Stone Merton, mortgage loan officer, smiling in front of a home

I became the loan officer I wish I had.

When we bought our own home, nobody explained anything. I decided nobody I work with should be left in the dark.

Stone Merton and his wife, Devonna, smiling together on a lakeside walk

Why I do this

When my wife and I bought our house, we felt like we were doing it on our own.

Our loan officer wasn’t any help. Instead of guiding us, they made us feel stupid, and we were left to figure it out ourselves.

We didn’t know where our money was going or what to expect for the cost of everything. We didn’t know how our debt-to-income ratio was being calculated. Nobody told us what to look for, what everything meant or what all the fees were. We were in the dark for the entire process, and it was a real struggle.

That’s why becoming a loan officer was the best thing I could have done. I became the loan officer I wish I had: someone who explains where every dollar goes, what to expect to pay, how your debt-to-income is calculated, what each fee means and what to look for, so you’re never left guessing.

Devonna and I know what it’s like to be on the other side of the table. If you feel like you’re in the dark, that isn’t on you. No question is too small, and you’ll never be made to feel stupid for asking it.

What that means for you

First-time buyers first

Nobody is born knowing what escrow is. I start where you are, explain each step before it matters, and never make you feel behind.

Manual underwriting

If you don’t have a traditional credit score, or your history is thin, some programs let a person review your whole file, including rent and utility payments.

Credit-improvement pathways

If you aren’t ready today, you leave with the general steps, a timeline and a reason to keep going. I don’t offer credit repair services, and I’ll be clear about what I can and can’t do.

Down payment help

I look for assistance that may fit your situation, including the Chenoa Fund and SHIP. Eligibility and availability vary by program, location and borrower.

Want a loan officer who explains everything?

Start your application, or book a free call and see how I work.

Not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines.

Keys in hand

Real clients, real closings. Every one of them started with a first conversation.

“Great experience , long hours of support, sometimes after hours ,question's always answered, 7 days a week always there for me ! I would refer to all my friends.”
Antonio Camelo · Read all reviews
Stone Merton with two clients holding up the keys to their new home
Stone Merton with two clients at their closing
Stone Merton with clients in front of their new home
Stone Merton smiling with a client outside after their meeting
Stone Merton with a family at closing, holding a giant key

Where I work

Based in Middleburg, helping buyers across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.

  • Middleburg, FL
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Orange Park, FL
  • Fleming Island, FL
  • Green Cove Springs, FL
  • Clay County, FL
Jacksonville skyline at night across the St. Johns River
A historic house in Middleburg, Florida
A water taxi on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville
The John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge crossing the St. Johns River in Jacksonville

Area photography, credited below.

Let’s talk about your home.

Ready to move forward?

Start your application online. It takes about 10 minutes.

Not sure where to start?

Book a free, no-obligation call. Bring your questions.

Not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines.

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