Tampa, FL · Hillsborough County · Tampa Bay
Mortgage Advisor in Tampa, FL
Darryn Stephen is a Senior Mortgage Advisor with Smart Home Loans (NMLS #2664300), helping buyers and homeowners across Tampa and Hillsborough County.
A lot of my recent closings have been in the Tampa Bay area, including buyers who were selling one Tampa home and buying the next at the same time. I’ll keep both sides moving, and keep you, your agent and the title company on the same page.
- Florida-licensed
- NMLS #2664300
- Serving Tampa
- Hillsborough County
How I help Tampa home buyers and homeowners
Every situation is different. Programs, terms and approval depend on your finances, the property and lender guidelines.
Buying a home
Clear pre-approvals and plain-language guidance from first conversation to closing day.
Refinancing
Exploring whether a refinance makes sense for your goals, including removing an ex-spouse from a loan after divorce. Not legal advice.
VA loans
Helping eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses explore VA home loan options.
First-time buyers
Walking you through each step so you know what to expect before you start touring homes.
Down payment assistance
Florida, county and local programs can help some buyers. Eligibility, limits and funding vary.
Self-employed buyers
Income is documented differently when you own a business. I’ll explain what lenders may ask for.
Buying a home in Tampa
Tampa is the hub of Hillsborough County and of Tampa Bay, and its neighborhoods are very different from one another, from bungalows near downtown to newer suburban homes up north.
South Tampa neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Palma Ceia and Davis Islands sit close to the bay, so flood zones and insurance are a big part of the conversation. Older homes there often need a four-point and wind mitigation inspection for insurance.
Seminole Heights and the neighborhoods along the Hillsborough River have historic bungalows and renovated homes. North of the city, Carrollwood, Westchase and New Tampa offer more suburban homes, many inside an HOA, with nearby Temple Terrace close to USF.
Selling and buying at the same time? Timing the sale of your current home with your new purchase takes coordination between two title companies. I’ve done it here recently and I’ll help you plan the steps.
Before mortgages, I spent years as a financial planner in South Africa, with a bachelor’s in business and a postgraduate diploma in financial planning law. I still look at a home loan as part of your bigger financial picture.
What clients say
Where do I even begin! From the first contact with Darryn he was informative, asked plenty of questions, was real and conservative with all the numbers to go through. Consistently reached out/checked in with us but never overbearing. Friendly, polite, and most importantly was available whenever we needed him or had questions that he would thoroughly break down for us if we didn't understand.
Overall at the end of closing on our new home he hustled, got documents prepared, clarified in depth and truly just worked hard to make us happy and get into a home we love within our budget. Truly worked his math magic and I cant express how grateful we are to have worked with Darryn.
Had an excellent experience from start to finish with Darryn. Very knowledgeable, responsive, and professional throughout the entire mortgage process. He took the time to explain everything clearly, was always available when I had questions, and made the process smooth and straightforward.
Also serving: Jupiter · Palm Beach Gardens · North Palm Beach · West Palm Beach · Tampa · Brandon · Riverview · all areas
Buying or refinancing in Tampa?
No pressure, just clear answers. Call, text or email me.
Ready to apply? Start at smarthomeloans.net.