Your Local Quintessential Mortgage Loan Officer

Karina Castellanos

Team Leader
3 International Dr., Suite 205, Rye Brook, NY 10573
NMLS #225605

Contact

I’ll be with you every step of the way

Karina Castellanos also known as “KC” among her colleagues has been working in the mortgage industry since 1999, with over twenty years of experience, she has demonstrated to be not only a knowledgeable professional, but dedicated, organized, trustworthy, passionate, kind and a woman of faith. Who you want on your side!

Karina has worn many hats in the industry since she started her mortgage career, this have allowed her to view clients from a unique perspective and give her clients an upper hand when seeking the best possible mortgage solution for their situation.
KC, who is a native from Dominican Republic, is fluent in Spanish and has focused on helping the Spanish Speaking Community and others understand and achieve their American Dream. Her genuine goal to do the best for each client speaks for itself and have allowed her to stand strong thru the mortgage industry changes.

Karina Castellanos's Testimonials

Guides and resources

Homebuying Guide

Step-by-step process to getting the keys to your new home.

Mortgage Calculators

Step-by-step process to getting the keys to your new home.

Refinance Guide

Step-by-step process to getting the keys to your new home.

How much will my mortgage payment be?  

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.

  • Get pre-approved for a purchase
  • Get pre-approved for a refinance
  • Calculate equity for a cash-out refi

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.

  • Get pre-approved for a purchase
  • Get pre-approved for a refinance
  • Calculate equity for a cash-out refi

Want to learn more about our expert take on lower rates?

Inspiration for your home loan journey

Your Mortgage Expert

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. 

Frequently asked questions

How Much Home Can I Afford?

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.

What Documents Do You Need to Get Preapproved for a Mortgage?

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.

What is a good credit score?

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.

What is real estate investing?

Real estate investing means buying property to earn income, either from rent, resale, or both.

What are the main ways people invest?

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.

What loans do real estate investors use?

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.