Carrie Giammarino is a senior loan officer with 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, currently based in White Plains, New York. Her career began in 1995 after spending five years in advertising at Ogilvy & Mather, where she developed a strong foundation in customer service that continues to shape her client relationships today.
Over time, Carrie transitioned from mortgage banking to brokering, and much of her business now comes through referrals from clients and trusted partners. She places a high value on ongoing education and professional development, making it a priority to stay current with industry changes so she can best serve her clients. She is widely known for her strong work ethic, kindness, and nurturing nature, qualities that define how she shows up for every borrower.
Carrie believes in old-school values, being accessible, responsive, and genuinely invested in the people she works with. She still partners with the very first realtor she worked with in her first year in business, a testament to the lasting relationships she builds. For Carrie, connection and care are at the heart of her work, and they are what make her career so meaningful.
Step-by-step process to getting the keys to your new home.
Step-by-step process to getting the keys to your new home.
Step-by-step process to getting the keys to your new home.
What does this mean for you? Mortgage rates typically move in the same direction, although they aren’t tied directly to the Fed decision.
If you want to buy a home or refinance, understand your mortgage choices with a pre-approval. Getting ready now means you can move quickly when you find the perfect home or the rate that makes a refi work for you.
Want to learn more about our expert take on lower rates?
What does this mean for you? Mortgage rates typically move in the same direction, although they aren’t tied directly to the Fed decision.
If you want to buy a home or refinance, understand your mortgage choices with a pre-approval. Getting ready now means you can move quickly when you find the perfect home or the rate that makes a refi work for you.
Want to learn more about our expert take on lower rates?
Navigating the mortgage loan process is exciting – and easy – with the right home financing partner. When you work with Quintessential Mortgage, you’ll collaborate closely with a licensed mortgage loan officer. We want to make sure you receive a competitive rate, and a fast, simple experience. Why? Our goal is to be your m
Navigating the mortgage loan process is exciting – and easy – with the right home financing partner. When you work with Quintessential Mortgage, you’ll collaborate closely with a licensed mortgage loan officer.
Follow the 28/36 rule
Try to keep housing costs under 28% of your gross income and total debt under 36%. It’s not a hard rule, but it’s a solid guide when deciding your price range.
Buying a home should be exciting, and getting preapproved is just about clearly telling your financial story. When your documents are ready upfront, everything moves faster with fewer surprises and stronger offers. Having your income, assets, and credit info organized gives lenders a clear picture and saves you a ton of time and stress. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to make an offer.
A good credit score typically starts at 620 for conventional loans, while FHA and VA loans may accept scores as low as 500, though higher scores offer better terms. A strong credit score can help you secure lower interest rates, saving you significant money over the life of a home loan.
Real estate investing means buying property to earn income, either from rent, resale, or both.
Long-term rentals
Buy and rent on yearly leases for steady monthly income and long-term value.
Short-term rentals
Vacation rentals like Airbnb that can earn more during busy seasons but fluctuate.
Fix and flip
Buy, renovate, and sell for profit. Faster money, but higher risk and costs.
House hacking
Live in one unit of a multi-family property and rent the others to cover your mortgage.
Conventional loans
Good for long-term rentals with 15–25% down and fixed or adjustable rates.
DSCR loans
Based on how much rent the property makes, not your income.
Fix-and-flip loans
Short-term loans for buying and renovating properties quickly.
Bridge loans
Temporary loans to buy before selling another property.
