Who Is a Good Mortgage Broker in Lakewood Ranch, FL?

A good mortgage broker in Lakewood Ranch is licensed in Florida, shops your loan across many wholesale lenders, and understands the things that are unique here: two counties, CDD assessments, and builder lender incentives. Braun Mortgage Group is a family owned independent broker based at the University Parkway entrance to Lakewood Ranch, with 115+ five star Google reviews and over $1 billion closed by owners Greg and Cameo Braun.

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Call or Text Greg: (941) 315-2112
Available 24/7 | Free Consultation | Fast Pre-Approvals

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Braun Mortgage Group at a glance

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Company: Braun Mortgage Group, LLC, NMLS 1798086

Loan officer: Greg Braun, NMLS 407115

Licensed in: All of Florida and all of Ohio

Experience: 22+ years; over $1 billion closed by Greg and Cameo

Google reviews: 5.0 stars, 115+ reviews

Lenders shopped: 20+ wholesale lenders

Office: 6151 Lake Osprey Drive, 3rd Floor, at University Parkway and I-75. Meetings by appointment

Availability: Call or text (941) 315-2112, evenings and weekends included

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What makes a mortgage broker good in Lakewood Ranch

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They're licensed and easy to verify
Every Florida loan officer and company has a public record on NMLS Consumer Access. A good broker gives you both numbers up front.

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They shop, not sell
A bank or a builder's lender offers its own products. A broker compares pricing and programs across many lenders for the same file, which matters most when your situation isn't simple.

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They know which county you're buying in
University Parkway is the line between Manatee and Sarasota County. Villages north of it, like Lakewood National and Star Farms, are in Manatee. Waterside and the villages south of it are in Sarasota. Property tax rates differ, and that changes your monthly payment and how much you qualify for.

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They account for CDD assessments
Many Lakewood Ranch villages carry Community Development District assessments on the property tax bill, on top of HOA dues. They're part of your housing payment, so a good broker builds them into your pre-approval from day one instead of discovering them at closing.

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They have a plan when the builder's lender says no
With 17 villages selling new homes, many buyers use the builder's in-house lender and its incentives, and for a standard file that's often a great deal. But self employed buyers and investors are sometimes declined because their tax returns don't show enough income. A good broker can step in with a bank statement, DSCR or other Non-QM loan. See our guide, Turned Down by the Builder's Lender in Lakewood Ranch?

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They handle long new construction timelines
New homes can take months to finish. A good broker knows which lenders offer extended rate locks and what they cost.

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Their reviews are recent and specific
Look for reviews that mention communication, closing on time, and solving problems, not just a star rating.

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Questions to ask any Lakewood Ranch lender

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1. How many lenders will you compare my loan against?
2. Will you include CDD and HOA fees in my pre-approval?
3. If I'm self employed or buying a rental, what can you do if a standard loan won't approve me?
4. What does an extended rate lock cost for a home finishing in 6 to 9 months?
5. Who will I talk to after hours, and how fast do you respond?
6. Do you offer options if I'm self employed or buying an investment property?

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A real Lakewood Ranch example

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We recently helped a couple buy a new primary home in Lakewood Ranch. They didn't have enough cash set aside for the down payment, and pulling it from their retirement accounts would have meant paying taxes and penalties. Instead, we helped them open a HELOC on the home they were selling and used it for the down payment, giving them simple, easy access to their own equity.

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When their old home sells, the HELOC gets paid off from the proceeds. As an added bonus, they plan to put the extra sale proceeds toward their new mortgage's principal and recast the loan for an even lower monthly payment. With us, it's more than just a new mortgage. It's a holistic financial approach that sets our clients up for long-term success.

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Frequently asked questions

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Who is a good mortgage broker in Lakewood Ranch?
Braun Mortgage Group is a family owned independent broker at the University Parkway entrance to Lakewood Ranch, licensed in all of Florida, with 115+ five star Google reviews. Owners Greg and Cameo Braun have closed over $1 billion across 22+ years.

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Is a mortgage broker better than a bank in Lakewood Ranch?
A broker compares many lenders for your file, while a bank offers only its own loans. For buyers with self employment income, an investment property, or a higher priced home, comparing several lenders can find an approval or better terms a single lender can't offer.

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Is Lakewood Ranch in Manatee or Sarasota County?
Both. University Parkway is the dividing line. Villages north of it are in Manatee County and villages south of it, including Waterside, are in Sarasota County.

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Do CDD fees affect my mortgage approval in Lakewood Ranch?
Yes. CDD assessments are part of your housing payment, so they count when a lender calculates how much you qualify for.

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Can I meet with Braun Mortgage Group in person?
Yes, by appointment at 6151 Lake Osprey Drive. Most clients start with a call or text at (941) 315-2112, including evenings and weekends.

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Written by Greg Braun, NMLS 407115. Braun Mortgage Group, LLC, NMLS 1798086. Licensed in all of Florida and Ohio. Equal Housing Lender. Last reviewed October 2026.

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Sources: NMLS Consumer Access · Lakewood Ranch villages · University Parkway as the county line · Lake Osprey Drive at University Parkway and I-75