Our Commitment to Excellence
The B.E.S.T. Oath
“BEST” is the acronym behind Stairway Mortgage’s employee oath and email signature—an affirmation every team member is required to uphold. It reflects our culture and core commitment to personal responsibility, excellence, and spiritual integrity. Each employee signs this oath, and it is included in their email signature as a daily reminder of who they are and what they stand for.
B
Believe &
Build
We believe in your future and build relationships that honor your vision.
E
Empower & Embrace
We empower clients with knowledge and embrace every stage of the journey.
S
Seek &
Serve
We seek wise strategies, serve with compassion, integrity and care.
T
Trust &
Thrive
We honor your trust and commit to helping you thrive — wholly.
Meet our Founder
A Personal Mission. A Clear Philosophy. A Lifelong Partnership in Wealth.
Meet Jim Blackburn
Founder of Stairway Mortgage
Jim Blackburn is a mortgage strategist, real estate advisor, and financial educator with over two decades of experience helping individuals and families turn everyday real estate decisions into lasting wealth.
Jim’s approach isn’t about transactions — it’s about transformation. His mission is to guide people at every stage of their journey, using real estate as a tool to build legacy, purpose, and peace of mind — not just financially, but wholly: with clarity in their finances, confidence in their personal path, and alignment with their spiritual values.
Jim’s approach isn’t about transactions—it’s about transformation.
"Real wealth isn’t built by working harder—it’s built by working smarter, with the right strategy and the right guide.”
Stairway to Belief
You see what is when your eyes are open.
You see what’s possible when your eyes are closed.
But when your heart connects
to what you see with your eyes closed—
you become brave enough
to take one more step when your eyes open.
And that’s all it takes:
One more step.
One moment of belief.
One act of courage.
At Stairway, we believe you can climb as high as your vision dares to reach.
There are no ceilings here.
No rules that say you can’t.
Just the next step—and the one after that.
Whether you’re a client building your future,
or a partner building your legacy—
we’re here to remind you:
The staircase to your dreams is already built.
You just need to take the first step.
Then the next.
Then the next.
And we’ll walk it with you.
No limits. Only momentum.
Leverage Wisely. Grow Wealthy.
We believe wealth comes not just from money—but from how you leverage your time, relationships, and purpose.
At Stairway Mortgage, this principle guides every plan, every loan, every relationship.
We teach our clients how to leverage:
At Stairway Mortgage, this principle guides every plan, every loan, every relationship.
We teach our clients how to leverage:
More Than Business—A Life of Growth and Service
Jim is a husband, father, community mentor, and devoted learner. His values flow directly into the company’s mission to serve others through wisdom and love.
He’s passionate about:
- Faith and Spiritual Growth
- Personal Development & Leadership
- Fitness and Discipline
- Family Life and Legacy
- Giving Back through Mentorship and Education
STAIRWAY Value System
S
Spirituality (Faith): God at the center of everything we build
T
Trust (Relationships): Integrity and respect in all we do
A
Achievement (Career/Business): A culture of constant progress
I
Impact (Contribution): Helping others grow with us
R
Resilience (Meaning): Emotional strength and purpose through challenges
W
Wellness (Vitality): Balance, health, and alignment
A
Advancement (Growth): Continuous learning and improvement
Y
Yield (Finances): Building wealth with responsibility and wisdom
Jim’s Mission: Guiding Real People to Real Wealth
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, Jim sees your home as more than a purchase—he sees it as a pathway.
A pathway to:
- More freedom
- More knowledge
- More options
- And more purpose-driven impact
He’s not here for one loan—he’s here for your legacy.
100% Client Satisfaction
Real Comments, Real People
Hear From Some Past Clients of Our Founder
Patient, knowledgeable, and highly responsive mortgage team
Jim and his team are phenomenal! Very professional, they were patient with me, answered all of my questions, were willing to take the time to look at all options for me, and were very responsive. This team is organized and efficient! Thank you all very much. I will recommend you to my family and friends! Thanks again!
Tom Testa - via Facebook
Family Support Specialist at Health Connect America -
TENNESSEE
TENNESSEE
Difficult loan scenario closed in under 30 days
These guys are amazing! Great service and high level of professionalism! Jim's team took a chance on me although my situation was almost hopeless. They secured a loan for me (nobody else would do it) and they closed in less than 30 days! A billion thanks to everybody in the team... Jim, Olga, Jalissa, and Izabella, you guys are great!
Andreea Grigorie - via Facebook
Mathematics Teacher at School District 46
ILLINOIS
ILLINOIS
Smart, tenacious, and highly organized mortgage professionals
Can't say enough good things about Jim and Olga. They are a powerhouse couple: smart, organized, and TENACIOUS. I worked with Jim over two years ago on financing my main home. Just two months ago, his team contacts me about the amazing 30-year rates available in 2020. Every expectation I had was exceeded.
Michael Copenhafer - via Google
President & CEO at Rock Creek Software
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Begin Your Journey With a Guide Who Cares About Your Future