Raised in the rich agricultural region of the Central Coast of California, from Salinas to Santa Cruz, Maria developed a deep appreciation for helping hardworking, first-time homebuyers. Growing up surrounded by the “Salad Bowl” of the world, she witnessed the dedication of families, which inspired her own passion for assisting others achieve the dream of homeownership. An avid reader as a child, Maria’s love for learning carried her through her Economics studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and into her career as a mortgage professional. Her knack for navigating complex, ever-changing mortgage products and credit guidelines has been a key to her success. Family is central to Maria’s life. She has been married for 36 years and is the proud mother of two adult children—Damian, a saxophonist she humorously manages as a “Mamager,” and Danielle. Maria is also a devoted dog lover, with three dogs: Sebastian, Reese, and Hamilton. While her family isn’t quite ready for grandkids, Maria has been toying with the idea of adding another dog to the mix. Her mortgage journey began with her own desire to purchase a home, which led her to become a loan originator. Maria is passionate about educating homebuyers and sharing her expertise with clients and industry partners. What sets her apart is her empathy, industry knowledge, attention to detail, and her commitment to learning—qualities that ensure smooth and successful transactions for her clients.