About Me
Director
First Rate Financial Group
NMLS 233972
JD
I am self employed, so typical lenders make the home loan process very difficult for me. John navigated through it all and got me and my family into our forever home this week!! He's the best in the biz!
We can highly recommend John for any financial needs and advice. He was an outstanding support to us as we navigated a conversion loan. Even at times that were complicated, he gave us great peace and comfort all the way to the close of the loan. We plan on a forever relationship with him
BS
John and his staff were excellent. They secured us a loan on a new property in Thousand Oaks. The entire process was simple and timely. It’s obvious that this company knows their stuff.
John is a master of financing, I would recommend him highly.
John is a master of financing, I would recommend him highly.
PK
John was very efficient, kept me informed of every step to refinance my home. I was amazed at the quick action of John and his staff. I highly recommend John. Sincerely,
Patricia Klussman
Patricia Klussman
EL
John did an excellent job in helping us get the right mortgage tailored to our needs to achieve our goals. He was with us every step of the way, making it as easy as possible for us.
GY
When you work with John there two things that stand out.
1) He's YOUR advocate
Thiis means he really fights to make sure you get the best rate under the best terms possible working different lenders even if it means a ton of back and forth those lenders. He's looking out for you and is the complete opposite of a predatory lender.
2) He makes it easier.
It's not every day I seek out a loan so many of the terms, phrases, time tables, and expectations were foreign to me. John takes care of most things but can explain everything you need to at the level you need to. He's honest about that whether it's something you want to hear or not.
The bottom line is John is trustworthy and very easy to work with.
1) He's YOUR advocate
Thiis means he really fights to make sure you get the best rate under the best terms possible working different lenders even if it means a ton of back and forth those lenders. He's looking out for you and is the complete opposite of a predatory lender.
2) He makes it easier.
It's not every day I seek out a loan so many of the terms, phrases, time tables, and expectations were foreign to me. John takes care of most things but can explain everything you need to at the level you need to. He's honest about that whether it's something you want to hear or not.
The bottom line is John is trustworthy and very easy to work with.
MA
John and his team did an amazing job
getting us through the loan process.We
highly recommend them!
Marty and Judy Kutchai
getting us through the loan process.We
highly recommend them!
Marty and Judy Kutchai
MA
John and his team did an amazing job getting
us through the loan process. We highly
recommend them!
Marty and Judy Kutchai
us through the loan process. We highly
recommend them!
Marty and Judy Kutchai
MA
John and his team did an amazing job getting
us through the loan process. We highly recommend them!
us through the loan process. We highly recommend them!
SG
John and his team at First Rate Financial are truly in a league of their own. From start to finish, they went above and beyond for both me and my mother, and I cannot say enough good things about them. John was absolutely incredible, and Noel deserves special recognition for the amount of care, effort, and dedication she put into helping us.
They didn’t just process paperwork — they genuinely went to bat for us. They fought for us, guided us, explained everything clearly, and made us feel like we had real experts in our corner every step of the way. Their knowledge, professionalism, patience, and commitment were second to none.
It is rare to find people who are not only excellent at what they do, but who also truly care about the people they are helping. John, Noel, and the entire First Rate Financial team are exactly that. They are honest, hardworking, highly skilled, and absolutely committed to getting the best possible outcome for their clients.
If you are looking for a mortgage broker who actually knows what they are doing, communicates well, works tirelessly, and treats you like you matter, look no further than John and his team at First Rate Financial. In my opinion, they are the best on the planet, and I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone.
They didn’t just process paperwork — they genuinely went to bat for us. They fought for us, guided us, explained everything clearly, and made us feel like we had real experts in our corner every step of the way. Their knowledge, professionalism, patience, and commitment were second to none.
It is rare to find people who are not only excellent at what they do, but who also truly care about the people they are helping. John, Noel, and the entire First Rate Financial team are exactly that. They are honest, hardworking, highly skilled, and absolutely committed to getting the best possible outcome for their clients.
If you are looking for a mortgage broker who actually knows what they are doing, communicates well, works tirelessly, and treats you like you matter, look no further than John and his team at First Rate Financial. In my opinion, they are the best on the planet, and I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone.
ES
John handled a very complicated application and came through with high professionalism, excellent customer service and was very informative in his communication, keeping us posted every step of the way.
John made this transaction possible with his resources and experience.
Thank you John, we will be in touch as soon as we have another opportunity to work with you.
John made this transaction possible with his resources and experience.
Thank you John, we will be in touch as soon as we have another opportunity to work with you.
ML
I had a great experience working with First Rate Financial Group. Their team was very helpful and kept me informed and updated throughout the entire process of purchasing my house. I can’t thank you enough for all of your help!
DG
John has been absolutely fantastic through out the entire process. He not only helped me get funds for the house, but also make sure that the closing costs were paid for me, my initial deposit was accurate, and has effectively helped me reduce my deposit amount which resulted in me maintaining financial security. John is extremely knowledgeable but what is special about him is that he was able to explain highly complex terms and conditions in a easy to understand terms. To a first time home purchaser this was simply priceless.
DG
Always a superbly professional team with the utmost personal touch!
AE
John is the best. I’ve been using him for years. He is always looking out for my best interest. Couldn’t recommend him enough!
TJ
John was recommended to me by my accountant of over 40 years. Having a "trust bridge" is very important to me with business relationships. John was very committed to making our mortgage come to life. He worked hard to find a program that fit our unique needs. HIs team was always available when we had questions and concerns. We finally got to the finish line. Based on our experience we would love to work with John and his team when we go to refinance as rates drop, hopefully.
HW
John came to us via recommendation from good friends, and man did he deliver! John is a seasoned pro, super knowledgeable, professional, great listener, and it was obvious that his first concern was our best interest. The whole experience was flawless!! He and Noel took great care of us throughout the entire home purchase process and there's no doubt that we're onboard going forward for future refi! Highly recommended !!! A+++++
NZ
John was an absolute pleasure to work with during my loan process. He expertly guided me through various financing options to find the best fit for my needs. John was efficient, communicative, and diligent in following up, ensuring I was always informed about the progress of my application. I highly recommend John to anyone who is looking at financing.
JJ
While my mother was experiencing an incredibly difficult and stressful time in her life, while trying to figure out her reverse mortgage loan as an elderly woman without her spouse, John and his team proved to be incredibly kind, insightful, helpful and trustworthy with her situation. They went above and beyond to make sure she and her remaining family understand the stakes, common pitfalls andr occasionally predatory practices employed by some loans and programs. John and his team made sure she was taken care of, and not taken advantage of. Highly recommend working with John and his colleagues.
LR
John was very professional and personable. He did an outstanding job in helping us get the best loan available for our needs. We are highly appreciative of his efforts.
RD
John Cofiell and Noel Kelman did an outstanding job of guiding me through my recent refinance of my investment property. They were readily available, answered any questions I had, and notified me when I needed to take action.
This is now the third mortgage loan that John has helped me secure, and all three have been flawless.
I have no reservations in wholeheartedly recommending John and his team.
Thank you,
Ray Aller
This is now the third mortgage loan that John has helped me secure, and all three have been flawless.
I have no reservations in wholeheartedly recommending John and his team.
Thank you,
Ray Aller
CK
I highly recommend John Cofiell and his team for anyone seeking a smooth and stress-free mortgage experience. John and Noel Kelman were extremely hands-on, communicative, and always available to answer questions, making sure we understood every step of the process. Their expertise and attention to detail made all the difference in successfully closing on our first home. Thank you.
BC
John worked with me and my elderly parents as we weighed the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage versus a home equity line of credit. Then he was there for us every step of the way through the loan process. He made himself available at any time we had questions, sometimes driving to my folks' house to help. He is wonderful to work with, so patient and responsive. I highly recommend him and also Noel on his staff, who was always right on top of things. Great job John and First Rate Financial Group!
SI
We have enjoyed John’s help and guidance during several transactions over the past 20 years. We are very comfortable that John’s advice is solid and it has proven out each time he gets the job done for us. We consider John a friend and would recommend him to anyone.
RH
John, Heather, and the entire team at First Rate Financial truly live up to their name—they are first-rate. Their ability to work with clients is exceptional, and they consistently go above and beyond to deliver outstanding service.
