Strategic Lending for Those Who Keep Our Communities Strong
You serve the people. We serve you — with mortgage strategies that reward your commitment, responsibility, and long-term stability.
Lending Built on Trust, Stability & Service
Whether you work in law enforcement, city government, education leadership, or the federal system — your career deserves mortgage solutions that align with your dedication.
We serve professionals such as:
- Teachers, principals, and administrators
- Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs
- City, county, and federal employees
- Military-civilian contractors or VA workers
- Public hospital and utility workers
Smart Programs for Steady Careers
Why Public Leaders Trust Stairway Mortgage
 The Trust You Give, Returned
- We’ve worked with thousands of teachers, officers, and agency employees
- We understand union income, pension contributions, and tiered pay systems
- We handle the paperwork so you can stay focused on your role
- Options for first-time buyers and investors in the public sector
- We’re available outside 9–5 to fit your unpredictable schedule
“I’m a city firefighter with shift work and pension income. Jim’s team respected my time, handled every document, and made the whole experience stress-free.”
 — Ben R., Firefighter & Father of Two
Do I qualify for special public servant loan programs?
In many cases, yes — we identify and apply local, state, and federal benefits where eligible..
Can my pension or stipend income count toward qualifying?
Absolutely — we know how to properly document retirement or pension income.
What if I’m early in my career and have limited savings?
Many programs are designed for exactly that — including down payment assistance and no PMI.
Can I still qualify if I have student loan debt?
Yes — we understand how to navigate student loan guidelines and help you qualify even with existing debt.
Are there benefits available for teachers, firefighters, or healthcare workers?
Definitely — we specialize in programs specifically tailored for public service professionals like you.
Do I need perfect credit to be eligible?
Not at all — many programs are accessible even with less-than-perfect credit scores.
Meet Jim Blackburn
VA Loan Advisor | Veteran Advocate | Real Estate Strategist
You served our country. Now let us help you build wealth, stability, and freedom.
Don't Risk Losing The House Because You Weren't Prepared.
Winning offers are planned in advance, losing offers just failed to plan.
Beginning your preapproval process 60-90 days before looking at homes is the smart way to go.Â
100% Client Satisfaction
Real Comments, Real People
Hear From Some Past Clients of Our Founder
First-time home purchase and refinance with fast closing
Great customer service! We were living in California for 20+ years, and every year our rent went up, so we decided to move to Virginia and get our own house. Jim helped us with our very first home mortgage and constantly updated us with the lowering rates. After we were presented with different options, we decided to do a refi, and his team made it possible for us to grab the opportunity to shorten our term from 30 to 15 years at a much lower rate. In just around three weeks we were able to close. Me and my family will definitely recommend them!
Johnny Blan - via Facebook
Retired Investor -
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
Guidance through the purchase process with clear explanations
They worked with me on the purchase process. Their knowledge helped me to choose the option that was most convenient. From the beginning they explained the process. Thanks Jim!
Dayana Ruiz - via Facebook
Mortgage Loan Originator Columbus Capital Lending -
FLORIDA
FLORIDA
Investor-friendly lender who goes the extra mile
I'm an RE investor. Had multiple loan officers but one really stands out – JIM BLACKBURN. Now, he is working on a third deal with me. He does go the extra mile. A few examples from the past: I have tons of properties and live in China with unique income (he made it work!). He called me in China at 1 AM to get information to close the deal. He is super efficient with collecting the right documents upfront to avoid a lot of back and forth later with processors. You can't go wrong with Jim.
Dennis Nikolaev - Facebook
Studio Leader at APCE Dennis Studio -
CHINA
CHINA
