Licensed Mortgage Broker Claudia Castano feels confident that her quarter century of banking and finance experience gives her an advantage when serving the challenging South Florida real estate market. She calls the market “unlike any other in the country” for three reasons: many buildings are considered non-warrantable and don’t qualify for conventional loans, it’s a high-risk area for insurers, and many clients come from overseas with no credit or income in the U.S.
Castano is the founder of Miami Lending Advisors, a boutique mortgage broker that helps domestic and international buyers secure residential and commercial mortgages in Florida. With a personalized service, the company is able to close loans in under 30 days.
“In order to navigate this market successfully, it’s crucial to live locally and stay informed about the specifics of each area,” Castano says. Non-warrantable buildings require access to specific programs, as traditional lending programs won’t apply. South Florida’s proximity to the coast and susceptibility to hurricanes limits insurance availability and increases cost. Many U.S. banks cannot approve mortgages for international buyers. “As someone who has access to over 100 banks and a deep understanding of the different types of buyers and properties, I can guide clients through the process, offering tailor-made solutions,” she adds.
After more than a decade at Citibank in various roles, Castano transitioned solely to the mortgage industry. She sought to work directly with Realtors and their clients and realized her expertise in banking, finance and investments helped position her to offer personalized mortgage solutions. The majority of Miami Lending Advisors’ referrals come from word of mouth, Castano’s network of financial industry contacts, trusted Realtors and previous clients.
South Florida Agent magazine named Miami Lending Advisors as Lender of the Year for 2024. Castano is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts and the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals.
