About Travis Saling, Independent Mortgage Broker (NMLS #299683)

Name: Take The Rate
Telephone: +16193933869
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.99

Nearly 20 years in mortgage, licensed in 10 states, and still the one person handling your loan from application to closing.

Travis Saling and his family at Disneyland

Travis & Family

Founder & Loan Officer · NMLS #299683

Nearly 20 Years in Mortgage, Starting at the Underwriting Desk

Travis started in mortgage in 2007 as a loan processor, then moved into underwriting, the desk where loans actually get approved or declined. He earned his loan originator license in 2011 and has been working directly with borrowers ever since. That underwriting background is his edge: he knows what an underwriter will ask for before your file ever reaches one.

Along the way he kept watching homebuyers get steered toward loans that worked better for the lender than for the borrower. Take The Rate is his answer: one licensed loan officer working as an independent mortgage broker, shopping multiple wholesale lenders and publishing real rates every morning instead of teaser rates.

Travis is based in San Diego, licensed in 10 states, and has helped hundreds of families finance their homes. He still handles every file himself: he personally reviews every application, compares rates from multiple lenders, and makes sure you understand every option before you decide.

"I got tired of seeing homebuyers get pushed into the wrong loans by lenders who prioritized their commission over the client's best interest. I started Take The Rate so every borrower, whether you're buying your first home, you're a veteran, you're self-employed, or you're an investor, gets the best loan for their situation, period."

Travis Saling, Founder

Our Approach

We do mortgage lending differently. Here's how:

📚

Education First

We explain everything. No jargon, no fine print tricks. You'll understand your loan options before you decide.

🔍

Radical Transparency

No hidden fees. We compare rates across multiple lenders and show you the total cost upfront so you can make the best choice.

⚡

Speed & Efficiency

Pre-approvals in 24 hours. Fast closings. We respect your time and move quickly without sacrificing accuracy.

🤝

Long-Term Relationship

We don't just close your loan and disappear. You can reach Travis directly anytime, even after closing.

By the Numbers

15 years of real results in mortgage lending

2007

In Mortgage Since

States Licensed

235+

Client Reviews

4.99★

Average Rating

24hrs

Pre-Approval Timeline

What Clients Say

Real feedback from real homebuyers

★★★★★

"Travis was incredible throughout our first-time home buying process. He explained everything clearly, found us a better rate than we expected, and made closing day so easy. Highly recommend."

, Sarah M., CA

★★★★★

"As a self-employed contractor, I thought getting a mortgage would be impossible. Travis specialized in bank statement loans and got me approved in 10 days. Professional, fast, and transparent."

, Mike D., OR

★★★★★

"I compared Travis's rate with my bank and saved $200/month. He answered every question, was patient with all my concerns, and I closed early. Best decision I made."

, Jennifer T., TX

G ★★★★★ Read Our 90+ Google Reviews

Licensed in 10 States

We serve homebuyers and refinancers across California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. If you're in one of these states, we can help.

California

Oregon

Nevada

Arizona

Colorado

Idaho

Florida

Texas

Tennessee

Washington

Common Questions About Take The Rate

Everything you need to know about working with us

Is Take The Rate a direct lender or mortgage broker? ▼

Take The Rate is the brand of Travis Saling, a licensed mortgage loan originator (NMLS #299683) with Answer Home Lending, Inc. (NMLS #2343805), a mortgage broker, not a direct lender. As a broker, we shop your loan to multiple lenders and programs to find you the best rates and terms available. This means you get access to more loan options than working with a single bank, often resulting in lower rates and better terms. We can compare conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, bank statement loans, and DSCR loans from different lenders so you always have choices.

How does Travis compare mortgage rates? ▼

Travis personally reviews your financial situation and compares rates from multiple lenders. Instead of just giving you one option, we present several scenarios so you can choose the mortgage that best fits your goals. We focus on the total cost over the life of the loan, not just the rate. We factor in closing costs, points, and your long-term plans so you understand the real impact of each option.

Can I work with Take The Rate if I'm in California, Oregon, Texas, Florida, or another state? ▼

Yes! Take The Rate is licensed in 10 states: California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. If you're in one of these states, we can help you with your mortgage. If you're outside these states, we may be able to refer you to a trusted partner lender we work with. Contact us to discuss your situation.

What makes Take The Rate different from a big bank? ▼

Unlike big banks, we provide personalized service from a real person, Travis, who knows your situation. We have access to more loan programs and flexibility. Big banks often use a one-size-fits-all approach; we customize every loan to your specific needs. You don't navigate phone trees or deal with loan officers who change. Plus, you're not paying for a massive corporate overhead. We can often offer lower rates because our cost structure is lean.

Does Take The Rate charge application fees? ▼

No hidden fees. We believe in radical transparency about all costs upfront. Any fees are disclosed clearly and discussed with you before you proceed. Our goal is to find you the best loan for your situation without surprise charges. We explain lender fees, origination fees, and underwriting fees upfront so you know exactly what you're paying.

How do I get started with Take The Rate? ▼

You can get started three ways: fill out our quick online form on our Apply page, call Travis directly at (619) 393-3869, or send an email to travis@taketherate.com. Each method gets you a personalized conversation. There's no credit check required to get started, and we'll respond within 1 business day with a rate quote and loan options tailored to your situation.

About Travis Saling, Independent Mortgage Broker (NMLS #299683)

Nearly 20 Years in Mortgage, Starting at the Underwriting Desk

Our Approach

Education First

Radical Transparency

Speed & Efficiency

Long-Term Relationship

By the Numbers

What Clients Say

Licensed in 10 States

Common Questions About Take The Rate

Ready to Work Together?