Mortgage Executive Magazine) anda member of his company's eliteChairman's Circle, which requires annual production of over $100 million.  
Michael lives in Chicago with his wife, three children (two girls and a boy) and their dog Bocce. In his spare time, when he is not helping people with their home loans…he loves spending time with family, traveling, going to sporting events and golfing. Utilizing his degree in Business from Loyola University Chicago, Mike has the expertise and resources to make your next home loan stress free! Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Proper Rate for current rates and for more information.

Michael Gambatese is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Michael is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Michael at (773) 328-6423 for more information!

Michael Gambatese at Proper Rate (NMLS #222968)

Kyle Gillespie is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Kyle is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Kyle at (773) 435-7939 for more information!

Kyle Gillespie at Proper Rate (NMLS #223778)

With over 29 years in the mortgage lending business, I enjoy and love working with people in the Chicago area and nearby communities to assist them with their mortgage transactions. Whether you are looking for a mortgage on a new home or a loan to refinance your current home, my goal is to work hard to give you the best possible service to ensure a smooth, positive and fun experience with your home buying or refinancing journey. My experience and expertise ranges from all types of mortgage loans. Whether it be Conventional, Jumbo, FHA or VA my many years of experience and knowledge will assist you with any questions and concerns you might have regarding the mortgage process. I've worked with a wide array of clientele and have enjoyed a great working relationship with many real estate agents and of course my past clients who are my best referral source.

Steve Pallotto is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Steve is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Steve at (708) 473-8966 for more information!

Steve Pallotto at Proper Rate (NMLS #226271)

Gustavo Herrera has been a Loan Officer in the mortgage industry since 2002 and hasn't looked back since. Gustavo went to the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, and graduated in 2001 with two majors, Business Communications and Spanish. He was brought into the mortgage industry about a year after graduating from college. He had two uncles that were both loan officers at the time and he saw how well they were doing, so one day he inquired and now fast forward years later and he has been a loan officer ever since. Gustavo has excelled in the mortgage industry because he has a strong work ethic and truly enjoys helping people achieve the American dream of home ownership. He prides himself in thoroughly explaining every aspect of the lending process to ensure his clients are well prepared and have all of the tools they need to feel 100% comfortable and confident with their loan, whether it's the first time or the last time they are buying or refinancing. Gustavo is a proud father of two amazing children and a loving husband to his wife, whom he married in 2010. His #1 hobby, besides spending time with his family, is playing basketball, he plays in various Men's leagues across the city. A little fun fact about Gustavo, he is the first generation born here in the U.S. with two brothers. Both of his parents were born and raised in Mexico, he's very fortunate to have them as parents and says he is indebted to them for life! Reach out to Gustavo today and let him create a personal home loan strategy that works for you!

Gustavo Herrera is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Gustavo is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Gustavo at (773) 290-0493 for more information!

Gustavo Herrera at Proper Rate (NMLS #808167)

While at Proper Rate, Mike Nielsen has consistently closed 350+ loans annually. With figures like these, it's no wonder Mike is a top producing loan officer and a President's and Chairman's Club member. Mike has been ranked #82 of the top 200 mortgage originators operating in the United States! Utilizing his 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry. Mike has the expertise and resources to make your next home loan stress free. Mike and his wonderful team of professionals know that speed and service coupled with the low low rates and fees are what is best for their client. In today's fast-moving real estate market, you never know how many offers you'll be competing against, so you always need the best digital mortgage technology and expertise to get through the loan process! Mike lives in Winnetka, IL with his wife and two daughters.

Mike Nielsen is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Mike is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Mike at (773) 435-7920 for more information!

Mike Nielsen at Proper Rate (NMLS #223614)

Lin Takrudtong is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Lin is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Lin at (773) 220-7711 for more information!

Lin Takrudtong at Proper Rate

Since 2015, I have dedicated myself to my clients and their home loan process. I am an experienced and accomplished mortgage lending professional with comprehensive and extensive knowledge that has allowed me to assist many home buyers during their home owning journey. Whether first time buyers, seasoned owners purchasing investments or home owners looking to refinance, I am able to guide my clients through every step of the process and facilitate a smooth closing. Skilled at educating agents and clients alike on the best products and programs, unique to their situations. I pride myself in my open communication style, ensuring my clients and agents alike that they are always able to reach me. I have been a licensed originator since 2015 and recognized as a top producer in 2020 and 2021 from my previous company. As your Proper Rate Loan Officer, you are surrounded by cutting-edge technology and the best of the best in the industry. I currently reside in Chicago's Gold Coast with my cat, Miko, and look forward to continuing to serve my community.

Samantha Schlarb is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Samantha is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Samantha at (773) 969-5613 for more information!

Sam Schlarb at Proper Rate (NMLS #1531330)

Chris Covalle has been in the mortgage industry since 2005 and has consistently been recognized for providing a superior level of customer service and education. Out of ~11,000 Chicagoland Loan Officers Chris is 1 of 9 to receive the Five Star Mortgage Professional award 10 times. Utilizing his accounting degree from Michigan State University and Masters in Finance and Real Estate Finance from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, Chris has the expertise and knowledge to help deliver excellent mortgage planning experience for all types of homebuyers. Chris and his family (wife, two boys, and dog) split time between Chicago and Long Beach, Indiana. In his spare time Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, and running.

Christopher Covalle is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Christopher is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Christopher at (219) 227-3563 for more information!

Chris Covalle at Proper Rate (NMLS #559650)

Pasquale Pete Messina has over 18 years of experience as a Mortgage Loan originator, dedicated in providing you and your clients with knowledge and communication to facilitate your loan from pre-approval through closing.


Pasquale and his team are committed to providing you with the highest quality financial solution that is specifically suited to meet your financial needs in the short term and long term. Whether you are purchasing your first home or if you are selling and buying another, they can help you find the loan. He also prides himself on communication throughout the transaction, there will be no surprises!

Pasquale Messina is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Pasquale is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Pasquale at (773) 945-5944 for more information!

Pasquale Messina at Proper Rate (NMLS #227000)

As a licensed mortgage professional since 2002, I have the knowledge and experience to match the perfect mortgage product to your individual financial picture. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or looking to trade-up or downsize, it is critical that you sit down with a mortgage professional that will listen to you. We will discuss your long-term goals and budget, along with your short term wants and needs to make sure we have a clear and definitive picture of what type of home financing scenario will best suit your needs.


After earning my bachelor's degree in business from Michigan State University, I started my career as the Catering Sales Manager at the United Center in Chicago. Fortunately, the client service and negotiation skills I acquired in that position later helped me transition seamlessly into the world of home finance. After acquiring my Mortgage Loan Originator license on both state and national levels, I quickly discovered that helping my clients realizing their dream of homeownership was more than a career; it became my passion. I was honored to be a recipient of the Platinum Sales Award in 2020, 2021, and 2022, as well as earning the honor of joining the Sapphire Circle Sales Achievers to Cabo San Lucas in 2021 and 2022.


I currently reside in Park Ridge, IL with my husband Milan and our three children. This community has meant so much to me since moving here in 2004, and I am a firm believer in giving back. I sat on the board of directors for Park Ridge Baseball Softball for 9 years, have been a member of the Park Ridge Newcomers and have worked on several Labor Love events, am a proud sponsor of Maine South Football, and currently serve as president elect for the Maine South Cheer Booster board.

Erin Stojakovic is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Erin is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Erin at (773) 516-6917 for more information!

Erin Stojakovic at Proper Rate (NMLS #224531)

Kevin Malec is a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator, Real Estate Broker and current Chicago Fireﬁghter that offers a world class customer experience - pairing his wealth of local homegrown knowledge of the Chicagoland area with 5+ years of sales and marketing success under globally renowned brands such as Red Bull North America, Ketel One Vodka, and Anheuser Busch. Kevin's in-depth business consultation skills drive him to be an extremely efﬁcient and understanding partner in ﬁnding the right solution for your real estate needs.  
Based locally in Wicker Park and raised in Chicago's southwest neighborhood of Garﬁeld Ridge, Kevin comes from a ﬁrst responder family with a locally shaped education being an alumni of St. Daniel the Prophet, De La Salle Institute, and Illinois State University with an Integrated Marketing Communications Degree. Following his studies Kevin learned the art of sales and marketing under top global brands in Miami, FL. He then answered the call to serve his city as a Fireﬁghter-EMT in Chicago and begin his real estate career back home where his roots were already planted.  
His core values are centered around family, public service, tradition and respect for one another; and his goal is to ensure all of his clients ﬁnd success in all of their borrowing needs.  
Fun facts about Kevin:  
● **He is a Medic on "NBC's Chicago Med" Season 8**  
● **He is a Certiﬁed Specialist of Spirits**  
● **He was a collegiate athlete in Rugby and Baseball**

Kevin Malec is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Kevin is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Kevin at (773) 938-9244 for more information!

Kevin Malec at Proper Rate (NMLS #2462270)

As a twenty-five-year professional of the entertainment industry, I have learned to think quickly and adapt to constantly changing situations. I'm excited to apply this experience in my new role at Proper Rate.


Working collaboratively has been a large part of my career – working with other teachers or musicians, or working on my master's degree, I have brought the same kind of friendly engagement and collegiality to my relationships as I hope I can bring to our relationship.


Through my teaching work I have become very comfortable explaining complex concepts and can use that experience to make your loan as simple as possible and make sure you understand every step of the process. This may be the biggest purchase of your life and it only makes sense that you should understand every step!


The Proper Rate software – including our simple, straightforward application process and our myAccount loan home screen – are modern designs and made to be as simple as possible. There are no 1990's interfaces here, and you'll feel at home whether you are a mac or PC user and feel safe knowing that our safety standards are top-notch.


There are a lot of options for your mortgage. These include ways to make your loan less expensive upfront or in the long term, options for veterans, options for borrowers over the age of 62, options for lower-income borrowers and many, many others. Proper Rate has access to all of these programs and more, and my goal is to make you feel comfortable with whichever program we choose and explain what we're doing together to make the process as simple and easy as possible.


Whether you are a first-time home buyer or seasoned owner, you can trust me and my team with all of your home financing needs. Please reach out anytime using the contact information located on this page and use this website as a resource as you start your home financing journey.

Timothy Stine is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Timothy is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Timothy at (773) 253-6002 for more information!

Tim Stine at Proper Rate (NMLS #2475526)

Douglas Moline is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Douglas is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Douglas at (773) 516-6510 for more information!

Doug Moline at Proper Rate (NMLS #1968722)

Robert Broton is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Robert is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Robert at (773) 945-6140 for more information!

RJ Broton at Proper Rate (NMLS #1758405)

Jessica Deniz is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Jessica is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Jessica at (408) 529-6364 for more information!

Jessica Deniz at Proper Rate (NMLS #1175991)

Sales Manager

Monique Stanford is your Chicago local lender. As a loan officer at Proper Rate, an independent mortgage company offering homebuyers and homeowners personalized lending services, Monique is committed to helping homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. Contact Monique at (408) 807-7999 for more information!

Monique Stanford at Proper Rate (NMLS #331525)

Chicago

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20 Loan Officers in Chicago, IL