Headshot of Karen Chiu

Karen Chiu

SVP of Mortgage Lending

Pasadena, CA Mortgage Lender

NMLS #611778

Adress
50 N Hill Ave #306
Pasadena, CA 91106
Contact Methods
Email
mobile Mobile
(626) 437-4481
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Awards

Scotsman Guide 2024 Top Originator Award
Top Women Originator Scotsman Guide Award
Top Work Places
Top Workplace Scotsman Guide
Top Mortgage Lender badge
Mortgage Bankers Association Member

About Karen

I first joined the mortgage industry in the 1990s as an internal auditor before becoming vice president – finance. After a five-year hiatus raising my children, I re-joined the business in 2005 as a loan officer. I’ve had an incredibly successful career, earning many awards and prestigious recognition:

  • Scotsman Guide Top Originator: #118 Top Dollar Volume, Top FHA Volume, Most Loans Closed, and Top Purchase Volume (2020 – 2023)
  • Scotsman Guide Top Women Originator: 2018 – 2023 (#27 in the nation)
  • AREAA A-list winner: 2016 – 2023
  • President’s Council: 2015 – 2023
  • Mortgage Banker Magazine’s Powerful Women of Mortgage Banking 2022
  • Profiles in Diversity Journal’s Asian Leader Worth Watching list: 2021 – 2023
  • Mortgage Executive Magazine’s Top 1% Mortgage Originators in America: 2017 – 2022

I’m known for my grit in seeking products and guidelines to make homeownership possible for my clients. Specializing in first-time homebuyers and non-qualified mortgages for new construction purchases (especially condos), I won’t give up until I find the right loan for your home.

I enjoy getting to know people’s life stories. I learn a lot from meeting with my clients and listening to their experiences. I feel like I gain a friend every time I talk to another client! No matter what you plan for the next chapter in your story, I can’t wait to be part of writing it.

My husband and I have been married since 1999 and are empty nesters after our three kids recently went to college. We enjoy hiking, seeking unique food to try, and plan to visit the 7 wonders of the world – we’re more than half done with that goal.

Specialties

  • Purchase and Refinance
  • Purchase
  • Refinance Loans
A family together in their new home

Financial wellness can be yours

Imagine life without credit card debt, with medical expenses taken care of, or with extra funds to make large purchases. Peaceful, isn’t it?

Our home equity programs can help you achieve that dream.

These include:

  • Closed End Second loan
  • Home Equity Line of Credit
  • Cash-Out Refinance

Your equity may be the key to greater financial wellness. Let’s see what doors our home loans can open for you today.

Contact Me

Recent Posts and Articles

Blog

  • Karen Chiu was named the top-producing female loan originator by Mortgage Women Magazine.
    Published on

    2024 Leading LOs

    Karen Chiu was named the top-producing female loan originator by Mortgage Women Magazine.

  • Family sits around coffee table in their living room covered in dinosaurs and discuss the Fed rate cuts.
    Published on

    Fed Rate Cuts 2024: Federal Reserve Cuts Funds Rate

    Learn how the 2024 Fed rate cuts could affect mortgage rates. Explore opportunities for homebuyers and homeowners to benefit from lower interest rates.

  • Woman with laptop on her cell phone prepares for mortgage rates to drop.
    Published on

    Mortgage Rates: How To Prepare For A Drop

    Prepare for future rate drops with our guide on mortgage rates. Learn how to improve your credit, save for a down payment, and explore loan options to get ready.

  • A two-story white house with a vibrant garden exemplifies homeownership and the considerations for the average down payment on a house.
    Published on

    What is the Average Down Payment on a House?

    Curious what the average down payment is on a house? Learn how factors like home price, loan type, and location influence what you need to save in this guide.

Helping your home financing process go smoothly.

Resources

  • The Mortgage Process

    The Mortgage Process

    There are some major milestones on your road to home financing. As your loan officer, I’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure you understand each one and get through them quickly.

  • Payment Calculator

    Payment Calculator

    How much will your mortgage payment be? How much can you save if you refinance? Is it better to buy than rent? Use these online calculators to crunch the numbers and see for yourself.

  • Find the Right Loan

    Find the Right Loan

    I separate myself from other lenders by offering a broader selection of home financing options — from loans for first-time homebuyers to refinance programs for accessing your home’s equity.

  • Home Loan Check List

    Home Loan Check List

    Before you explore the endless options of home financing, some preparation is in order. Planning ahead for your mortgage is the key to an easier and more successful home financing process.

Inspiration for your home loan journey.

GALLERY

Your Mortgage Expert

A Lender You Can Trust

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