Most people think getting a mortgage is about getting approved. Approval matters, but the bigger question is which loan fits your plans. Two loans with the same rate can cost very different amounts over the years you keep them.
I’m Scott Swinford, a mortgage loan originator (NMLS# 138422) and Certified Mortgage Advisor based in Crown Point, Indiana. I’ve been a loan officer for more than 20 years, and I’m licensed in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan.
What is a Certified Mortgage Advisor?
A Certified Mortgage Advisor (CMA) is a loan officer who has completed additional training in mortgage analysis. The training covers how rates move, how to compare loan options by their cost over time, and how to explain those tradeoffs clearly. It is a professional designation, not a separate license.
How that helps you
- Comparing loans by total cost. I show you what each option costs over the time you expect to keep it, including rate, points, mortgage insurance, and fees.
- Choosing the right structure. Loan type, term, down payment, and points all change your payment and your long-term cost. I lay out the tradeoffs side by side.
- Planning for what comes next. If you expect to move, pay the loan down early, or refinance later, that changes which loan makes sense today.
- Knowing your numbers before you shop. You see your payment, cash to close, and comfort range before you write an offer.
Where this makes a difference
First-time buyers with student loans
Different loan types count student loan payments differently. I compare your options, so you know which one gives you the most room and the most manageable payment.
Growing families
I help you balance what is affordable today with what you will need in a few years, so the home and the payment both still fit.
Self-employed borrowers
I review your tax returns and cash flow up front and tell you how a lender will calculate your income, before you are under contract.
Homeowners considering a refinance
I calculate your break-even point and show how the new loan changes your total interest and payoff date, so you can decide with the full picture.
Why the lowest rate is not always the best loan
A lower rate that costs several points up front can take years to pay for itself. If you sell or refinance before then, you lose money. I break down each option, including term, points, and down payment, so you can pick the loan that works for how long you plan to keep it.
Loan options I work with
I offer VA, FHA, conventional, and refinance loans. You can also run your own numbers with my mortgage calculators.
Where I work
I lend throughout Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. My office is in Crown Point, and I work with many buyers and homeowners across Northwest Indiana, including Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, and Newton counties.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Certified Mortgage Advisor?
A Certified Mortgage Advisor is a loan officer who has completed additional training in mortgage analysis, including how to compare loan options by their cost over time. It is a professional designation, not a separate license.
Does it cost more to work with a Certified Mortgage Advisor?
No. I don’t charge a separate fee for the analysis. Your loan costs are disclosed on your Loan Estimate, the same as with any lender.
Is a Certified Mortgage Advisor a financial advisor?
No. I provide mortgage guidance, not investment, tax, or legal advice. For those questions, talk with a financial advisor, CPA, or attorney. I’m glad to work alongside them.
How do I know if refinancing makes sense?
A refinance makes sense when you will keep the loan long enough to recover the closing costs and the new loan fits your goals. Divide the closing costs by the monthly savings to estimate the break-even point in months. I also look at how the new loan changes your total interest and payoff date.
Next step
If you are buying or refinancing and want to compare options side by side, I’ll walk you through them. Call 219-695-0369 or text me at 219-758-8072.
Get prequalified here or send me a message.
Mortgage guidance only. This page is for educational purposes and is not investment, tax, or legal advice.
