Your   homeownership journey starts here

The mortgage process simplified.
Fast approvals, local experts, trusted results.

James L. Hope in professional attire, smiling for a business portrait.
James L. Hope, a trusted financial expert at Preferred Rate, providing personalized mortgage solutions.
Beautiful modern craftsman house with landscaped front yard and double garage.
A stunning modern craftsman-style house featuring a landscaped front yard, large windows, and a spacious double garage.

NMLS: #133349

James L. Hope

Branch Manager

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!

Licensed in:

PA, NJ and DE

Why work with me?

5.0/5 Rating

48 reviews

Real clients. Real results.

My boyfriend and I just recently purchased our first home. James Hope and his team walked us through the entire process. It could not have gone smoother! James took the time to explain each step to us, was always available to answer our questions, and communicated effectively with us and our real estate agent throughout the whole process. As first time home buyers, we went into this process very nervous and unsure of what it would entail. James and his team turned a stressful process into a smooth, trouble-free one! We felt very supported throughout. Our closing was on time and we were well prepared for it thanks to James’ instructions. I highly recommend him for any other first time home buyers, as he did a great job with teaching us what we needed to know. We had a very positive experience- I cannot thank James and his team enough!

Emily H

James Hope is the best.

Clarion I

James and his team made this experience quick and painless. They went above and beyond for us to refinance. Thanks again for your help.

Michael Z

We could not say enough about how GREAT of a service James provides! All thanks to him we got to settle on our first home! He genuinely cares and puts all of his time and hard work in making sure things go smoothly! He has numerous resources making sure buyers can settle confidently! We thank him for everything he has done for us and our first home. Highly recommend James to ANYONE looking to buy a house, you will love both him and the work he does for you!

Jaslexis M

I genuinely do not think my lending experience could've been better. James is extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and goes above and beyond to ensure his clients feel informed and confident in every decision along the way. Our loan process was so easy and stress-free, even with a less than 30-day window to closing. James and his team are truly an incredible asset to have on your side.

Casey M

We had a great experience working with Hope Mortgage Team to secure financing for our beach house. From start to finish, James and team were professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. They took the time to walk us through every step, answered all of our questions, and made the whole process easy. We highly recommend them.

Mindy R

My partner and I had such a wonderful experience working with James on buying our first home! Highly recommend!

Isabella R

James is organized, proactive, thorough, communicative, and present every step of the way!

Harley J

Buying a home is painful, or so I thought. James and his team made this a stressless process, were there at every turn, and literally answered allllll of our questions. I could not recommend Hope Mortgage with any higher regards. Especially if you want to enjoy yourself during the purchase of a new home.

Nicole Bair L

James Hope is absolutely amazing to work with! From start to finish he worked very closely with us and made the whole process extremely easy. He was always available for questions if we had any. I would recommend him to anyone!

Amanda E

James Hope is absolutely amazing to work with! From start to finish he worked very closely with us and made the whole process extremely easy. He was always available for questions if we had any. I would recommend him to anyone!

Amanda M

I had a wonderful experience. All my questions were answered. The communicated all the steps very well. They utilized an app, which was very helpful in collecting all documentation. I would use them again!

Emily R

Extremely helpful getting a mortgage and with moving through the home purchase and settlement process. I highly recommend them.

Pete S

Extremely helpful getting a mortgage and with moving through the home purchase and settlement process. I highly recommend them.

Pete S

Extremely helpful getting a mortgage and with moving through the home purchase and settlement process. I highly recommend them.

Pete S

James did a great job! He was accessible, paid attention to all the details and moved the process along.

Philip J

James did a great job! He was accessible, paid attention to all the details and moved the process along.

Philip J

James did a great job! He was accessible, paid attention to all the details and moved the process along.

Philip J

James Hope is just the best. We’ve worked with him multiple times and he provides a top notch service

Andrew M

Very knowledgeable, excellent responsiveness, good communication and follow up and follow through.Definitely would recommend.

A M

James and his team are very knowledgeable and they helped guide us through the process.

Steven I

Amazing service, exceptional communication, and extremely easy process! James walked me through the entire plan, and answered any question that may have risen. Being a 23 y/o first time homebuyer, I could not recommend James and his team enough! They are incredible at their jobs, and offer the best service when going through the home buying process.

Jon K

Amazing service, exceptional communication, and extremely easy process! James walked me through the entire plan, and answered any question that may have risen. Being a 23 y/o first time homebuyer, I could not recommend James and his team enough! They are incredible at their jobs, and offer the best service when going through the home buying process.

Jonathan K

James Hope and his entire team are the absolute BEST in the business. If you need guidance or have questions about the home buying process, you won’t find anyone more knowledgeable, friendly, or helpful than them. He looks out for his clients as if they are family and guides you every step of the way. My husband and I are eternally grateful for his help in buying our home and we couldn’t have done it without him. Our entire family will be using James and his exceptional team for all of our future home purchases.Quigs

Andrea C

Excellent work and professional service providedJames and his team is perfect

Divya P

James has supported me and several family members with all of our mortgage needs - he's amazing and I wouldn't use anyone else.

Ruth K

Excellent 👍👍 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bruce P

James was a huge help throughout the whole mortgage process! Very easy to work with! Dependable and reliable! Great at answering questions and keeping me informed throughout the whole process!

Madison M

We used James for our first home, and again for this home. He was excellent per usual! Was always quick to answer questions or jump on a call! Thank you James once again for killing the mortgage game!

Ashley B

I recently had the pleasure of working with James and the incredible Hope Mortgage Team for a mortgage refinance, and I couldn't be happier with the experience.James, in particular, went above and beyond to ensure I was well-informed and comfortable throughout the entire process. He patiently walked me through all my options, taking the time to explain each one in detail. This personalized approach made me feel valued as a client.What sets James apart is his commitment to serving his clients' best interests. His expert advice was not only insightful but also tailored to my specific financial situation. I felt confident in making decisions that would set me up for both short-term and long-term financial success.James and the Hope Mortgage Team exemplify professionalism and a genuine dedication to their clients. Thanks to their expertise, I can confidently say that I am now on a solid path to financial success.If you're looking for a team that prioritizes your financial well-being and provides top-notch service, I highly recommend James and the Hope Mortgage Team.

Chris P

The Hope Mortgage Team made the daunting task of being a first-time home buyer very easy. With everything being able to be done over the phone, it was extremely convenient. Most importantly, there were no hidden fees. Hope Mortgage Team gave us several different options for how the down payment would impact monthly payments. This information guided us to make the best decision for our financial situation. We will certainly be using them again in the future.

Douglas A

I have used the Hope Team for multiple transactions and have always been impressed with the knowledge that is clearly conveyed. James is transparent and able to explain not only mortgage strategies but big picture financial strategies in an understandable way. He and his team have been an invaluable help with each of my transactions and will be my first call for any future transactions.

Jeremy P

James and the Hope Mortgage team was fantastic with developing a position-to-win mortgage strategy tailored to our individual needs and identified short-term and long-term investment goals. James was patient and answered all of our questions clearly and with grace. His knowledge of the numerous mortgage products on the markets and ability to effectively communicate them to all audiences is unparalleled and ideal for any first-time home buyer. My wife and I look forward to working with James and his team again in the future when we’re ready to pursue our “forever home”. Thanks James and the Hope Mortgage team!

Ryan B

James and Samantha were amazing! They both made everything easy especially with my quick closing! Talked me through the whole process and made sure I understood what was happening! I would highly recommend them to anyone!

Victoria C

James and his team did a great job for me with my rental property mortgage. They are all very knowledgeable and couldn't have made the process easier for me than they did.

Clark G

James and his team were fantastic! This wasn’t our first home purchase, but this one was way better than our previous. James made sure we were informed, comfortable, and ready for this purchase. I will refer him to everyone I know. Thank you James and team!

Denis O

Jim is great people, beyond helpful, easy to work with, and was always there to answer my questions and hell me

Brian N

James with Hope Mortgage was incredible to work with. He was patient, thorough and there for me every step of the way. I've frequently said that without James, I would not have purchased my dream home. Thank you, James and the entire Hope Mortgage team!

Christine K

James was amazing to work with. He was there for me every step of the way. He was thorough, kind and patient. I would not have purchased my dream home without James's support. Thank you, James and the entire Hope Mortgage Team!

Christine K

Buying a home in today’s market is nothing less than stressful and beyond competitive, but having the right mortgage support and agent is key. If we didn’t have James, we would have been lost. James literally walked us through everything and was very realistic with the numbers; we were very up front about our financial goals and he was very much aligned. Finding a lender who is both realistic and supportive is incredibly rare because most lenders will just see you as a dollar sign and not a person. James reviewed our budget, long term financial goals, and walked us through all the steps to ensure that we were on the same page regarding down payment and mortgage payment. James is honestly someone who when you’re done doing business with him, you want to be his friend (yes, he’s THAT NICE of a guy) and truly has the heart of a teacher. James, you’re the best!!!

Elyse D

James Hope was the best. Every question was answered. His technical experience showed through every guided step. Thank you James!

Dan P

I can’t say enough good things about James and his team. As a Realtor myself, I not only confidently recommend him to my clients, but I also chose to work with him for my own personal home purchase, which says everything.James is incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and thorough. He takes the time to explain each step of the lending process in a way that feels clear and stress-free, both for buyers and for agents involved. My clients consistently feel supported and well-informed, and as an agent, I truly value how proactive and communicative his team is from start to finish.From preapprovals to closing, James and his team go above and beyond to make the process smooth and efficient. I trust him completely and will continue recommending him to my clients without hesitation.Highly recommend.

Madi Rice - R

I can’t say enough good things about James and his team. As a Realtor myself, I not only confidently recommend him to my clients, but I also chose to work with him for my own personal home purchase, which says everything. James is incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and thorough. He takes the time to explain each step of the lending process in a way that feels clear and stress-free, both for buyers and for agents involved. My clients consistently feel supported and well-informed, and as an agent, I truly value how proactive and communicative his team is from start to finish. From preapprovals to closing, James and his team go above and beyond to make the process smooth and efficient. I trust him completely and will continue recommending him to my clients without hesitation. Highly recommend.

Madison R

James has been fantastic to work with through my entire process. As a first time home buyer I had plenty of questions and they were all answered in a timely and orderly manner. All the way until closing, I received top tier support and would trust Hope Mortgage again

Andrew E

James was an absolute pleasure to work with. Always answering questions with extreme detail and extremely quick to respond. I would highly recommend James and will be definitely using the Hope mortgage team again!!

Braxton

Worked with James and his team on a purchase. No stress, simple and easy to work with and will be sure use him again in the future if need be.

David H

We had an excellent experience working with James Hope. From start to finish, James was knowledgeable, responsive and made the entire process smooth and stress free. James took the time to explain every step clearly and ensured we understood every question he answered. We felt supported and informed the entire time.

Patricia B

Loan Programs

Beautiful modern craftsman-style house with a landscaped front yard and garage.
A stunning craftsman-style home featuring a welcoming porch, modern design, and the 1% Home Loan Program.
1% Home Loan Program

Featured

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Man reviewing mortgage options on his phone in a cozy living room setting.
Conventional Loans

Featured

Comfortable living room featuring a fireplace, wall-mounted TV, and stylish decor for a welcoming ho.
A welcoming living room with a fireplace, wall-mounted TV, and elegant decor, ideal for relaxing and entertaining in a cozy home setting.
Down Payment Assistance (DPA)

Featured

Happy couple working on home renovation inside a room with construction tools.
A smiling couple during a home renovation project, standing on stairs with construction supplies around them.
Home Renovation
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A charming two-story house featuring a spacious front porch, large windows, and a well-maintained lawn, ideal for HELOC loan considerations.
HELOC Loans
Luxury home with a spacious driveway and well-maintained landscaping for jumbo loan financing.
Explore jumbo loan options for financing high-value homes like this beautiful property.
Jumbo Loans
Beautiful blue house with landscaped yard, ideal for low down payment mortgage options.
Charming blue home surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for those seeking low down payment loan solutions.
Low Down Payment Loans
Buydown mortgage rates with temporary payment reductions.
Learn how temporary buydowns can lower your mortgage payments during the initial years of homeownership.
Temporary Buydowns
Child on Veteran's shoulders with American flag, symbolizing VA loan benefits.
Supporting veterans and families with VA home loan options and resources.
VA Loans
Construction financing solutions for building your dream home or project. Expert guidance for seamle.
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Construction Financing
FHA loan approval process with Preferred Rate for homebuyers.
Happy couple discussing FHA loan options at home.
FHA Loans
Modern two-story house with garage, ideal for bridge loan financing.
A contemporary two-story home with a spacious garage, perfect for real estate bridge loans and investment opportunities.
Bridge Loans
Affordable community lending options for homebuyers.
Aerial view of a new residential property in a friendly neighborhood.
Community Lending
Colorful Victorian-style condominiums with detailed architecture and lush greenery.
Beautiful Victorian-style condominiums with intricate details and vibrant colors, perfect for condominium loan options.
Condominium Loans
Nurse smiling with tablet, promoting first responder loan programs.
A nurse smiling while holding a tablet, highlighting loan options for first responders, teachers, and nurses.
First Responders – Nurses – Teacher Loans
Beautiful manufactured home with a welcoming porch and landscaped yard.
A charming manufactured home featuring a spacious porch and lush landscaping, ideal for comfortable living.
Manufactured Home Loans
Senior couple exploring reverse mortgage options on laptop.
Elderly couple discussing reverse mortgage benefits using a laptop at home.
Reverse Mortgages
USDA loan approval process for rural home financing.
A couple stands outside a new house, symbolizing rural homeownership with USDA loans.
USDA Loans
Man using a laptop on a bean bag chair, promoting flexible bank statement loans.
Comfortable man working on a laptop at home, highlighting flexible bank statement loan options for homebuyers.
Bank Statement Loans
Home loan options for quick approval and competitive rates.
Simplify your home buying process with Preferred Rate's SmartBuy program.
Click n’ Close SmartBuy National DPA
Spacious living room with comfortable seating, large windows, and stylish decor.
A bright, inviting living room featuring a blue sofa, wooden chairs, and a fireplace with logs, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
DSCR Loans (Investment Loans)

Featured

Expanded Credit Loans living room with modern furniture and cozy decor.
Comfortable living room featuring yellow armchairs, a fireplace, and a flat-screen TV, ideal for home improvement financing options.
Expanded Credit Loans
Expanded Income Loans for Home Improvements.
Modern house with landscaped yard and garden.
Expanded Income Loans
Loan options for international clients seeking financial solutions.
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Loans for Foreign Nationals
Healthcare professional loan options for doctors and medical staff. Secure funding to grow your medi.
Image of a smiling doctor holding a clipboard in a medical office setting. Perfect for promoting medical professional loan services.
Medical Professional Loans
Preferred Rate Pathway DPA Program interior design.
Spacious living room with contemporary furniture and a sleek kitchen setup.
Pathway DPA Program
Secure lock program for home safety and security.
Beautiful blue house featuring a secure lock program for enhanced home safety.
Secure Lock Program
Seller PreLock Program for homeowners to secure home sale options.
A woman reviews her home sale options on a tablet in a bright, modern kitchen, highlighting the Seller PreLock Program benefits.
Seller PreLock Program

Refinance With Purpose

Every refinance starts with a goal. Whether you want to lower your payment, shorten your term, or access equity, we’ll build a strategy around
what matters most to you.

Consolidate Debt

Simplify what you owe. Use your home’s equity to combine high-interest debt into one  payment.

Lower Payments

Improve monthly cash flow. Even a small rate adjustment can create  savings over time.

Get Cash Out

Access equity with intention. Turn your home’s value into funds for renovations, education, retirement, or financial goals.

Change to Fixed Rate

Stabilize your payment. Move from a variable rate to predictable payments built for long-term planning.

Refinance VA Loan

Use a VA refinance program to improve your terms, access cash, or reduce your monthly payment.

Discover your home’s value instantly.

Get a personalized home value report powered by real market data. Track equity, explore trends, and stay informed about your property.

Home loan approval process with competitive rates at Preferred Rate. Secure your mortgage today with.
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Preferred Rate logo with financial graph and rate drop notification.
A logo for Preferred Rate featuring a financial graph and a notification about interest rate drops.

We'll watch the market for you

Set your target interest rate and we’ll notify you when it hits. No spam, just smart alerts.

Mortgage Calculator

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Information and interactive calculators are made available to you as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide investment advice. We cannot and do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regard to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes.

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