Our Story

Mortgage Done Differently

Rates & Realty was built for borrowers who expect more — faster approvals, smarter tools, and loan officers who treat you like a person, not a file number.

500+Loans Closed
$150M+Volume Funded
21 DaysAverage Close Time
5.0 ★Average Rating
Who We Are

Built by Borrowers, for Borrowers

We started Rates & Realty after experiencing firsthand how broken the mortgage process could be — slow response times, mountains of paperwork, and loan officers who disappeared after the application was submitted.

Our mission is simple: use technology to make homebuying faster and less stressful, while keeping the human expertise that matters most when you're making the biggest financial decision of your life.

Speed Without SacrificePre-approval in 24 hours. Close in 21 days. No corners cut.
🤖
AI-Assisted, Human-LedOur AI tools help us serve you faster. Your loan officer makes the decisions.
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Radical TransparencyNo hidden fees. Clear explanations. You always know where your loan stands.
01
Founded on a Better Idea

We saw borrowers getting lost in the conventional mortgage process. We built a platform combining AI-powered tools with experienced loan officers.

02
Expanded Our Programs

We now offer 8 loan programs — from FHA for first-time buyers to DSCR and bank statement for investors and self-employed borrowers.

03
Growing Every Day

500+ closed loans and counting. Our team is licensed, experienced, and committed to getting your deal done right.

The Team

Meet Your Loan Officer

Licensed, experienced, and personally invested in your success.

RD

Rene Duarte

Mortgage Loan Originator

Rene Duarte is an Orange County-based Mortgage Loan Originator specializing in residential and investment property financing. With deep expertise in FHA, Conventional, VA, DSCR, and down payment assistance programs, Rene helps first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and real estate investors across California navigate the mortgage process with confidence.

NMLS License
#1795044
Serving
All of California
Specialty
OC + DPA Programs
📞 (714) 472-8508 📅 Book a Free Call ✉ rene@ratesandrealty.com

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© 2026 Rates & Realty · Rene Duarte NMLS #1795044 · Equal Housing Lender · NMLS Consumer Access