First Capital

After three weeks of working with First Capital, we still didn’t even have an appraisal on the condo we were hoping to buy. We had to switch lenders and now may loose the deal because of it. This is the worst experience I’ve ever had with any company ever. I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone. Now, let’s start from the beginning.
We were first recommended to a female broker who works here. She promised us she would be able to get us a new home buyers grant of $ 8,000. She told us this grant could be used for closing costs (which we let her know we didn’t need because the seller was paying), the down payment, or to fix up the place (which she was pushing we use it for). However, because she was switching companies, we would have to work with another broker due to her licensing hold up. She still called regularly to check up which was nice, until she called me drunk… Rather than wanting to answer my loan questions, she wanted to talk about how she was «two glasses of wine in,» how she was home drinking because «she has no social life,» wanted me to take her Netflix password because I HAD to watch the movie she was watching, was very concerned with what religion I consider myself, when the last time I went to church was, where I go to church etc. After this, we started ignoring her calls.
We were supposed to be working with her boss due to the licensing issue but he was too busy for us so he passed us along to one of his colleges, Josh. At some point, Josh had told us that the grant would take 45 days to process whereas the the loan would take 30 days. So we could use the grant to buy points and lower the mortgage after closing. He often seemed confused and kept telling us to use the grant for closing costs, which we repeatedly told him was useless because the seller was paying those costs. We finally got paperwork to sign after about 2.5 weeks. Our salaries were miscalculated for the 4^th time, the amount we were putting down for the down payment was wrong (different wrong numbers in two different places), the amount of time my husband worked at his job was wrong, the loan amount was wrong, among other things. The broker asked us to sign the paperwork now and he would have the numbers fixed later… ummm NO?! We called, texted, and e-​mailed our questions, only to be ignored for another week. At three weeks into this horrible experience, my husband and I finally decided to call this Josh’s boss and give him the entire story. Either he could fix this situation or we were going to leave.
The boss told us that not only had the grant paperwork not been started like we were told, but that his company wasn’t able to offer a grant at all!!! So to make up for the inconvenience, he was going to offer us $ 200-​$ 300 (I don’t remember at this point) off that we could use towards the closing costs that again We don’t have to pay! We were also told that previous man we were working with, Josh, lied because you cannot buy points after a loan closes…
So, in one last ditch effort, we tell the boss, if Josh can get back to us by morning with another grant, we will stay. He and Josh both say oh yes yes I’ll call. No call, so we switch. I get later in the afternoon telling me that there isn’t another grant but they would like to process our loan and promise to go fast. I let them know, we’ve already switched, you failed to be timely again. He seemed confused…
A few days later my husband and I both get voice messages from the original woman we were working with letting us know that her license has finally been transferred over. She is so sorry about what has happened and to make it up for us, she is going to get the boss to give us the $ 600 appraisal for free… What is so hard to understand that we aren’t paying for closing costs? I let her know that we have switched the loan to a major bank and in two hours, we were further in the loan process with them than we were in over three weeks with First Capital.
I have never in my life encountered a more dysfunctional business. I wouldn’t trust these people to pack my groceries let alone handle my money. Run. Run Away. Run Fast.

I had a terrible experience with First Capital Mortgage that cost me $ 4000 out of pocket and caused me to nearly lose the purchase of my house. In a nutshell, they promised to have a loan done within 30 days and said it would likely happen without a hitch. Two weeks before closing they promised loan was «with underwriting and would be approved soon.» I later learned they had they their own underwriting department that was supposed to take 5 days and then they had to send the loan to an outside bank that would take another 5 days. Given that they had not done the internal approval within that period it made their promise to close on time very unlikely. Within 5 days of our closing date they promised to get approval «within any moment» and that not to worry because «in 30 years I have never had a problem getting a loan closed because of timing.» The closing date came and we had to scramble with the Seller to get a 7 day extension for closing. Rob Nelson the Senior VP who largely ran the deal did not respond or follow up to emails during the extension period and hung us out to dry. I would not recommend this firm as it was full of empty promises.

Nearly lost my first house due to the unorganized, unresponsive manner of Lance Kinkead.
Lance was recommended by a realtor and was very good with getting pre-​approval letters out the door quickly for offers. However, once my offer was accepted on the purchase of my new house, the quality of work just went down hill. He was slow to respond/​non responsive on both phone and e-​mail. He asked for documents multiple times. Conditions for the loan were given after we had submitted our conditions to the seller. There was no direction on how to fix the conditions so we had to re-​do them multiple times.
Escrow was supposed to close within 30 days and we were repeatedly told that it was not an issue. However it took nearly 50 days to close escrow due to the delay in loan approval, at which time the seller repeatedly threatened to pull out. It’s understandable that all the paperwork needed to be done correctly, however there was no sense of urgency, no escalations, no feeling that my file was important.
This was my first house purchase and was one of the worst experiences I could ever imagine. Not only was I extremely frustrated with the communication, but both the escrow company and the realtors in the purchase had never experienced anything like that before.
Only when we called the headquarters and involved the area manager were we able to get movement on my file. Save yourself the heartache, stress, and tears and avoid!

The worst experience we ever had. We bought and sold real estate in the past, we refinanced a few times so we do have some experience dealing with mortgage companies. We do not want to smear First Capital that Mr. Lance Kinkead work for but if you do business with them, make sure Mr. Lance Kinkead is NOT your agent. Lance is unorganized, not respond to your phone calls, misplaced documents, MIA whenever he does not know what is going on, does not take to consideration «deadline» etc etc. Don’t say we did not warn you. Plenty of competent mortgage agents to go with, spare you self a big headache.

Recommend not going with this company. Here are four points I’d like to make:
1. This is my first 1-​star (POOR) review of any company. I’m not a negative Nelly and don’t get on Unilocal just to vent my frustrations. However, please see why I felt compelled to write this…
2. At least some of these 5-​star reviews on Unilocal appear to be fake, in my opinion and in the opinion of some other reviewers. As of today’s date, there are ZERO 2,3 or 4 star ratings. Just 1’s (i.e. «VERY POOR») or 5 stars — that’s fairly odd. Plus, other reviewers point out some signs that I agree with and believe that at least a few of these 5-​star ratings are fake/​paid for/​etc. That shows me an unprofessional way of doing business and a complete lack of business ethics.
3. Our HORRIBLE experience wasted approx. two months of our time and ultimately led to us going to another company. Here’s why: The errors and complete lack of professionalism astounded us. We were asked for the same documents multiple times. We were presented with documents to sign WITH ERRORS multiple times, even after we had pointed out the errors, yet they were not fixed. There were several requests that went something like this, «Don’t worry about the missing information, just sign the document and we’ll fill in the details later.»
4. We left these guys and couldn’t be happier. When we went through Zillow’s mortgage broker finder we found *several* other mortgage services who beat these guys hands down. After comparing these other lenders — which everyone is supposed to do, please SHOP AROUND people! — we selected a company where we received (A) a MUCH HIGHER lender credit (B) an ¹⁄₈ of a point lower interest rate, © ZERO junk fees/​No «doc prep fees”/No loan origination fees and a very quick and efficient turn-​around. Finally, (D), the OTHER company we went with was so much more professional, quick, efficient and actually pleasant to deal with.
I couldn’t stress enough that this company, First Captial, wasted our time, frustrated my wife and I and ultimately could not compete with other lenders who are MORE THAN HAPPY to waive all these «administrative fees and loan origination fees,» aka JUNK FEES. Save yourself time, money and get better service elsewhere.

I do not think this company can and will deliver what they promise. They say do not do business with friends and are very correct. There were omissions in very important paperwork needed, and we were told many times that all was ok. Well, all was not ok and this was a very timely loan. Needless to say, we are now working with a new company. I think the errors were as a result of not being on top and just plain ignorance in this business. What a waste of time.

We worked with Jud Whyte. And have to say he made our house buying so much easier then what it sounds like. As our Loan Officer. He simplified every detail every number until we were clear of what we were signing and getting into. We faced many obstacles a long the way from big to minor, but as big as the obstacle was Jud found ways to get us through to the next step. Through the many months we looked around trying to find the perfect place the professionalism we received continued through out the entire process. Always reliable from showing up twice on time to our court appearances (bankruptcy sale) to also showing up to our final closing with escrow and making sure to once again explain in detail every single paper we were signing right before we signed. I would more them highly recommend Jud White to anyone. Especially if you are like we were first time buyers, it’s not easy understanding the whole process so with someone like Jud on your side you are going to feel quite relieved and will make the whole experience a whole lot smoother and a whole lot more clear. Thanks once again Jud Whyte!!!
MiGUEl & Carmen

Allen McLain was fabulous from Day 1. He always responded to my inquiries immediately, politely and professionally, no matter how many times a day or night I contacted him. I would barely press the «send» button for my e-​mail and poof! his response was there — always complete and thorough. He told me he could get my buyer’s loan approved in 30 days — and he exceeded my expectations. Wonderful experience. Highly recommend.

Worst Loan Officers are Susan Budoff and Janis Berg from Westlake Village of First Capital Mortgage. They never answer their phones — cellular or office! They DO NOT respond to URGENT messages, they even screwed up the amounf of our loan because they did not read the e-​mail confirmtion which was a follow up to our phone conversation! They were late at every deadline and could not even care less! We almost lost our purchace of a condo because they were sooooooo dysfunctional! The entire closing process turned out to be such a nighmare for us because of these two. We had very good credit ratings and should have had a very smooth closing but these two were just unprofessional! They do not even deserve one star!!!

Dealing with this company was like crawling naked over broken glass while simultaneously dousing yourself in salt. The mortgage broker we dealt with consistently overpromised and underdelivered. He lost or forgot key information, did not keep us informed during the process, and, when he did manage to finally get something done, made sure to call to let us know what a debt of gratitude we owed him for his troubles, i.e., doing his job.
The process was slow, excruciating, humiliating and filled with unforced errors and omissions. Everything that could go wrong did, and we did not get so much as a heads up, let alone an explanation or apology, when our lives were repeatedly turned upside down due to the mortgage broker’s lack of concern or attention to detail. We ended up closing on our house– 10 days late and at terms other than those we were promised — but only after scrambling ourselves to correct mistakes and oversights made by the mortgage broker. This was a miserable experience. And the thing is, it really didn’t have to be.

BEWARE THE REVIEWS HERE. UNBELIEVABLY SLOW AND INCOMPETENT. I called Allen because of the good reviews here. Was very sorry that I did. The reviews here are obviously planted. He wasted almost A YEAR OF MY TIME pretending he was doing a refi for me. This company is a perfect example of complete incompetence and unprofessionalism — repeatedly asks for the same things to be sent to them over and over and over and over and over, never gets anything right, never follows up on anything.
IF YOU VALUE YOUR TIME AND WANT TO ACTUALLY GET RE-​FINANCED, TAKE YOUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE.

Small Mom & Pop we were sent to by our Realtor. Total waste of time of about a month, trying to pre-​qualify. Seems understaffed, and overwhelmed by volume of current buying market. If you don’t mind pestering and babysitting them to follow up on simple tasks, every step of the way, by all means, give them your SSN!

After reading rave reviews of First Capital, I called to get a quote. I was told that Martin Rosenblum was the «guru» for VA loans.
When we found a condo in the West LA area, we were told that conventional loans would outrank a VA loan. When I blurted this out to Martin, he said that if my husband served his country, he ought to be able to use the perk. That spoke volumes to my heart!
For various reasons, we ended up getting a conventional loan and Martin was super in keeping up with all the details! We felt that Martin cared about us and that he was looking out for our best.

I have done several refinances with Allen McLain and have gotten to really trust the firm. Yes, the refinance process is quite extensive, but Allen and his assistant often helped with the list. On some documents which asks for clarification, I would explain in email or by phone and Allen would put it into a letter format for me.
No other broker which I have worked with has gone the extent Allen goes for his customers. He probably gets millions of phone calls a day, but usually gives me a call back or at least an email to update. He even answers phone calls and emails on nights and weekend. He answers all the questions I had when I was a first timer in the refinance loan process.
I got a great rate and now my monthly payments are much lower. Definitely recommend for refinances. He is also a specialist in condos. A lot of banks and lenders stray away from condo because I guess it’s more work, but not Allen.

I deliberated wether or not to leave a review here, but after what I went through with First Capital in my refinance, and reading the reviews posted here, I decided it was a public duty to share my experience and shed some light on the reviews below.
First off, the reviews below appear to be reviews from employees of First Capital, or those who work with First Capital to complete loans. I know we worked with Binh ( Unilocal member who posted below, and another posting that recommends Allan seems to be written in both first and second person– keep in mind once that poster reads this they may have changed their post to reflect appropriate grammar to appear not to be posting about oneself). That said– I do not personally have trust in the reviews below to be written by unbiased consumers as myself.
Now I’ll get to my loan, and I’ll keep the 3 month ordeal short and to the point. I own 3 homes, 2 condos which we rent out, and one house, all with different lenders. I wanted to consolidate mortgage companies and refinance to get better rates. I started with my first condo– asking 3 different mortgage companies to quote a refinance. When you get a refi quote, you must give an extensive amount of information– I clearly indicated this property is a rental property on every document and in ALL conversations. First Capital gave the lowest combined rate, and closing cost quote. So we declined the other mortgage companies’ offers, and proceeded with First Capital for a 30 day close.
The refi never closed in 30 days. Not even in 60 days. I was asked numerous times for information and docs. already provided, and often had to email First Capital to find out what the status was with the refi. I spent countless hours (more that I have ever had to spend with any other lender to gather, regather, and resubmit information they already had, or information requested again because so much time had passed since I initially submitted the information they asked for). We put up with it because their rate, which I did have in writing, was so low… but my patience was wearing thin as I seemed to be the one pressing the refi to close and progress.
Finally I was asked for «just a few more documents» before the loan went to underwriting to be final– paycheck stubs etc… again things they needed resubmitted since it took them so long”. Then I was emailed by our Sr. loan Consultant that they made a «mistake» on our rate quote and since the condo is a rental, our rate would be different. I was furious, furious because each document we provided in writing, AND I know every conversation I had with them it was CLEARLY communicated that this was a rental property. Anyone who has refinanced a home knows the multiple documents you have to sign and complete, all which clearly indicate if the home is primary residence or a rental. I even had to provide a profit and loss document on the rental income and cost! I told first Capital they needed to right their wrong, which I see as clearly an error (or tactic) on their part to outbid the competition upfront then drag the refi process out so long that I was worn down and would «settle» for the much higher rate just as they were going to complete the refi.
I was so disgusted in the loss of time, perceived deceit, and lack of ethic that I refused to proceed the loan with first Capital and asked my previous 2 mortgage companies that I asked in the beginning of this process to re-​quote me rates. 26 days, later the loan is now in underwriting at a much lower rate, in ¹⁄₃ the time, and with a company who I trust and am happy to write my mortgage checks to. I do not endorse or reward these kind of gross business «errors» and refuse to work with, or recommend, First Capital to anyone. They lost over 4 million dollars in loans from me and my family.

I had been searching for a home for over a year and Allen McLain of 1^st Capital stuck with me through thick and thin! Allen and his assistant Bihn helped through everything and were professional, efficient and got me a 3.85% rate on a 30 yr fixed. My RE agent Deborah Kemp was a huge flake and I should have fired her but Allen even helped me with her shortcomings and saved my deal with no help from her! They made the process as streamlined as possible and I will use them again for my next home!
Thank you Allen and First Capital!

Working with Daniel Gat and First Capital was one of the most seamless, as well as least stressful, experiences I had while purchasing my first home. I was referred to Daniel by my realtor and could not be more pleased with his professionalism, courtesy and assistance every single step of the way.
Daniel is genuine and industrious, and I will continue to recommend his services to all future homeowners. He answered every single question I had, and I had many, and his explanations were thorough, unbiased and so incredibly helpful for a first time homeowner such as myself. Not only did he work with me to secure my loan, but I closed early thanks to him and First Capital. I can’t imagine anyone else who would have been as responsiveness and informative, and look forward to introducing him to friends and family when they purchase their next homes.

Daniel Gat is a true professional and a loan officer you want working with you. I send all of my clients to him because he simply gets the job done no matter the challenge. His ability to find solutions and his dedication to the process is unmatched. He is one of the best problem solvers I’ve come across in the business, and I cannot stress enough on how many times his abilities have saved deals and ensured successful closings. In addition, he always makes himself available to answer questions and strives for open communication. It’s refreshing and reassuring to have someone care so much about ensuring there is a clear understanding throughout the process. Daniel’s thoughtfulness and thoroughness is made clear in the service he provides. I highly recommend Daniel to anyone looking for an amazing loan officer and to any Realtor who needs someone on their team. I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated and genuine person to entrust with my clients.
Daniel Gat
Senior Loan Officer
First Capital
(310) 363‑5800 cell
(310) 434‑1722 office
(310) 451‑6430 fax

This is the name you need. Allen Mclain. As a commercial real estate professional, I am used to doing commercial transactions which are a lot different than closing a residential mortgage. Getting a residential mortgage these days is as much fun as an IRS audit. Allen is the best! He is very responsive, patient, understanding and great at getting things done. He got my loan done in record time and with a great rate.
Call Allen, you won’t be sorry.
Allen McLain
Condo Litigation Lending Specialist
First Capital
310−656−8259 (office)
310−880−7636 (cell)
310−576−8040 (fax)

DEAN WONG IS THE BEST!
Want a broker who will get you a real pre-​approval (not one of those pre-​approvals that fall apart as soon as you need the loan)? Want to work with someone who is honest, fair, and upfront? Want to work with someone who returns your calls and texts instantly even on the weekends (even on Mother’s Day!!!)? Want a broker who is as real and as good as they come? Then go to Dean Wong, he is fantastic.
Dean came HIGHLY recommended to me by family members who had used him and by real estate agents who trust him and he has come through for me 100% of the time (and believe me, I am quite the demanding, needy client).
For as long as Dean is in this business, I will come to him. He has done everything perfectly, and no amount of praise will do him justice.
If you go to Dean you can stop worrying, because you are dealing with a pro who will get you a mortgage, get you the best rates, hold your hand through the whole process, and get the job done.
Thanks Dean
PS you can contact him here: