Who qualifies
Built around how heroes actually get paid
24 hour shifts, overtime, differentials, BAH, summer pay schedules. Most lenders get nervous. I've been documenting this kind of income for 26 years.
Firefighters
Overtime, strike team and constant staffing pay, documented so it actually counts toward what you qualify for.
Firefighter home loans →Law enforcement
Police, sheriff's deputies, corrections and dispatch. Shift differentials, specialty and overtime pay counted right.
Police home loans →Paramedics and EMTs
Overtime heavy schedules and second jobs handled correctly, so your real income shows up on the approval.
EMS home loans →Military and veterans
Active duty, reserves, National Guard and veterans. VA loans with zero down, BAH as income and PCS friendly timing.
VA loans in California →Nurses and healthcare
Shift differential, per diem and travel nurse income, structured the way underwriters want to see it.
Home loans for nurses →Teachers and school staff
Ten month contracts, stipends and summer pay, plus California down payment programs for first time buyers.
Home loans for teachers →Current, retired and former heroes all qualify. Not sure about your role? Just ask me.
Savings at closing for those who serve
Heroes who work with me save at closing on their home loan, whether you're buying your first home, moving up or refinancing. Ask me for the details on your scenario.
Run the numbers
What would your payment be?
Compare VA, FHA and conventional in seconds. When you're ready, I'll turn it into a fully underwritten approval so your offer is as strong as cash.
Hero Payment Worksheet
EXAMPLE NUMBERS · EDIT ANY FIELDEstimate only, 30 year fixed. Your actual rate depends on credit, loan amount and program. The example rate is not a quote. HOA not included.
Quick call
15 minutes, whenever works around your shift. Nights and weekends are fine. We talk goals, budget and which program fits.
Fully underwritten approval
Not just a pre-qual. Your file is reviewed up front, so your offer is as strong as cash and there are no surprises later.
Close with savings
We close on time and your savings are applied. I keep you and your agent posted the whole way.
About Christian
26 years helping the people who help everyone else
I'm Christian Alvarez, a mortgage consultant based in San Diego and licensed across California. I started Keys for Those Who Serve because a lot of my clients work nights, holidays and 24 hour shifts, and they deserve a lender who works around their schedule and gives something back.
My approvals are fully underwritten up front, I'm a VA loan specialist, and hablo español. Call or text me anytime.
Your service doesn't stop at 5pm. Neither do I.
Questions heroes ask me
Keys for Those Who Serve
Who qualifies for Keys for Those Who Serve?
Firefighters, law enforcement including police, sheriff's deputies, corrections and dispatch, paramedics and EMTs, active duty military, reserves, National Guard and veterans, nurses and healthcare workers, and teachers and school staff. Current, retired and former heroes all qualify. Not sure about your role? Just ask me.
Do I have to be a first time buyer?
No. Hero savings and my programs work for first time buyers, move up buyers and refinances.
Can overtime and shift pay count as income?
Usually, yes. Most programs want about a two year history of overtime, shift differentials or specialty pay, and it needs to be likely to continue. I know how to document it so underwriters count it.
Is a VA loan really zero down?
For eligible veterans and service members, yes, with no monthly mortgage insurance. There is usually a one time funding fee, which is waived if you receive VA disability compensation.
Can I use my hero savings with a VA, FHA or conventional loan?
Yes. The savings work alongside the loan program that fits you best, whether that's VA, FHA, conventional or a down payment assistance program.
Do you only work in San Diego?
No. I'm based in San Diego and help heroes buy and refinance all across California. Everything can be done by phone, email and e-signature, nights and weekends included.