My Story

Private lending and consumer bridge loan expert with 30 years of experience in real estate finance

Private money lending combines two of my passions: creative problem-solving and helping people.

In 1994 I wrote the first edition of my popular, self-published book “Mortgages: The Insider’s Guide,” and have been a subject matter expert quoted in the WSJ, SF Chronicle, LA Times, Washington Post, and more. I have helped my clients through over 2000 transactions, funding more than $1 billion in mortgage loans during thirty years in the mortgage industry. I work extensively for clients in every area of mortgage finance: those needing private money lending and bridge financing for residential and commercial properties; buyers of houses, condos and TICs; savvy real estate investors and developers; and residential and investment property owners refinancing, buying up, or buying down.

When I am not evangelizing about consumer bridge loans, I love being the patriarch of a growing extended family and blazing new trails in the hills of West Marin or stand-up paddling on Tomales Bay. A couple of years spent in India in my 20s gave me a taste for both religious philosophy and Indian food, and I can still make a mean curry!

Ice-cream with a couple of the grandkids, Veda and Sienna.
Call me now. Or book a time on my calendar.
Richard is an expert in mortgages and financing. He is extremely knowledgeable about different financing options and is able to provide detailed information about what is available to his clients. He is very responsive by phone or email. He also provides a personal touch to the experience financing for a home.
Richard was instrumental in helping me purchase a house. He also came with me to do the signing at the close of the sale. I cant say enough about how passionate and experienced Richard is in his field.
Lisa Hartmayer
Nurse Practitioner, UCSF Medical Center
Richard is a rare find. His expertise regarding mortgages and real estate financing in general is super, as evidenced by his book and my personal experience. Combine that with his high level of professionalism and his style which includes humor, sensitivity and passion for delivering the best service and the best possible deals, and you have the kind of person that I truly value doing business with. I have consulted with Richard over many years on a wide variety of real estate transactions and his insights have been invaluable, while he is also an absolute pleasure to work with. I trust him absolutely to always have my back and cannot recommend him more highly.
Jon Leland
B2B Marketing
Richard did an incredible job helping me purchase my first home. He was easy to work with – giving a clear list of information required and taking the time to explain things if needed, was quick – both with getting a last minute offer put together and working with a short close on the property I purchased, and was very responsive via email & phone. From start to finish everything went smoothly. I would highly recommend Richard to anyone. Thanks Richard!
Dan Wittmer
Software Engineer