Meet the team

Rick Valdez, Loan Officer, NMLS #105548

Meet Team Valdez

Our staff combines years of experience with a genuine commitment to helping clients achieve their homeownership dreams with home mortgage loans in AZ, CA, WA, ID, OR, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Sherwood from Portland, OR. We pride ourselves on transparent communication, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of mortgage products. When you work with our team, you gain more than a loan—you gain a reliable partner for your financial journey.


Our loan specialists focus on matching clients with the right mortgage solution. Each expert brings in-depth knowledge of conventional, jumbo, government, and specialized loans, helping clients make informed choices. Their guidance ensures you understand rates, terms, and programs so you can select the financing that best fits your needs.

Man in black hoodie with

Rick

Senior Loan Officer

My mortgage journey started in 2006, and since then, I’ve developed a passion for helping people find solutions as a master problem solver. It brings me complete joy to help families achieve the American dream of becoming homeowners, building wealth, and leaving a legacy.


I am a California native and have lived in Oregon for almost 30 years. I’m a proud girl, Dad, father to three princesses, and I have two grandkids. I have fallen in love with the Pacific Northwest and consider this my forever home.


I love to travel, listen to music, and vibe out to old-school R&B and reggaeton! When business permits, I try to travel at least once a quarter. My favorite destinations include Florence, Italy; Cancun, Mexico; and San Diego, California.


I focus on eating healthy, whole foods as a non-meat-eating pescatarian. I love to meditate and go to the gym every day. Family is everything to me. As the firstborn son with several younger siblings, I’ve always valued those close relationships.

Yaqui

Bilingual Loan Partner

I am Yaqui, a proud Oregon native with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of our state, especially the rural landscapes and majestic mountains that feel like home. Over the years, I’ve traveled to eight different states, each one expanding my love for diverse communities and cultures. 


I started my journey in the mortgage industry in 2022, fueled by a genuine passion for helping people. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than guiding someone through the process of becoming a homeowner and helping them feel confident every step of the way. 


Outside of work, I love exploring new places with my husband, trying out local cuisine, and spending time with our two cats. I’m committed to building strong connections and ensuring that every person I work with feels valued as a part of the Oregon community.

Jason

Bilingual Loan Partner

I have been a loan officer at Mortgage Express since April 2022, helping individuals and families navigate the home loan process. The most rewarding part of my job is guiding clients toward homeownership and making their dreams a reality. However, one of the toughest moments is having to tell a family they don’t yet qualify for a home—it’s never easy, but I do my best to provide a path forward.


Outside of work, I’ve recently taken up golf and am still very much a beginner, but I enjoy the challenge and the time spent with family and friends on the course. My favorite travel experiences are my trips to Mexico to visit family, where I gain perspective and a renewed sense of gratitude. When it comes to favorites, nothing beats a plate of chilaquiles, and my Rottweiler holds a special place in my heart.

Kayla

Loan Officer Assistant

I have been a loan processor with Mortgage Express since September 2021, and I must say, this is one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. It’s so exciting to witness someone become a first-time homebuyer! There’s a unique sense of joy that comes from seeing them achieve such a significant milestone and begin a new chapter in their lives.


The challenging part of my job is dealing with tight deadlines. There are often multiple parties involved—lenders, underwriters, appraisers, and realtors—and staying in sync with everyone while pushing things forward can be quite a balancing act. However, no achievement can be accomplished without teamwork!


For fun, I enjoy fishing, camping, hunting, and hiking. I love the opportunity nature gives you to disconnect and connect all at the same time. My favorite trip was a three-night, 20-mile hike in the Trinity Alps with my family. The beauty of that trip was truly intense! As for food, my favorite is sushi—there are so many delicious varieties to choose from! 

Keja

Loan Processor

I have been processing loans for Mortgage Express since 2020, but I have worked in many different roles within the mortgage industry for over 20 years. The loan process can be very fast-paced and stressful at times, but it all feels worth it when a loan closes, and you know you’ve helped someone improve their financial situation or helped a family realize their dream of homeownership. Those are the times when you feel like you’re really making a difference in people’s lives.


My biggest passions are music and traveling. I love to experience other cultures (and their food)! I took a break from the mortgage industry in my 30s and lived in Southeast Asia for four years, teaching English to primary school children in Vietnam and managing a backpacker resort in Thailand. It was an unforgettable, life-changing experience!


Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends, watching live music as often as I can, and staying active by playing softball in a local co-ed rec league.

  • Do I need to put 20% down to buy a home?

    No, various loan options allow for lower down payments, including some with as little as 0%, 3%, or 5% down, depending on your qualifications. Certain programs even provide down payment assistance. These alternatives have made homeownership more accessible, especially for younger generations. According to the National Association of Realtors, millennials represented 43% of homebuyers in 2022, the largest share of any generation. For comprehensive details on down payment options, we suggest reaching out to our mortgage lenders.

  • What is the difference between a pre-qualification and a pre-approval?

    A pre-qualification offers an initial estimate of what you might afford, based on unverified data like estimated credit score, income, and debts. It gives a general sense of potential loan amounts and appropriate programs. Conversely, a pre-approval involves a more detailed process. This includes a complete review of your credit scores, income documentation (such as paystubs or tax returns), and assets. Employment verification may also be conducted to confirm income details and work history. This process results in an official confirmation of your borrowing capacity.

  • How do I know how much I can afford?

    Upon completing your pre-approval process, you will receive an estimated payment and price range to assist in your home search. You can explore properties up to the pre-approved amount, considering your comfort level with the projected monthly payments. For additional information on the pre-approval process and its relation to affordability, please contact our mortgage lenders.

  • Can I get a mortgage if I am an ITIN or DACA recipient?

    Yes, individuals with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) are eligible for home mortgage loans for both purchases and refinances. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients can qualify for most loan types, provided they possess an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card with C33 status and a valid government-issued social security number.

  • I have lots of student loans. Can I still buy a house?

    Yes, student loans do not automatically disqualify you from purchasing a home. Qualified borrowers with student loans that are current, deferred, or on payment plans can still qualify for home mortgages. Our lenders can evaluate your specific circumstances and explore suitable loan options.

  • I have filed for bankruptcy. Can I still buy a house?

    Yes, purchasing a house after bankruptcy is possible, though waiting periods apply. For some programs, eligibility may begin as soon as one year after a chapter 13 bankruptcy. Government loan programs typically require a two-year wait, while other loan programs may necessitate up to four years. For specific information about home mortgage loans post-bankruptcy, we recommend contacting our team.

  • What is the minimum credit score needed?

    Credit score requirements vary by loan program. Some programs might accept applicants with no credit score, while others may require a minimum score as low as 580. Our mortgage lenders can help identify the most suitable program based on your individual credit profile and other qualifications.

  • Does switching jobs hurt my ability to buy a home?

    Changing jobs does not necessarily impede your ability to buy a home. Generally, it’s not an issue if there are no significant gaps in employment and the change led to higher pay, was due to a life event, or improved working conditions. The essential requirement is that all borrowers should have at least two years of work history. For recent college graduates, academic transcripts may substitute for job history.

  • What is debt ratio?

    The debt ratio is a financial metric utilized in mortgage lending. It's determined by dividing your total monthly debt obligations (including those reported on your credit report and any unreported government obligations like taxes, child support, or alimony) by your monthly income. This ratio is crucial in assessing your loan eligibility and the amount you can afford for home mortgage loans.

  • What are closing costs?

    Closing costs are additional fees paid at the time of property purchase, separate from your down payment. These costs typically range from 2% to 4% of the property's sales price. They cover various expenses such as third-party fees, prepaid interest, home insurance, property taxes, appraisal inspections, flood insurance, and loan fees. For a detailed breakdown of closing costs specific to your situation, we recommend contacting our local mortgage lenders.