Your   homeownership journey starts here

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

NMLS: #227796

Vicky Howe-Orusa

Sr. Mortgage Advisor

There are only a few things people cherish more than their home. The home where Family and Friends gather. Where Love Grows. I have had the good fortune of helping thousands of families and individuals finance their homes throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana for more than 30 years.

If you are looking to purchase or refinance a home, let’s talk. I work hard to make it easy for you to make the best decision for your specific situation. I understand the credit process innately. As your advocate, I walk through each step of the process, from application to close. Seeing my customers receive the keys to their new homes is what makes this worthwhile.

Specialties: I especially enjoy guiding first-time homebuyers and Veterans through the mortgage maze. I have in-depth FHA and VA loan experience. To all my past and future Veteran clients: I salute you!

Licensed in:

IL and WI

Why work with me?

5.0/5 Rating

47 reviews

Real clients. Real results.

Vicky was great, and very helpful in all the process.In hard market times she was experienced and helped me get approved.Will use her service again in the future and recommend her service 💯

Chris H

This was the second loan i worked with Vicky to obtain. Like the first time, she handled so many difficult situations that came up and pushed right through them. She doesn't sit around and just wait for things to unfold, she steps in front of any issue and gets it done. Even when we thought the closing was going to be delayed, she pulled out all the stops and we closed as scheduled. I WOULD STRONGLY recommend Vicky for any financing needs.Chuck

Chuck

Everything was excellent, I couldn't have asked for more! Vicki did a fabulous job

Anthony Z

Excellent service responded quickly to all questions. Very professional and helpful throughout the whole process

Anthony M

Excellent service responded quickly to all questions. Very professional and helpful throughout the whole process

Anthony M

What a fantastic experience I had dealing with Vicky Orusa. she was extremely knowledgeable and could answer all of my questions in a timely fashion. Simply outstanding.

Tracy M

Vicky was amazing, there are no words to thank her and her team for helping us with this process. She was very helpful and professional. We wouldn’t have our home if it wasn’t for her.

Felipe C

Vicky was amazing, there are no words to thank her and her team for helping us with this process. She was very helpful and professional. We wouldn’t have our home if it wasn’t for her.

Felipe C

Vicky Orusa was absolutely a pleasure to work with. She's very knowledgeable, helpful and kind. I truly appreciated her response time, expertise and just great customer service. No question was ever too dumb for me to ask. She is truly great at her job and I would definitely recommend her to others. Thanks again!

pamela w

Our house closing was under severe stress and a very tight deadline. While many contracts took the better part of 6 1/2 weeks minimum to complete. We had 23 days! Vicky was outstanding at responding in a timely manner. We had everything in order on time and it was always because she knew who to contact, and what was coming next. Our timeline was narrowly met even though we were way ahead of the normal schedule. Talk about a squeaker. Thanks Vicky, you are the best!

Sean B

Vicky seemed to really care about insuring that we were successful in getting the financing that we needed. I was impressed with both her professional and friendly manner of getting things done!

Cheryl B

Vicky has helped us with our last 2 home purchases. She is very patient with our questions and super helpful/organized. Highly recommend!

Alyssa M

Vicky was the best! We were in contact a lot! Every time I had a question she got right back to me! She even worked nights and weekends to help us! We appreciate everything she has done for us!

Stacey D

Vicki was awesome such a great help !!!

Dawne P

Vicki was very helpful through the loan process. she kept me updated and kept me informed of any documents needed. She answered all my questions and concerns. I am a returning customer, I highly recommend her.

Margarita C

Loan Programs

1% Home Loan Program

Featured

Conventional Loans

Featured

Down Payment Assistance (DPA)

Featured

Home Renovation
HELOC Loans
Jumbo Loans
Low Down Payment Loans
Temporary Buydowns
VA Loans
Construction Financing
FHA Loans
Bridge Loans
Community Lending
Condominium Loans
First Responders – Nurses – Teacher Loans
Manufactured Home Loans
Reverse Mortgages
USDA Loans
Bank Statement Loans
Click n’ Close SmartBuy National DPA
DSCR Loans (Investment Loans)

Featured

Expanded Credit Loans
Expanded Income Loans
Loans for Foreign Nationals
Medical Professional Loans
Pathway DPA Program
Secure Lock Program
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.

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.

Frequently asked
questions

With short and easy to understand answers.

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next step?

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  • Competitive rates
  • Expert support
  • Easy process