A Lender I Actually Trust
Financing is where good deals fall apart. The house can be right, the offer can be accepted, and the whole thing still unravels if the loan side is slow, sloppy, or in over its head. So the lender I put in front of my clients matters as much as anything I do.
I work with Justin O'Donnell at CMG Home Loans. He has more than 20 years in mortgage banking, and I've watched him do the thing that actually counts: save a deal that was falling apart. When my own purchase in Northern Virginia hit an appraisal problem with a different lender, Justin stepped in and got it closed. That's not a hypothetical for me. It's the reason he's the first call I make.
- VA loans. Specializing in VA financing since 2002, with deep knowledge of entitlement, eligibility and loan structure—including the details many lenders overlook.
- Honesty and transparency. No sales pitch and no surprises. You'll understand your options, the numbers and what actually makes sense for you.
- Moving fast. When timing matters, Justin and his team know how to execute—including VA closings in as little as two weeks when the transaction allows.
- Communication. You'll know where your loan stands throughout the process. No chasing your loan officer and no wondering what's happening.
- Creative financing and problem-solving. From rate buydowns and seller-credit strategies to challenging scenarios, Justin finds solutions and structures the financing around your goals—not the other way around.
- Experience when it matters. With more than two decades in the mortgage industry, Justin knows how to anticipate problems, navigate them and get loans across the finish line.
With more than two decades in the mortgage industry, Justin has helped buyers throughout the DC Metro area and up and down the East Coast—from New Jersey to Florida, including Tennessee. He understands the unique needs of military families, relocations, first-time and repeat buyers, investors, custom homes and clients with more complex financing needs.
Justin stays involved from pre-approval through closing. Every pre-approval comes with a detailed cost estimate, and as you shop for homes, he’ll run numbers on as many properties and scenarios as needed so you understand the payment and cash required before making an offer. He also keeps clients informed on rates and market changes throughout the process.
His experience goes well beyond traditional mortgages, including VA, construction and renovation loans, bridge financing, DSCR and investor loans, bank-statement programs, HELOCs and home-equity financing, along with creative strategies for more complicated situations.
Above all, Justin believes in honesty, transparency and communication. You should always feel comfortable shopping your loan—but if you want an experienced lender who answers the phone, knows the market, runs the numbers, and treats your transaction like it matters, Justin is who I recommend.
Jon Weintraub and Justin O'Donnell have a paid co-marketing relationship. This is not a condition of any real estate transaction.