We are Marissa French & Margo Krogulski, licensed mortgage loan originators in Knoxville, Tennessee powered by Preferred Rate. Since 2001, we’ve specialized in purchase loans for individuals who are first-time buyers, refinancing, relocating, investing, and more. Let’s make your next move a reality.
The entire group is professional and courteous with added Southern Charm!!!We enjoy working with this team.Thank you
Maria K
My Husband and I just purchase our new home through Marissa and Margo and it was the best experience, they explained everything and helped us till the end. I would SOOOOO recommend Marissa and Margo every time!!
Alexis B
They are amazing people to work with. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience through them with buying our home!
Tessa W
I call them "My Girls", and as a small business owner I high expectations for customer service. Everyone went above and beyond to make my home purchase and reality. I had many hurdles to get over, and with their direction I was able to do it33 days after contacting Preferred Rate I was closing. They were constantly in touch during the entire process. I never got to meet in person, but felt like we were friends by the time this was finished..I am forever grateful for their real commitment to make this happen for me.
Mary P
Great people to work with. They were there to answer all of our questions.
Carolyn H
I absolutely loved our experience with them. Communication was great and they helped us close as quickly as possible! I would recommend them to anyone!
Tessa W
There are no words to express on how much you ladies mean to my husband and I. Amy you are by far one of the best peeps a home adventurers could ask for. Thank you, ladies, for being there for us through all the trials and tribulations with this crazy adventure. YOU ARE TRUELY WORTH THE MONEY! LOL Good luck to you all and may God bless each of you this year. Love Sandra
Michael D
This was my second home purchase with the help of Marissa and Margo. The staff at Marissa and Margo kept me well informed of my progress and were extremely helpful in guiding me to complete my tasks. They were patient and encouraging when unexpected issues occurred in regard to navigating the needs of all stakeholders of the estate.
Ella W
Keep us informed, available to answer questions, feel they were looking out for us personally.
Pamela S
Kept my mind at ease throughout the whole process, made buying my home that much easier would definitely use them again.
Dawson C
Amazing as always! I will never use anyone else besides Margo for all of my home finance needs! ~ Amy Chamberlain
Amy C
The best in townBest it showBest in professional performance Best in relationship buildingBest at what they do.The best way to explain it is This company is the best.If you think buying a home is impossible Give this team a tryThey will make it happen if Special thanks to nicole she is the (best)Thanks sincerely The Alfords
Joshua A
Amazing!!!!! Very professional and helpful the entire process. Very informative and detailed
Adeline S
Wonderful experience, the entire staff worked so very hard for us. Had several last minute changes and they still managed to get everything done for us to close on time. Highly recommend them!! Kayley and Melissa were top notch!
Kimberly P
These girls are the best! Friendly, professional, thorough, and Ashley was so patient with my lack of computer skills. I would recommend them to everyone!
Roy B
The BEST OF Best!! Did awesome job helping my daughter purchase her first home!!! Thank ALL OF YOU for all you do!!!!❤️
Connie R
Marissa was fabulous. She went above and beyond for me and helped me get my loan approved/home of my dreams! 10/10 would recommend.
Leslie S
Communication, communication, communication. This is the most impressive yet offensive over looked aspect of the transaction. You excelled at making our communication the most important part of getting the loan done. We felt important and not just dismissed. On top of that you were able to meet an unbelievable deadline. Very impressed!!! You earned our business and any referrals that we have.
Tad D
I would never use anyone other than Marissa and Margo. They are truly second to none. Top-notch, first-rate, absolutely outstanding — the real deal in every sense. It is honestly hard to come up with enough words to describe how well they conduct themselves and how expertly they handle their business. Not only are they incredibly professional, creative, and adaptable, but they are also just genuinely good human beings. And their staff is equally impressive. Ashley Copeland and Brandi Dubois are both incredible as well — amazing people and true assets to the team. This group goes above and beyond, and I cannot recommend them enough.
Carl Y
We loved working with Marrissa. She was knowledgeable, courageous, caring and just plain awesome.
Phillip W
Marissa was extremely responsive to our questions and any concerns we may have had. Marissa was professional but warm and friendly at the same time. I highly recommend this awesome company.
Cathy D
I highly recommend Marissa and her group. They made the process less stressful and coordinated efforts across all parties involved. This helped us to concentrate on other areas of our move across country. They were actually fun to work with. Thanks again for all your help and support.
Cathy D
Everything was fine explained well and they took the time to make sure to answer any questions thoroughly.
Raymond W
What an incredible experience! This was our first home, and I can’t express enough positive things about this team. Margo, Kayley, and Nicole all went above and beyond. Kayley was incredibly responsive, supportive, and helpful throughout the entire process. Their communication was fantastic; they were always available and attentive. If Kayley didn’t have an answer Margo jumped right in. Thank you all so much for everything. I didn’t think it was going to be possible and with Margo’s guidance in the beginning she assured me it was possible, I am now a home owner!
Christina W
Great! We loved everyone. Marissa, Ashley, and everyone there.
Samuel B
Very communicative and efficient services performed for my first home purchase. Thank you!
Kyle G
Everyone I interacted with was so great! They maintained communication throughout the entire process from pre-approval to house hunting all the way through closing. As a first time homebuyer, the constant communication and encouragement was why I chose Marissa and Margo.
Mary S
I wholeheartedly recommend working with Marissa and the Preferred Mortgage team. My realtor connected me with Marissa, and I am so incredibly grateful she did. From the start, Marissa was responsive, knowledgeable, and committed to helping me understand every step of the process. She took the time to walk me through all my options and to ensure I felt confident in my decision. She, too, kept me focused on the fact that I wasn’t just securing a loan; I was trying to buy my dream home. As closing approached and unexpected challenges made timelines tight, Marissa and the team (especially Ashley) remained focused on finding solutions and keeping everything moving forward. When it mattered most, Marissa and Ashley went above and beyond to get us to the closing table on time and without issue. Thanks to their hard work, I was able to purchase my first home—my dream home.
Jacob K
From the first conversation I had with Marissa, where she scoped out the challenges I was facing, the goals I wanted to achieve, and my current ideas - to navigating the options available. She presented the clearest path forward, and helped me understand how to realize the objectives. Their team was amazingly helpful every step of the way through the process, and I'm grateful for the personal attention at every juncture. I couldn't recommend them more than this. Thanks again to Marissa and team!!
Andrew H
Communication is key to success. Every time I needed something they were quick to assist. I always received a response back quickly.
Selena B
Marissa, Ashley and Brandi done an amazing job from start to finish!! They truly made the process easy and answered every question we had! Would definitely recommend to everyone when buying a home!! These ladies have become more like family!
Mary H
Marissa and Margo are the absolute best in East Tennessee. Thank you so much, you guys are so wonderful and made the process so special for my family. Again thank you so much.
Jason D
Marissa and Margo were absolutely phenomenal during the entire home buying process. They made the whole process easy and answered questions we had very quickly. Everyone we talked to in the office is professional and personable.
Toby D
Marissa & Margo did a fantastic job with our loan. They were very informative, responsive and fun to work with.
Becky S
Very helpful and stayed in contact with us throughout our home purchase.
Michael B
Marissa and her staff were absolutely wonderful to work with from start to finish! They made the entire mortagae process easy and stress-free. Everyone was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely cared about helping is every step of the way. I would highly recommend Marissa and her team to all of my family and friends. They treated us like more than just clients- they made us feel like family and they have truly became our friends. We are so grateful for their hard work, support, and dedication. Thank you for making such an important milestone a wonderful experience!!
Mary B
Absolutely amazing. I felt supported through the entire process and couldn’t not have done this without Marissa and Ashley’s help. From initial pre-qualification to getting the loan funded, everything was consistently communicated and I felt like we were getting personalized attention and support through every step.
Kaitlin H
Very knowledgeable and easy to work with. She helped me get my VA loan and worked with me to get alk documents submitted for an early closing.
Jared R
Marissa and Margo made the process quick and simple. Friendly and courteous in every way. I would definitely recommend them. Thank you Patricia H.
Patricia H
Always on top of things, we loved Amy!
Patrick S
Marissa and her colleagues are very efficient, helpful, and accommodating. They clearly know the ins and outs of this complicated business. They are also very quick to respond when you need them.
Ryan M
Thank you for all your hard work. My wife and I appreciate you so much. You made this process so easy, we were lucky to have you.
Ronald L
Thank you for all you did for us. I would recommend using Marissa, she made a long ordeal (not her fault) pleasant. Thanks again!.
Carolyn L
Margo was great to work with! The process was efficient, thorough and smooth. Margo made buying our new home a breeze. Great company and great people!
Stephanie D
Everyone was great. They made it so easy to close on my 1st house!
Carrie K
They were very pleasant to work with on top of it at all times. Good on returning your calls. Very sweet care loving people I recommend highly!
Kim J
I feel that it went great you ladies are very knowledgeable and very professional at what you do which is to help people that may not be able to purchase a home if not for you ladies thank you and your entire office staff .
Danny E
Everyone did such a fantastic job every step along the way very happy with the choice I made to go with this team awesome work ladies THANK YOU!
Kenneth A
Thank you for helping us in our purchase of our new home. You always answered any questions Kenny called and ask you. We appreciate you!
Tracey A
Super easy to work with.Answered all my questions in a timely manner.Simple process
Jakob S
You were always there for me to assist me in my first home buying experience thank you very much for all your help .
Matthew G
Made the experience of buying our home as smooth as it could be.
Kristy R
They were wonderful to work with a pleasure. And made a stressful situation of moving easier. And kept us up to date on everything all the time. Would highly recommend them.
Tracy M
Marissa and the whole Team were great to work with! We closed on our first home with their guidance every step of the way!
Michele W
This is our second time acquiring a mortgage through Marissa and Margo. We came back to them because our experience the first time was stellar! They did not disappoint the second time around. If you want an efficient, uncomplicated, and smooth mortgage process, you want Marissa and Margo. Their team provides exceptional customer service, excellent communication and they are all super pleasant to work with! They will make sure you get the best possible interest rate and give reliable advice about lock-in timing. I recommend them without reservation. 5 star experience! And that’s really hard to find nowadays!
William C
This was a fantastic process. Being a first time homebuyer, I couldn’t be more happy with Margo and Marissa. They were straightforward and concise in explaining the process. I will definitely be recommending them to friends and family! Thank you guys!
Seth L
Loan Programs
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DSCR Loans (Investment Loans)
Featured
A stunning craftsman-style home featuring a welcoming porch, modern design, and the 1% Home Loan Program.
1% Home Loan Program
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Conventional Loans
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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)
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Refinance Loan
Supporting veterans and families with VA home loan options and resources.
VA Loans
A couple stands outside a new house, symbolizing rural homeownership with USDA loans.
USDA Loans
Happy couple discussing FHA loan options at home.
FHA Loans
Charming blue home surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for those seeking low down payment loan solutions.
Low Down Payment Loans
A charming two-story house featuring a spacious front porch, large windows, and a well-maintained lawn, ideal for HELOC loan considerations.
HELOC Loans
A smiling couple during a home renovation project, standing on stairs with construction supplies around them.
Home Renovation
Explore jumbo loan options for financing high-value homes like this beautiful property.
Jumbo Loans
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Bank Statement Loans
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Construction Financing
A charming manufactured home featuring a spacious porch and lush landscaping, ideal for comfortable living.
Manufactured Home Loans
Beautiful Victorian-style condominiums with intricate details and vibrant colors, perfect for condominium loan options.
Condominium Loans
Image of a smiling doctor holding a clipboard in a medical office setting. Perfect for promoting medical professional loan services.
Medical Professional Loans
A nurse smiling while holding a tablet, highlighting loan options for first responders, teachers, and nurses.
First Responders | Nurses | Teacher Loans
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Community Lending
Learn how temporary buydowns can lower your mortgage payments during the initial years of homeownership.
Temporary Buydowns
A contemporary two-story home with a spacious garage, perfect for real estate bridge loans and investment opportunities.
Bridge Loans
Modern house with landscaped yard and garden.
Expanded Income Loans
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Loans for Foreign Nationals
Simplify your home buying process with Preferred Rate's SmartBuy program.
Click n’ Close SmartBuy National DPA
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Expanded Credit Loans
Elderly couple discussing reverse mortgage benefits using a laptop at home.
Reverse Mortgages
A woman reviews her home sale options on a tablet in a bright, modern kitchen, highlighting the Seller PreLock Program benefits.
Seller PreLock Program
Spacious living room with contemporary furniture and a sleek kitchen setup.
Pathway DPA Program
Rhyze HELOC
Beautiful blue house featuring a secure lock program for enhanced home safety.
Secure Lock 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 and mortgage loan.
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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.
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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How fast can I get pre-approved?
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How fast can I get pre-approved?
Nulla ac nunc in ligula pharetra posuere. Vestibulum aliquam auctor nibh, non facilisis risus dictum at. Vivamus justo lacus, commodo vel congue suscipit, dignissim sit amet eros.
How fast can I get pre-approved?
Nulla ac nunc in ligula pharetra posuere. Vestibulum aliquam auctor nibh, non facilisis risus dictum at. Vivamus justo lacus, commodo vel congue suscipit, dignissim sit amet eros.
How fast can I get pre-approved?
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A contemporary living space with a gray sofa, decorative pillows, hanging pendant lights, and lush green plants, creating a comfortable and stylish en.