For Those Who Solve, Teach, and Engineer the Future: We Tailor Your Mortgage Like You’d Tailor a Model
Engineers. Analysts. Professors. Scientists. Educators. We understand how your income, career path, and long-term goals differ — and we tailor your mortgage strategy accordingly.
Thoughtful Lending for Thought Leaders
Whether you’re in academia, research, engineering, or tech — we know your income may be stable but nuanced: grants, fellowships, equity, or project-based work all affect your approval.
We regularly assist:
- Tenured & adjunct professors
- IT consultants & coders with 1099 income
- Engineers & data analysts with variable bonuses
- STEM professionals relocating for new roles
- Grad students or researchers transitioning into careers
Lending That Works Like You Think
Strategic Programs for Complex Incomes
Why Academic & Tech Professionals Choose Stairway
A Mortgage Process That Respects Your Intelligence
- We don’t insult your intelligence with one-size-fits-all “bank scripts
- Clear, data-backed explanations at every step
- Support for complex employment structures (e.g. grants, W2 + 1099, teaching + consulting)
- Fast closing timelines for relocations or university appointments
- Advisors who listen first, strategize second
“I teach full time and consult part-time. Jim and his team understood my situation immediately and gave me three options with clear pros and cons.”
—Dr. Julianne C., Professor of Sociology
I’m paid partly from grant or fellowship funds. Will that hurt me?
Not with us. We know how to verify and structure academic income sources for lender approval.
I consult on the side — does that count as income?
Yes — and we’ll present it properly to maximize your qualifying power.
What if I’m relocating for a new teaching or tech role?
Offer letters and contracts can often be used as proof of income before your first paycheck arrives.
I have student loans — will that hurt my approval chances?
Not necessarily. We know how to calculate income-based repayment plans and deferments the right way to keep your ratios in line.
I’m on a visa — can I still qualify for a mortgage?
We work with lenders who understand work visas, OPT, H1-B, and can guide you through the documentation process.
I get paid on a 9-month contract — is that a problem?
Not with us. We know how to annualize your income properly so it doesn’t disqualify you with traditional lenders.
Meet Jim Blackburn
Academic & STEM Lending Specialist | Mortgage Strategist
You’ve spent your career solving problems and teaching others. We’re here to give you a mortgage process that speaks your language and honors your goals
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. 
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
