Music brought Paul to Nashville in 2001, but the spirit and people of the city have kept him here ever since. After completing a business degree at Bemont University, Paul spent the next several years working as a touring and recording musician for several major label acts. In 2008, he met and began working with Curb Recording Artist Lee Brice, an encounter that turned into a great and lasting career. The following 12 years brought with them some amazing opportunities to travel the world, perform on numerous TV broadcasts, and record hit songs including nine number one’s.
All that ended abruptly as 2020 and the Covid pandemic took hold and brought the entertainment, and especially touring, industry to a standstill. Paul saw that as a great opportunity, amidst the turmoil and fear, to take a chance and explore another dream he had always had: to help others achieve their financial goals.
Paul and his team at Preferred Rate see homeownership as one of the key elements to financial security. Regardless of what stage you are at in that process – first time homebuyer, considering rental properties, or seasoned investor; we have the advice, knowledge, experience, and products to help you achieve your goals. Our philosophy is that homebuying should be a fun and exciting experience. We spend the time making sure each buyer is informed, knows their options, the process, and walks into closing day confident and with a smile!
When he’s not in the office or on stage, Paul can usually be found kayaking, paddleboarding, or biking around Middle TN with his amazing wife Kirsten and 5 year old son Van.
2055 N. Mount Juliet Rd Ste 100
Mt. Juliet, Tennessee 37122
Branch License #2118991
Why work with me?
5.0/5 Rating
107 reviews
Real clients. Real results.
The experience working with Paul was excellent from start to finish. Paul explains loan terms thoroughly and is super proactive. We closed early on the home purchase, thanks to Paul and the team. Paul was able to customize the closing process and timeline and was quick to answer the phone when questions came up. He was proactive in monitoring interest rates and encouraged me to lock in a rate before rates went back up and helped me decide on a points buydown that made sense for me. During closing, Paul answered the phone right away when the title company had a question. Paul's solid attention to detail and responsiveness goes a long way. Work with Paul - you'll be glad you did!
Jess
The experience working with Paul was excellent from start to finish. Paul explains loan terms thoroughly and is super proactive. We closed early on the home purchase, thanks to Paul and the team. Paul was able to customize the closing process and timeline and was quick to answer the phone when questions came up. He was proactive in monitoring interest rates and encouraged me to lock in a rate before rates went back up and helped me decide on a points buydown that made sense for me. During closing, Paul answered the phone right away when the title company had a question. Paul's solid attention to detail and responsiveness goes a long way. Work with Paul - you'll be glad you did!
Jessica W
Paul made the experience as painless as possible. He was a pleasure to work with!
Andrew K
Paul was outstanding. Thorough, friendly and simply excellent at what he does. I highly recommend him.
Dennis W
Paul was seriously such a huge help throughout my entire home buying process. As a first time home buyer, I had tons of questions and there was never a time where Paul didn't have the answer or didn't have the time to get one. I can't thank the man enough for everything along the way and even after. Seriously, thank you, Paul. Extremely grateful!
Rainer S
Paul is an amazing help. We had some challenges at the very end and Paul worked hard with his great teammates to get us across the finish line. I highly recommend Paul and the entire team at PreferredRate!
Mark P
Paul Rippee is The Best Lender, Ever! He helped me get my credit where it needed to be and stuck with me (keeping me fully educated and informed along the way) until I finally closed on my home. He is top notch and I recommend him to everyone!
Lea F
Paul went out of his way on several occasions to take care of us. He communicated clearly and timely. Paul is great!
Michele R
Paul Rippee and Odysee were the best that I could ever ask for handling my refinance. They had everything. Transparency, patience, honesty, and they were able to get through every hurdle while making sure I understood every step along the way. THIS is the team you want. Give em a shout.
Joshua J
I want to express my deepest gratitude to Paul for the amazing support during our home buying process. As someone who is originally from overseas and still learning English, I truly appreciated Paul’s incredible patience, kindness, and the way he explained everything so clearly.He never rushed us and always took time to make sure we fully understood each step. His communication was not only detailed but also thoughtful, which made us feel truly supported and cared for. Paul went above and beyond to meet our needs.I highly recommend Paul to anyone looking for a lender who combines deep knowledge with genuine compassion. Thank you, Paul, for helping us through such an important moment in our lives!
Tatsuo S
Paul and the rest of the team were very helpful and efficient with the refinancing of our home loan. They answered all of our questions before we even asked them.
George D
The absolute best experience you could ever ask for! Informative, attentive, and just all around amazing!
Justin R
Paul really held my hand thru every step of the mortgage lending process, which I needed. I felt very supported and encouraged, and if there’s a “next time around” when I do this process all over again I wouldn’t hesitate to call upon him again.
Rachel S
I literally can't recommend Paul enough! From start to finish, he made the home-buying process clear and easy to understand. He was incredibly communicative, always available to answer questions, and went above and beyond to ensure everything went as smoothly as possible. His expertise, charisma and attention to detail truly set him apart. If you're looking for someone who will fight for you and make the most stressful experience of your life ACTUALLY enjoyable, look no further—he's the best! Literally an absolute gem.
Jamie S
I’m a realtor in Nashville, and Paul is my favorite lender to work with. He is an excellent communicator. I know that if I have a question he will be there to answer it at length asap! He works very hard to solve problems and gets deals to close even when they seem ill-fated. He goes above and beyond by calling listing agents to reassure them when I’m sending an offer. I’ve received many compliments from other agents and clients about how friendly he is. It’s not always easy to find people that are both amiable and smart in this business, but Paul Rippee fits the bill.
Lindsay B
My experience with Paul and the Preferred Rate staff was excellent. In the beginning I told Paul that the large numbers and percentages on the documents they sent me to review was overwhelming. Paul took the time to call me and walk me through every cent of that document and explain to me how it all was broken down. He was transparent and real with me across the board. I would recommend Paul and Preferred Rate to all first time home buyers and even those that are not buying their first house. The process was soo clean and clear and it made me feel at ease.
Miranda W
My experience with Paul and the Preferred Rate staff was excellent. In the beginning I told Paul that the large numbers and percentages on the documents they sent me to review was overwhelming. Paul took the time to call me and walk me through every cent of that document and explain to me how it all was broken down. He was transparent and real with me across the board. I would recommend Paul and Preferred Rate to all first time home buyers and even those that are not buying their first house. The process was soo clean and clear and it made me feel at ease.
Miranda W
Flawless experience! Highly recommend!
Patricia C
Superb service and expertise. Highly recommend.
Rob C
Couldn’t be more grateful for Paul! He is the best!
Megan A
Paul was a pleasure to work with and walked us through everything! He was very thorough and always had time to answer questions!
Kyle T
Everyone we worked with at Preferred Rate, most specifically Paul, was so incredibly kind and helpful. We were first time homebuyers so we had a ton of questions and Paul was always available to answer every single one. Whether through text, email or phone call, he was patiently there to lend a helping hand. Couldn’t recommend him enough!!
Haylee P
Paul is an excellent loan officer. I cannot say enough good things about him. He worked exceptionally hard to make sure I understood the ins and outs of my loan as well as offering up bits of helpful information on my rate and useful tidbits on the home buying process itself.I'm happy to consider him a friend, but he's a consummate professional on top of that. I was more than happy to work with him now and when the time comes, I'll be sure to work with him again.
Joshua D
Paul and his teamed performed they're job exceptionally well. They were always available to field my inquiry and responded with a quick response. The team's customer service level is extremely high. I will continue to his team for any future home loans.
Noel A
Paul and his team have been amazing to work with. They are very knowledgeable and go out of their way to give the best experience they can. I will be recommending them to my friends and family!
Jimmy B
Paul is an amazing, honest, and caring individual so it seems to be perfect that he is a mortgage officer. He has helped my family in more ways than I can count! He is so supportive, explains every document before signing, and is very honest about what he knows and what he doesn’t know. Paul was recommended to us by our real estate agent when my brother wanted to buy his house and he was the best! So fast forward to when I wanted to but my mother’s property, I immediately contacted Paul. We were stressed as to the many technicalities with buying my mother’s property but he brought in so many people to help that I trust him completely! My family and I are forever grateful to Paul!
Noura M
Paul was wonderful to work with - this was our first home-buying experience and he answered every question we had along the way (and we had lots). He was knowledgeable and professional, and was able to break down the more complicated steps of the process for us. We felt very taken care of and couldn’t recommend working with him enough!
Braydon W
Friendly team, really professionnal, we felt safe and well taken care of in the process of buying our first home !
Amelie D
Paul and Odysee made the process so smooth and easy. Their great communication, prompt responses and friendly smiles were key to my closing. I appreciate the way they respectfully communicated with everyone involved. Paul gets it done, a class act and a wonderful choice to work with on the purchase of your new home!
David L
Paul and his team were just the best in helping us obtain a loan and purchase a home! From initial contact with them in the beginning of December, to the closing on December 29th…professional, knowledgeable, friendly, all the way through! I highly recommend them for anyone needing a mortgage to purchase a home!
Timothy P
As first time home buyers, we shopped around a bit but nobody was as awesome as Paul. We had several questions and he was SO patient and knowledgeable. He walked us through each portion of the process step by step. We will definitely be recommending him to anyone in need of a home loan. Thanks a million Paul!
Jeffrey H
This was my wife and I’s second time working with Paul, and he exceeding expectations once again. He was patient and helpful considering different options with our loan, and was proactive in walking us through the process. Thanks to Paul we always understood the vital pieces of purchasing our home. On top of that, he’s a great guy and pleasure to work with. Highly recommend!!
Dylan W
Paul has now helped my husband and I purchase two homes and we truly couldn’t have done it without him. We are forever grateful for Paul Rippee!
Kristen P
We recently had the pleasure of working with Paul, and I must say that the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the very beginning, Paul displayed a level of professionalism and expertise that immediately put us at ease during what can often be a stressful process.Communication was a key highlight of our interaction with Paul. He was always prompt in responding to our inquiries, whether through email or phone calls. What truly set him apart was his ability to explain complex financial terms and concepts in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that we fully understood each step of the loan application process. This transparent communication style made the process smoother and instilled a sense of trust that we greatly appreciated.Paul's attention to detail was also remarkable. He meticulously reviewed all the documents and information we provided, catching even the smallest errors. This level of thoroughness showcased his commitment to ensuring accuracy and gave us confidence that our application was in capable hands.Furthermore, Paul demonstrated a deep knowledge of the lending industry and current market conditions. He provided valuable insights and guidance that helped us make informed decisions about our loan options. He was genuinely interested in finding the best solution for our financial needs rather than simply trying to close a deal.In addition to his professional qualities, Paul's friendly demeanor and approachability made working with him a pleasure. He patiently addressed all our concerns and was always willing to go the extra mile to ensure our satisfaction. This personalized approach made us feel like more than just a client; we felt like valued partners throughout the entire process.In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Paul to anyone seeking financial assistance. His exceptional communication skills, attention to detail, extensive knowledge, and customer-centric approach make him an invaluable asset. Paul turned what could have been a daunting process into a seamless and even enjoyable journey. We are truly grateful for his assistance and wouldn't hesitate to work with him again in the future.If you're looking for a loan officer who is not only skilled but also genuinely cares about your financial well-being, look no further than Paul. He's a true professional who sets the bar high for excellence in customer service.
Diana N
Paul was amazing and easy to work with. Made me feel like he had my interest at heart and was easy to communicate with. Will definitely try to work together again!
Martin Bonpane Dillingham J
Paul (and Christian) made closing on my loan a breeze. They kept me updated with timelines and all of the info that I needed to keep the process simple, smooth and on time. Highly recommend Paul for you loan needs!!
Christopher D
Paul made the mortgage process so easy and explained every step in the process along the way.Paul was responsive to all calls, texts and emails.We highly recommend!
Lisa S
Paul is so knowledgeable, helpful, and kind. So happy we chose him and preferred rate to fund our loan!
Jordan S
We had the best experience working with our lender, Paul. From start to finish, he was incredibly helpful, thorough, and patient throughout the entire process. Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but Paul made everything so much easier by walking us through each step and making sure we understood all of our options. His team was just as amazing — especially Odysee! She was always on top of everything, quick to respond, and so supportive during the moments we needed reassurance the most. Their communication, guidance, and dedication truly made all the difference. We couldn’t be more grateful for Paul and his team. Thanks to them, we’re officially in our new home and couldn’t be more excited! Highly, highly recommend! 🏡✨ - The Sherman’s
Elise P
Paul came highly recommended from a good friend and I cannot express how thankful I am for the referral. I was very unfamiliar with the home buying process and Paul was very knowledgeable and helped with all of our questions and even worked with our busy schedules. I cannot thank you guys enough!
Desiree G
Had a great experience w Paul and Preferred Rate! Paul walked us through all the details and options of our refinance, and was always patient and accommodating. Felt like we not only had a guide through the process, but an advocate as well. Thank you Paul and PR!!!
Dylan W
Had a great experience w Paul and Preferred Rate! Paul walked us through all the details and options of our refinance, and was always patient and accommodating. Felt like we not only had a guide through the process, but an advocate as well. Thank you Paul and PR!!!
Dylan W
Paul is as good as they come! Honest, kind, and trustworthy.
Luke S
Paul is the best. He is easy to work with and he spent countless hours working and explaining to us how the process works. This was incredibly helpful as first time homebuyers. Along with all of this, he is super responsive. If we had any questions or issues he would respond as soon as he can and would not hesitate to hop on a call with us at a moment’s notice. We will be using Paul and American Pacific Mortgage for any of our future financing needs.
Izaak G
Paul was extremely helpful. He was always available to take our calls. He also answered all of our questions and as first time homebuyers we had a lot! Great experience
Shane C
Loan Programs
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DSCR Loans (Investment Loans)
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1% Home Loan Program
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Conventional Loans
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Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
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Refinance Loan
Supporting veterans and families with VA home loan options and resources.
VA Loans
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USDA Loans
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FHA Loans
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Low Down Payment Loans
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HELOC Loans
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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
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Manufactured Home Loans
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Condominium Loans
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Medical Professional Loans
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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
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Bridge Loans
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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
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Reverse Mortgages
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Seller PreLock Program
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Pathway DPA Program
Rhyze HELOC
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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?
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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?
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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.