Mortgage Advisor

Stephen Melville Hardy

Mortgage Advisor NMLS# 2022636 Licensed in FL, IL and WI

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(224) 234-4950 [email protected]

339 N. Milwaukee Ave
Libertyville, IL 60048
Branch License #1963767

8500 Green Bay Rd.
Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
Branch License #1954810

About Stephen Melville Hardy

Your mortgage is personal, and I understand that.

Your mortgage is personal, and I understand that. Whether you’re looking to buy, build, or refinance your home, our experienced mortgage professionals are here to help. Here at Preferred Rate, we offer a variety of loan options that can help you achieve homeownership with the speed and service you deserve. Plus, as a mortgage professional, I am dedicated to finding the right loan with great rates, terms, and costs to meet your specific needs. Financing a home is one of the most significant commitments you will ever make - let me guide you throughout the entire loan process from application to closing and beyond. I look forward to putting our mortgage service to work for you! Your mortgage is personal, and I understand that. Whether you’re looking to buy, build, or refinance your home, our experienced mortgage professionals are here to help. Here at Preferred Rate, we offer a variety of loan options that can help you achieve homeownership with the speed and service you deserve. Plus, as a mortgage professional, I am dedicated to finding the right loan with great rates, terms, and costs to meet your specific needs. Financing a home is one of the most significant commitments you will ever make - let me guide you throughout the entire loan process from application to closing and beyond. I look forward to putting our mortgage service to work for you!

See my reviews
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We keep the mortgage process easy

Buying a new home can feel like everything at once: Exciting, overwhelming, stressful, and even emotionally taxing.

Whether this is your first home, your next home, or you’re thinking about refinancing, we’re ready to walk with you every step of the way.

  • Step 1 Connect with a Loan Expert

  • Step 2 Get Pre-Approved

  • Step 3 Make Offers

  • Step 4 Lock in your Preferred Rate

  • Step 5 Move in to your new home

  • Step 1 Connect with a Loan Expert

  • Step 2 Lock in your Preferred Rate

  • Step 3 Get your new loan approved!

Buying a new home can feel like everything at once: Exciting, overwhelming, stressful, and even emotionally taxing.

Home Loans

  • Fixed-rate Mortgages
  • Adjustable-rate Mortgages
  • Interest-only Loans
  • Jumbo Loans
  • FHA
  • VA Loans
  • USDA Loans
  • Reverse Mortgages

Speciality Products

  • Keys On Time Program
  • Secure Lock Program
  • Jumbo Investor Loan Programs
  • Peak Loan Program
  • High Balance Solutions
  • Jumbo Solutions
  • Home Ready
  • Home Possible Advantage
  • STaR Program for First-Responders
  • Doctor Program for Medical Professionals
  • Manufactured Housing Loans

See what Stephen's clients have to say

Tricia C

Was very helpful. My questions were always answered quickly and friendly. Went above and beyond for me. Truly appreciated.

Jul 27, 2022

Michael A

Steve is so great to work with! Very attentive, professional and caring. In working with Steve, I, along with a few of my clients, faced a mountain of information during the underwriting process and Steve was there every step of the way. Steve made sense of it all and got the job done in a timely manner; without the added stress that can go along with the process with other lenders. I highly recommend Steve for your mortgage, and refi, needs. ... Read More

Jul 13, 2022

TheMind-Eye C

Stephen Hardy's impeccable level of customer service should be taught to all mortgage people. He continually went above and beyond to make this grueling process a pleasure. At the beginning of my interactions with him I was hesitant, because my mortgage was fairly complicated, and I had previously had trouble getting one. However, Stephen changed my opinion right away. He not only took my calls at night and on weekends, but he also responded quickly to me no matter what I asked...even after the mortgage was closed. He did the hard work, saving me hours of time and spoon-fed small tasks so that I never felt overwhelmed. He provided options for me, so that I was able to make clear and informed decisions. If he couldn't answer something, he would ask a superior or colleague and get back to me. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking help in the mortgage field. ... Read More

Apr 08, 2022

Rudolph A

I would highly recommend Stephen Hardy at Preferred Rate to help you with a refinance loan! He is diligent, customer-service based, friendly, and will go the extra mile for a client. He came to my house to handle the paperwork (no, twice) so I didn’t have to travel anywhere. The process was so simple. Plus, he was able to save us so much money by finding us the best lender and rate. ... Read More

Mar 13, 2022

Terri A

I would highly recommend Stephen Hardy at Preferred Rate to help you with a refinance loan! He is diligent, customer-service based, friendly, and will go the extra mile for a client. He came to my house to handle the paperwork (no, twice) so I didn’t have to travel anywhere. The process was so simple. Plus, he was able to save us so much money by finding us the best lender and rate. ... Read More

Mar 09, 2022

A Google U

I'm so happy we had the opportunity to work with Steve. He made the process so easy for us in such a tight timeframe. We were buying and selling at the same time. He responded quickly with any questions or concerns we had. He was positive and helpful in every way! Thanks, Steve! ... Read More

Oct 26, 2021

A Google U

The mortgage process was very streamlined. Stephen makes sure to ask the right questions to collect the corret information to minimize underwriting time and headaches - will use him again for sure

Oct 26, 2021

Abbie R

I'm so happy we had the opportunity to work with Steve. He made the process so easy for us in such a tight timeframe. We were buying and selling at the same time. He responded quickly with any questions or concerns we had. He was positive and helpful in every way! Thanks, Steve! ... Read More

Oct 15, 2021

Rhett G

The mortgage process was very streamlined. Stephen makes sure to ask the right questions to collect the corret information to minimize underwriting time and headaches - will use him again for sure

Oct 15, 2021