Independent mortgage broker · Licensed in California Derek Shao · NMLS 242117 · DRE 01358261 310-869-5678
Derek Shao

Derek Shao

Founder & Broker of Record

Twenty years arranging residential mortgages across California — 1,233 loans in 192 cities, most of them for repeat clients and the people they sent along.

NMLS #242117CA DRE #01358261Financial Dynamics, Inc. DBA Emory Financial

How I work

I still take every file myself. When you call, I answer — no call centre, no handoff to a processor you've never met.

Being independent means I'm not selling one bank's shelf. I shop the wholesale market across many lenders, compare the real pricing side by side, and place your loan where it genuinely fits. When one lender's guidelines don't work, I move the file rather than telling you no.

What I specialise in

  • Self-employed and business-owner borrowers whose tax returns understate their income
  • Jumbo and high-balance purchases across Los Angeles and Orange County
  • Multigenerational and family-money purchases, including co-signer situations
  • Deciding between a cash-out refinance, a HELOC and a fixed second lien
  • Condos with HOA complications, including pending litigation

Read the longer version →

“I've gone through two escrows with Emory Financial and both went without any problems. With Derek, everything couldn't have gone smoother.”
Garren W. — two purchases
“He offers very competitive rates, and he delivered what he promised — got me the loan on time before my escrow deadline.”
Erin L. — purchase
“He worked with us on two previous refinances and it helped us save a great deal of money.”
Andy P. — three transactions

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Track record

Years licensed
20
Loans placed
1,233
Total funded
$479M
California cities
192
Households served
648
Pre-approval turnaround
24–48 hrs

From Emory Financial's closed-loan records, 2011–present. Past results don't guarantee future terms.

Loans by region

San Gabriel Valley
441
Greater Los Angeles
252
Orange County
208
Inland Empire
152
Ventura & Santa Barbara
44
San Diego County
21