Fred Gruber

CMPS, Director First Rate Financial Group NMLS #256707, CA-DRE #01455710
Fred Gruber has over 45 years experience in the business community. Using his excellent financial and analytical skills, he develops financial models and tools to present complicated concepts in simple terms. Fred has provided thousands of mortgages for a variety of clients and scenarios; from simple to complex qualifying situations.

Fred’s focus in educating clients is forefront; with guidance as the cornerstone of a practice that assists homeowners and buyers. Fred will present multiple options to make sure the borrower has an opportunity to make the best decision in selecting an appropriate strategy for financing their home. Fred uses a deep understanding of lending guidelines to uncover obscure options for borrowers, rarely leaving a stone unturned in the most complicated of situations.

Following a referral based business model, Fred recognizes that every transaction has two clients: the borrower and the referring party. Developing lifelong clients who become friends as well underscores his commitment to helping people achieve their goals.

First Rate Financial Group is a Mortgage Broker in Westlake Village, California, located in the heart of the Conejo Valley Business District. From its inception in 1989, First Rate Financial Group has become well known for its service, integrity and experienced loan consultants.

Fred's purpose is simply stated as "I Create Value Through Integrity."
Sep 10, 2019
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred was very easy to work with. He answered my many questions and took the time to explain the concerns that I had either by an email response or by calling me to discuss. He addressed all of my concerns and answered all of my questions. I've worked with Fred on my initial mortgage and a number of refi's. He does a great job and I look forward to my next refi with him when interest rates drops and it is in my advantage to do so.
Aug 5, 2019
Executive Producer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is my third mortgage with Fred; second refinance. Fred always seems to have the client's best-interest at heart.
Jul 29, 2019
Finance Manager
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred and his team were great to deal with throughout our re-finance. Fred is very knowledgeable and walked us through everything patiently throughout the process. The communication with the entire team was awesome and the process seemed to go smoothly from start to finish. We would definitely use Fred and his team again and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for these services.
Jul 28, 2019
Electrical Estimator
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred went above and beyond to make sure I took advantage of a much lower rate than my original loan. First by sending me an email and then by calling me to confirm I received the email and explain everything to me.
Jul 23, 2019
Owner of private Hypnotherapy practice
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred Gruber of First Rate Financial Group is a consummate professional that we trust wholeheartedly! My husband and I will refer Fred to anyone who is looking to refinance their current mortgage and/or enter into a mortgage for new properties. Fred works diligently to give his clients the best service with the best mortgage rates possible. He also saw us through the entire process, and he and/or his staff were always available for us to ask questions and obtain clarity about the loan. Fred is a professional you can trust with your greatest assets!
Jun 24, 2019
EVP Sales
Fred Gruber did an outstanding job for my family on our home owners loan. He is professional, organized, detailed and honest. Recommend anybody looking for a home to reach out to Fred.
Jun 8, 2019
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have worked with Fred Gruber and Heather Vowinkle on other loans and I have been very very pleased with their work and their due diligence. I highly recommend them and will to anyone I know who is looking for a good loan broker.
May 31, 2019
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred Gruber & his staff are extremely knowledgeable, organized & efficient. It was easy to work with them and I will consider using them again in the future if need arises.
May 27, 2019
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
From start to finish, Fred, Heather and the entire team at First Rate Financial Group went the extra mile in service, communication and execution. Everyone was excellent at communicating, making the process almost seamless. Not only did we close on time, everyone was so nice and professional. I highly recommend Fred and his team for any of your Real Estate financial needs. I look forward to using Fred again, in the near future for an investment property.
May 23, 2019
President
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred was great. We were originally referred to him via Wells Fargo since our financial profile did not meet Wells' requirements. This may be the best thing that Wells Fargo ever did for me. We spoke to Fred, and he provided us with a pre-approval letter in about one hour. I didn't think that was humanly possible. All of our transactions were done digitally over the internet. Ultimately, we were able to purchase the home that we thought was going to get away. Without Fred's help, this would not have happened. The process was as smooth as possible. Fred delivered on all of his promises. Truly a rare find and a good man. Highly recommended!!!
May 22, 2019
Partner
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred and his team were incredible to work with from start to Finish. Fred made the pre-approval process seamless and the insight he provided in figuring out my purchase budget was invaluable. Being a first time home buyer, I couldn’t imagine going through the loan process without Fred. Heather, on his team, was there through the difficult loan approval process and was a savior for us. I can’t think Fred and Heather enough for everything they did for us. Thank you!
Apr 29, 2019
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred and his team have been fantastic partners. Fred has a firm understanding of real estate finance which has allowed him to add unique value for our team. He has been instrumental in developing a refinance strategy for a portfolio of properties, allowing us to simultaneously improve cash flows and create liquidity to accomplish our stated goals.
Apr 19, 2019
sales clerk at Joann fabrics
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred is very thorough, accessible, and is always looking out for our interests.He has made the whole mortgage process simple and rewarding.In addition he is friendly and just a pleasure to work with!!
Apr 5, 2019
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred and his team are fantastic. We’ve used him multiple times for purchasing and refinancing. We’re pretty busy people and they were great keeping us on track and making sure everything was submitted promptly. He’s the first guy we’ve used that had everything approved and ready to go way before of closing dates!
Apr 4, 2019
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
My wife and I just bought our first home, and Fred was the nexus through which the entire process worked. He was available any time, night or day, to answer our crazy questions, calm our confusion, and help us through the process. More importantly, Fred worked insanely hard to make sure we got the best interest rate and mortgage that we could. When presented with several choices, he helped us understand each one and make informed, intelligent decisions.

Having Fred for your home purchasing experience is a definite must, I do not think we would have figured anything out without him. From being complete real-estate greenhorns at the outset, my wife and I now feel incredibly comfortable that we know and understand our mortgage. That's all thanks to Fred.

Anybody can get you a random mortgage quote. Fred tailors the entire experience to your specific needs, income level, goals, and lifestyle. He saved us on more than one occasion from wasting a lot of money making poor choices that a novice would never know how to avoid. My wife and I felt safe in the hands of Fred and his team, and you should too. Please do yourself a favor and get him on YOUR team.
Mar 25, 2019
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred and Heather were great. Their communication was terrific and the whole loan process was quick. We will recommend them to family & friends.
Mar 20, 2019
Chairman of the Board of a local men's traveling golf club
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is the second time my wife and I have worked with Fred and his staff. The first time I worked with Fred I said it was the easiest refi I had even done. The second time was even easier. So simple to do with almost everything online and electronically. Fred and his staff are very knowledgeable, considerate and helpful. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to do business with Fred again.
Mar 20, 2019
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred Gruber is excellent at what he does. He is easy to reach, and is truly committed to getting the best. I truly felt like I was his favorite client. I have already used him twice and am very happy with both results.
Feb 5, 2019
Happy Customer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred Gruber and his staff helped me navigate a complicated refinance on my existing home mortgage, which was financed by the owner. He found a lender and his staff patiently led me through all the steps needed to make the loan a reality. Everyone was courteous, prompt, efficient and highly professional yet still down-to-earth and accessible. I am very grateful for his service and highly recommended him.
Feb 4, 2019
Controller
Fred and his whole team were extremely helpful from start to finish during my loan process. I was a first time home buyer and Fred made the process simple and easy to understand. He laid out all of my options in a way that was easy to digest and he locked in a great rate for me! Him and his team were always quick to respond with questions and had no problem rushing our loan contingencies per the seller's request. I would recommend him and his team to anyone!!
Jan 29, 2019
Executive Director Disney Channel Post Production
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred has been an incredibly helpful and thoughtful partner with my families financial well being first and foremost. I would highly recommend Fred and his team to help you with any of your mortgage needs.
Jan 2, 2019
Collections Manager
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fred did an excellent job obtaining my loan. He knew exactly when to lock in my rate and the loan went through without any issues. I would recommend him and his team!
Dec 7, 2018
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have had the pleasure of working with Fred Gruber and his team for almost 7 years on several occasions for all of our mortgage related needs. I can not stress enough how knowledgeable, resourceful, detailed, and dedicated they are. The absolute best in the business and others who I have recommended to work with them have said the same thing. I will continue using their services over and over again as I know that I am in very good hands, and anyone who gets to work with him will understand how much value and experience he brings to the table. Simply the best.
Oct 25, 2018
President
Superb!
Professional all the way. I highly recommend Fred and his team.
Aug 8, 2018
Division Sales Manager
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Could not have asked for a better home buying experience with regards to our loan. We recently found our dream home, and needed to navigate through several financial obstacles to make it happen. Fred’s relentless work on our loan, and knowledge of how to navigate the waters of today’s loan approval environment enabled our dream to become a reality!
Thank You
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I Create Value Through Integrity!