James W. Argo

Senior Loan Officer - San Francisco - Montgomery St. Guarantee Mortgage NMLS #257031 / 1850 - CA BRE #00869591 / 01215943
I have been providing personalized mortgage advice since 1984 and I am passionate about my work. I love what I do. I am an advocate for clients, not for banks.

Early in my career, I observed and realized that my clients needed financial advice on more than just their mortgage - advice that included the best ways to save for retirement, save for college, pay off debt, build a rainy day fund and properly invest for future needs. Today I uniquely advise each client holistically on how to handle their money and their mortgage, so they can achieve financial security faster.

Other things I am passionate about are my family, making wine, cooking amazing food at home, canoeing the rivers & lakes of Northern California and blowing the room away on my tenor sax.

Equal Housing Opportunity
NMLS #257031 / 1850
CA BRE #00869591 / 01215943
Oct 24, 2018
City Manager
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
James and his team were there with us every step of the way. Great communication throughout the process and professional accurate advice. Easy to reach by phone or e-mail - even when he was traveling outside the country! Answered every question and got us great rates and a quick transaction. Had a firm grasp of our needs and took care of everything! Can't say enough good things about him!
Sep 10, 2018
Office Reception
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jim and the team were so helpful, efficient and made this scary process do-able. I am so incredibly glad we went with Jim. He really knows his stuff. They worked so hard tweaking everything just right so we got the best situation for us.
Aug 7, 2018
UX Researcher
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jim was very responsive and knowledgeable. He made the process of purchasing our first home very easy for us. You can always count on him to answer any questions you have immediately. I highly recommend his services.
Jun 26, 2018
Homeowner
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jim Argo is an experienced professional who can get the job done. He listened to my complicated and unorthodox financing needs and then he and his team figured out how to get those needs met. At the end of the day, that's really what matters. I would also like to commend the thoroughness and professionalism of his team which is critically important in getting lenders to fund a transaction in a highly regulated environment. Good job everyone !
Jun 9, 2018
First-time homebuyer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
James was fantastic to work with. He and his team ensured that the transaction closed smoothly on a fast timeline. He was responsive, knowledgeable, diplomatic with the other side of the deal, and unfailingly honest with me. I recommend James wholeheartedly.
May 22, 2018
Home owner
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jim is the BEST! Friendly, well informed and took excellent care of all of my needs! I highly recommend him!
May 9, 2018
Good Real Estate Team Agent
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
James is great with organization and communication. He keeps his clients up to date and informed about large and small improvements in their loan that can add up to a huge advantage in the competitive Bay Area Marketplace. Highly recommended!
Apr 19, 2018
Project Management Leader
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jim made my wife and I feel important in a pretty overwhelming situation. Although compared to others our budget was smaller, Jim understood and appreciated that it was a big step for us. He offer sound advice and walked us through the process.
Apr 15, 2018
Sr Project Controller
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We loved working with Jim! Moving from Florida, we had no idea what we were getting into with the crazy San Francisco housing market. We heard from several people that it was key to have a local mortgage broker. We received the recommendation from our realtor (Jeremy Burnett, also amazing!) Jim took valuable time out of his day to teach us about the market and put us at ease. When we finally found our home of our dreams, Jim came through immediately and we were able to close in weeks! Couldn’t have done it with him!
Apr 1, 2018
Apartment Building Owner
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Mr. Argo has helped us buy residential property on two occasions, each time combining our own home with rental units, once as an unconventional TIC. While the purchases did not seem difficult to us, they did to our bank and to our credit union. Jim was able to package our mortgage applications in a way that a lender could see them the way we did, and we had no trouble with financing when we followed his suggestions. He was smart, experienced, very familiar with the industry and a pleasure to work with. We have already recommended him to family and friends.
Mar 8, 2018
Managing Partner
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jim and his team are extremely smart, communicative and experienced. They truly care about their clients and helping you through the transaction. I highly recommend him!
Mar 5, 2018
Research
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I wouldn't be a homeowner without the consultation and aid of James Argo. His input was instrumental.
Dec 30, 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jim and his team are pros and made my refi a stress-free experience.
Dec 13, 2017
Property owner
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
James particularly and his team helped me navigate through all phases that took me from strengthening my credit position until obtaining a loan for my house purchase in San Francisco in a very professional manner.
All my questions were answered and particularly, following James' advice, I found myself moving through all phases in a very smooth and easy way.
I am now a property owner in San Francisco mainly thanks to James and his team.

What distinguished James from others I have contacted before is his long time experience with the local market, his knowledge of all sides and his ability to investigate and clearly understand my own situation and expectations and tailor his work around my needs until successful conclusion.

I certainly recommend James and his team to all out there in need of financial advice related to real estate.

Thank you!!
Dec 5, 2017
Realtor and Real Estate Investor
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
James was always on it! Passionate about his work making what can be grueling work fun and exciting. I find him to be straight forward, honest, and trustworthy. Happy to recommend his services to anyone! Thank you for taking such great care of our client!!
Trecia
Oct 29, 2017
Retired couple
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We consider ourselves very fortunate to have been working with Mr. james Argo on refinancing the mortgages of our residential and rental properties. Without any hesitation we would be willing to recommend Mr. Argo to our friends, and definitely we will use his services in future should there be a need.
Oct 26, 2017
Designer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jim Argo is as good as it gets. He is interested in finding the right solution for his clients over any self-interest. My experience of working with Jim over a couple of decades, proves to me he is dedicated, loyal, honest and a trusted partner in his clients' financial health.

Oct 24, 2017
Producer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jim was very thorough. Talked me through the whole process. He helped me figured out the right loan for my family.

Sep 11, 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jim handled my loan before I actually had a property in mind. He is extremely responsive, has a calm demeanor, ready to answer all your questions in layman terms were what is needed during a loan process. Buying a house can be a stressful process but Jim made it easy! Highly recommend Jim Argo and his team if you are buying a property and need a loan.
Jun 29, 2017
Broker Associate, Sotheby's International Realty
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Dear Jim,

Congratulations on the closing of 7925 Saint Helena Road, for Beverly and John. I appreciate and commend you for working with and through a challenging transaction with, ultimately, a great result. Your patience, perseverance, and professionalism set you apart in your industry. I sincerely hope we can work together again soon.

Best regards,
Jun 2, 2017
Managing Director
Jim is terrific! He is focus is you: your needs, your details, your transaction. I have found Jim to be quick to tell you exactly what he can and cannot do, then doing exactly what he promised. Thanks Jim.
May 14, 2017
Attorney and City Manager
Jim is the best - it's just that simple. He is creative, hardworking and has a fantastic team to help during every step of the process. He understands your needs, communicates well and is prompt and efficient. This is the third or fourth time that we have used his services for obtaining a mortgage, refinance or line of credit and we could not be happier!
Mar 15, 2017
Sr. Software Engineer
Jim was incredibly helpful during the entire process. Being a first time homeowner, I had a lot of questions and Jim patiently helped me get a great understanding of how everything worked and what my options were. Even something like switching my type of loan during closing was made simple and clear by Jim. He really helped me navigate a difficult Oakland market to figure out what I could and should do to win an offer. I would highly recommend Jim without a second thought.
Mar 15, 2017
Business Owner
I did 2 loans with Jim, one being a refi, and each time both him and his team were excellent! He communicates well, helped me get as close to the rate as I wanted and made the whole painful process a lot more pleasant. If I needed help with any future mortgage related projects, I would work with Jim in a heartbeat!!
Mar 15, 2017
Director of Marketing
Jim is one of the best in the business. He came through for our refinancing on every promise he made. Jim is thorough, professional and knows how to maneuver around the obstacles that often arise.

Several years ago we got ourselves into a bad deal and, without any hesitation knowing we could not use his services for that deal, Jim jumped in and provided us the guidance we needed to steer out of the jam. I will never forget Jim's kindness and generosity.

This will not be the last time I use Jim's services and I highly recommend you contact him if you need mortgage assistance.
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My Associations

Equal Housing Opportunity | NMLS #1850