Your In-House Lending Advantage
Partner with Novus Home Mortgage for faster closings, better client communication, and exclusive down payment assistance programs. We're here to help you close deals and serve your clients better.
Your In-House Lending Advantage
Having Novus Home Mortgage as part of Winslow Homes gives you a competitive edge that independent agents simply don't have. Your clients benefit from seamless coordination, faster underwriting, and a lender who understands your market and your clients' needs.
Faster Closings
Because Novus is in-house, there's no back-and-forth with an external lender. Underwriting moves faster. Issues are resolved immediately. Your transactions close on time.
Better Communication
You know who to call. Ryan and Megan are accessible. No hold times or transferred calls. Direct communication means fewer surprises and happier clients.
One-Stop Shop
Your buyer gets real estate and mortgage from one brokerage. Aligned incentives. Coordinated marketing. No conflicts. Everyone wins together.
Competitive Advantage
When competing for listings, you offer something other agents can't: a lender your clients can trust who works with you. This difference closes deals.
Why In-House Lending Wins
Here's what the data shows about the power of partnering with an in-house lender versus competing with external lenders:
Lead Conversion Rate
Agent-referred leads convert at 15-25% funded rate.
vs. 2-4% for leads from paid media. In-house lending = trust and speed.
Days to Close
In-house lenders close in 30-40 days.
vs. 45-60 days with external lenders. Speed matters in competitive markets.
Deal Rescue Rate
Novus resolves 80%+ of underwriting issues without killing the deal.
External lenders often deny. In-house finds solutions.
Client Satisfaction
Coordinated real estate + lending = higher satisfaction scores.
Clients feel supported from listing to closing.
Novus Home Mortgage Overview
Novus Home Mortgage is a federally licensed mortgage lender authorized to operate in all 50 states. This isn't a state-limited broker. This is a full mortgage lender with the licensing, capital, and infrastructure to serve your clients anywhere.
Novus NMLS Number
6606
Ryan Winslow (Loan Officer)
NMLS 2426605
Megan Winslow (Loan Officer)
NMLS 2692933
What this means for your clients: Federal licensing means regulatory oversight, consumer protections, and the stability to fund loans in any market. Your clients are working with a lender backed by serious capital and compliance infrastructure. Tell them they're in good hands.
Loan Products Available
Novus offers every loan type your clients need. Don't assume a client doesn't qualify until you talk to Ryan or Megan. Below are the products we regularly fund:
Conventional Loans
Fixed and ARM options. 3% to 20% down. Competitive rates. Fast underwriting.
FHA Loans
3.5% down. Works for first-time buyers and repeat buyers. Credit flexibility. FICO scores 580+.
VA Loans
Zero down for eligible veterans. No PMI. Dedicated VA loan expertise.
USDA Loans
For qualifying rural properties. Zero down. Competitive rates for rural buyers.
Jumbo Loans
Loans above conventional limits. Portfolio lending. Higher-value properties.
Investment Property
15% to 25% down. Rental properties. Fix-and-flip financing available.
Renovation Loans
FHA 203(k) and conventional renovation loans. Buy and upgrade with one loan.
Bridge Loans
Sell your old home while buying new. Bridge the gap with speed and certainty.
When you refer a client, ask Ryan or Megan what's possible for their situation. Novus has flexibility on credit, income, and scenarios that big banks don't. Don't assume. Call and ask.
Down Payment Assistance Programs
Many of your buyers think they can't afford a down payment. They're wrong. State and local DPA programs can cover 3% to 20% of the purchase price. Novus is federally licensed and handles DPA programs in all 50 states, not just our service areas. This opens doors for buyers everywhere.
Florida Down Payment Assistance
Florida Dream Program (Home Financing Programs): Up to 20% down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. Income limits apply. Available statewide with funding for FL counties.
Hometown Heroes Program: Assists teachers, police, firefighters, and healthcare workers with down payment assistance and favorable loan terms.
Florida Assist: Additional DPA for qualifying borrowers with focus on underserved communities.
Local County Programs: Most Florida counties (Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Duval, Orange, Pinellas, and others) have their own DPA programs. Assistance ranges from 3% to 15%. Income and purchase price limits vary by county.
Massachusetts Down Payment Assistance
MassHousing Loan Programs: Mortgages with down payment assistance from 3% to 10%. Income and area median income limits. Popular for first-time buyers across MA.
ONE Mortgage Program: Streamlined DPA with flexible underwriting for first-time and repeat buyers.
Soft Second Program: Seller-funded second mortgage combined with first mortgage for total down payment assistance.
City of Boston DPA: Boston has its own DPA program with up to 10% assistance. Works with conventional and FHA loans. Affordable for Boston homebuyers.
Community Development Programs: Many MA municipalities partner with nonprofits for DPA. Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, and other cities have localized programs. Check your area.
Connecticut Down Payment Assistance
CT CHFA Programs: Connecticut Housing Finance Authority offers down payment assistance from 3% to 10%. First-time homebuyers and repeat buyers. Statewide availability.
CHFA Homebuyer Bond Program: Tax-exempt bonded financing combined with DPA for affordable rates.
Local Initiatives: Municipalities like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport have neighborhood-specific DPA programs. Targeted for urban revitalization and affordability.
Employer Programs: Some CT employers and unions offer DPA benefits. Check if your buyer's employer has partnerships.
Rhode Island Down Payment Assistance
RI Housing Programs: Down payment assistance from 3% to 8%. Conventional and FHA eligible. Income and purchase price limits apply.
RIHousing DPA Initiative: First-time buyer focus with additional assistance opportunities for underserved borrowers.
First-Time Buyer Focus: RI prioritizes assistance for first-time homebuyers. Most programs require first-time buyer status. Repeat buyers may have limited options.
Your Action: When you have a buyer with limited down payment funds, call Ryan or Megan and ask about DPA in their area. Novus handles DPA nationwide, so even if your buyer is outside FL, MA, CT, or RI, Novus can explore options. This is a deal-maker for clients who need help with the down payment.
The Referral Process
Here's exactly how to refer a buyer to Novus and what happens at each step:
Get Pre-Approval
Direct your buyer to www.winslowloan.com to complete the application, or have them call 386-690-5858 to speak directly with Ryan or Megan. Pre-approval takes about 10 minutes online.
Confirmation Within 24 Hours
Ryan or Megan reviews the application, orders credit report, and verifies income documents. They call your buyer with a pre-approval decision. Most get approved same-day or within 24 hours.
Pre-Approval Letter
Pre-approval letter is sent to your buyer and to you. This is your ammunition in competitive offers. Buyers with pre-approval letters are stronger in the market.
Joint Client Meeting
Arrange a call or meeting with you, your buyer, and Ryan or Megan to align on timeline, loan product, and any special needs. Direct communication builds confidence and sets expectations.
Coordinated Updates
Once an offer is accepted, Ryan or Megan provides regular updates on inspections, appraisal, underwriting, and any conditions. You stay in the loop. No surprises.
Clear to Close
When all conditions are cleared, closing is scheduled within 3-5 business days. Ryan or Megan coordinates with title company and closing attorney. Your buyer signs docs and gets keys. Deal closed.
What Your Buyer Needs to Provide: Recent pay stubs, last 2 years tax returns, bank statements, employment verification, and government-issued ID. Having these ready speeds the pre-approval process.
Co-Marketing Opportunities
Novus partners with you on marketing. Together, you build your brand and reach more buyers:
Co-Branded Open House Materials
Create flyers and sign riders that feature both your name and Novus. Include Ryan or Megan's contact info on materials. Buyers see they get agent + lender under one roof. This positions you as the complete solution.
Joint Open House Events
Novus can attend your open houses to talk lending with buyers. Have a loan officer on-site during your events to answer financing questions, do quick pre-qualifications, and start conversations with prospects.
Joint Social Media Campaigns
Share Novus loan tips, down payment assistance info, and buyer success stories on your social media. Post about loan products and DPA programs. Tag Novus. Novus will amplify your content and co-post. More reach for both of you.
Homebuyer Workshop Partnerships
Host monthly or quarterly homebuyer seminars. You present on market trends and the buying process. Novus presents on loan products, DPA programs, and pre-approval. Build your buyer database and establish authority.
Lunch-and-Learn Sessions
Organize lunch sessions to educate clients on loan products, DPA programs, and market trends. Novus brings knowledge. You bring the audience. Generate qualified leads and position yourself as an expert.
Joint Email Drip Campaigns
Work with Novus to create email campaigns for your prospect list. Send educational content about down payment assistance, loan products, and market updates. Coordinate messaging. Track engagement and conversions.
Start the Conversation: Reach out to Ryan or Megan about marketing ideas. Novus is invested in your success. They want to help you build your brand and market your area.
Agent Training on Loan Products
You don't need to be a mortgage expert, but knowing these basics helps you match buyers to the right loan, have better conversations with lenders, and avoid surprises at closing.
How to Pre-Qualify Clients During Showings
Ask These Questions:
- How much cash do you have for a down payment?
- What's your credit score range (or when was it last checked)?
- How stable is your income (employee, self-employed, commission)?
- What's your timeline to close?
- Will you need help with the down payment?
Why it matters: This quick conversation tells you whether to send them to Ryan or Megan immediately or wait until they're more serious.
When to Involve the Loan Officer
Call Ryan or Megan immediately if:
- Buyer is serious about a property and wants to write an offer
- Buyer has irregular income, recent job change, or poor credit
- Buyer needs to buy and sell simultaneously (bridge loan scenario)
- Buyer wants to renovate or flip the property
- Buyer is an investor or purchasing for investment
- Buyer needs help with down payment or closing costs
How to Explain Loan Types in Simple Terms
Conventional Loan:
"This is the standard mortgage. You typically need good credit and at least 3% down. Rates are competitive. Most buyers use this."
FHA Loan:
"This is designed for first-time buyers or those with lower credit scores. You can put down as little as 3.5%. The trade-off is mortgage insurance (PMI), which costs more monthly. But it opens doors for buyers who wouldn't qualify for conventional."
VA Loan:
"If your buyer is a veteran, VA loans are gold. Zero down payment. No PMI. Better rates. It's a benefit they've earned. Always ask if they're eligible."
USDA Loan:
"For rural properties. Zero down. Designed to help rural communities. If your buyer is looking at farmland or rural property, USDA might work."
Red Flags That Indicate Financing Issues
- Buyer has no credit history: Call Ryan or Megan. Novus can work with thin credit files.
- Recent bankruptcy or foreclosure: Don't assume they don't qualify. Ask Ryan or Megan about wait times and conditions.
- Multiple recent inquiries on credit: Could mean they're desperate or have applied with several lenders. Coordinate with Novus.
- Buyer says they have cash but won't show bank statements: Red flag for sourcing. Ryan or Megan will need documentation.
- Employment is about to change: Tell Ryan or Megan immediately. Timing matters for underwriting.
- Buyer is self-employed or gets commission-based income: Expect longer pre-approval. Have them provide 2 years of tax returns.
How to Rescue Deals When Financing Falls Through
- Appraisal came in low: Call Ryan or Megan immediately. Options: renegotiate price, increase down payment, challenge appraisal, or find different property.
- Underwriting found an issue: Don't panic. Work with Ryan or Megan. Most issues are fixable with documentation. Rarely does an issue kill the deal outright.
- Buyer's credit dropped: Could happen if they made new debt after pre-approval. Ryan or Megan can discuss options like securing a co-signer or restructuring the loan.
- Buyer lost their job: Catastrophic scenario. But Ryan or Megan might explore alternative income sources (bonus, commission, rental income). Be transparent immediately.
- Seller won't accept the pre-approval timeline: Have Ryan or Megan provide expedited underwriting or clear-to-close timeline to make the deal more attractive to sellers.
Pro Tip: Ask Ryan or Megan to train your team quarterly on loan basics and market updates. The better you understand lending, the better deals you close and the fewer surprises at closing.
Understanding Appraisals and Deal Issues
Appraisals and underwriting issues are the most common deal killers. Here's how to handle them:
When Appraisal Comes In Low
What it means: The appraiser determined the home is worth less than the purchase price. Lender will only loan based on appraised value. Gap = buyer needs more cash.
Your options:
- Renegotiate the sale price down with seller
- Buyer increases down payment to cover the gap
- Seller brings cash to closing to cover difference (unusual)
- Challenge the appraisal with evidence of comparable sales
Call Ryan or Megan immediately when this happens. They'll advise on which option works best.
When Underwriting Finds a Problem
Common issues: Missing documentation, income verification gaps, credit inquiries, employment gaps, debt-to-income ratio too high.
What happens: Ryan or Megan calls with a list of conditions. Buyer provides documents. Usually clears within 3-5 business days. Rarely does this kill a deal.
Your role: Keep buyer calm. Encourage them to respond to conditions quickly. Work with Ryan or Megan to get everything submitted. Most deals recover from underwriting conditions.
Deal Recovery: Work closely with Ryan or Megan. Most deals that appear to be in trouble can be saved with proper coordination and documentation.
The Pre-Approval Process
Understanding how pre-approval works helps you explain it to your buyers and manage expectations.
Pre-Qualification
What it is: Initial conversation about your buyer's credit, income, and down payment.
How fast: Immediate. You can do this by phone with Ryan or Megan in minutes.
What you get: Estimate of buying power and loan amount.
Is it binding: No. Subject to documentation and verification.
Pre-Approval
What it is: Formal approval based on application, credit report, and income verification.
How fast: 24 to 48 hours in most cases. Same-day for simple profiles.
What you get: Pre-approval letter with approved loan amount and conditions.
Is it binding: Yes, subject to appraisal and inspection contingencies.
Pre-Approval Timeline with Novus
Day 1: Buyer completes application at www.winslowloan.com or calls Ryan or Megan at 386-690-5858.
Day 1-2: Ryan or Megan reviews application, orders credit report, and reviews financial documents.
Day 2: Ryan or Megan calls with pre-approval decision. Most buyers are approved with no issues. If there are questions, they ask immediately.
Day 2: Pre-approval letter is sent to buyer (and you).
Day 2-3: Buyer is ready to make offers. You have a strong document to show sellers.
Tell Your Buyers: "You'll have a pre-approval letter within 24 hours. This letter tells sellers you're serious and you're ready to buy. It's one of the most powerful tools we have in a competitive market."
Communication & Updates
From pre-approval through closing, communication is key. Here's how Novus keeps you and your buyers informed:
Weekly Updates During Processing
Once a buyer is in processing (after offer accepted), expect weekly updates from Ryan, Megan, or the Novus team. You get status on appraisal, inspections, underwriting, and any conditions that need clearing.
Never wonder where you are in the process. Ask Ryan or Megan for updates. Response time is usually within 24 hours.
Your Role as the Agent
You're the connection between buyer and lender. Keep your buyer in the loop. When Ryan or Megan sends you an update, share it with your buyer. Coordinate with them on timeline and contingency removal.
If your buyer is anxious or has questions, encourage them to call Ryan or Megan directly. Direct connection with the lender speeds decisions and builds confidence.
Expected Timelines
Pre-Approval to Closing: 30 to 45 days is standard. Can be faster if no complications.
Appraisal: 7 to 10 days to order and complete.
Underwriting: 3 to 5 business days for initial review. Conditional approval usually comes within this time.
Clear to Close: Once all conditions are met, closing is scheduled within 3 to 5 days.
Complex Files: Self-employed, investment property, or low-credit buyers may take longer. Plan accordingly.
Quick Links for Your Buyers
Send your buyers directly to the loan application or visit our full mortgage site for product details and DPA programs.
Direct Contact: 386-690-5858 | ryan@winslowloan.com | megan@winslowloan.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I refer buyers outside our service areas (FL, MA, CT, RI)?
A: Novus is federally licensed in all 50 states. Ask Ryan or Megan. They can help your buyer even if they're outside our primary markets.
Q: What if my buyer is using another lender? Should I push them to Novus?
A: No pressure. But tell them about Novus's advantages. Faster communication with an in-house lender. Better coordination. Lower costs in some cases. Let them make the choice. Most buyers who learn about Novus switch over.
Q: How much will my buyer pay in loan origination fees?
A: Origination fees vary by loan type and borrower profile. Ask Ryan or Megan for a Loan Estimate once your buyer applies. Standard is 0.5% to 1.5% of the loan amount. Novus is competitive.
Q: What happens if underwriting finds a problem?
A: Ryan or Megan will call immediately and explain what's needed. Most issues are resolved with more documentation. Rarely does a problem kill the deal. Trust the process and work with Novus to clear conditions.
Q: Can we negotiate better rates with Novus?
A: Rates are determined by market conditions, loan type, and credit profile. Novus offers competitive rates. If a buyer has excellent credit or a large down payment, better rates may be available. Always ask Ryan or Megan.
Q: What if the appraisal comes in low?
A: Discuss with Ryan or Megan immediately. Options include lowering the offer, increasing the down payment, challenging the appraisal, or looking for a different property. They will guide you.
Q: Do investors and investment property buyers qualify easily?
A: Yes, but with stricter requirements. They need 15-25% down, strong cash reserves, and usually good credit. Rental income must be documented. Novus understands investor profiles. Tell them to call Ryan or Megan.
Q: Can Novus help my buyer with a contingent offer (need to sell first)?
A: Yes. Novus offers bridge loans for buyers who need to sell first. This gives your buyer buying power now and lets them use their current home sale proceeds for the down payment.
Q: What if my buyer gets cold feet about the loan?
A: Talk to them. Address concerns. Have them call Ryan or Megan. A conversation often resolves anxiety. They explain the process, timeline, and what to expect. Direct lender communication builds confidence.
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