Maria Pierotti
2 months ago
I had a GREAT experience with Omar. He was able to get the loan done quickly and efficiently. I would highly recommend him.


Access to 100+ wholesale lenders across Southern California. Straight answers from a broker with 15+ years of experience.
Qualify with bank statements, P&L, or 1099 income instead of tax returns.
HECM and jumbo reverse mortgages.
Purchase and refinance.
Quick Answer
Cascada Mortgage Advisors, Inc. (NMLS #2470941, CA DRE #02206556) is a licensed independent mortgage brokerage β not a direct lender β headquartered at 4025 Camino del Rio S, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92108. Founded by Omar Michel (NMLS #398944, CA DRE #02131389), the firm brokers FHA, VA, Jumbo, Conventional, DSCR, and bank-statement loans across all seven Southern California counties β San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Imperial β through a network of 100+ wholesale lenders. Its partner real estate division, White Water Real Estate Group, serves La Jolla, North Park, Bay Park, Chula Vista, and Tierrasanta.
β Cascada Mortgage Advisors, Inc.
Reviews are sourced from Google. Reviewers are not compensated. Individual results vary.
Maria Pierotti
2 months ago
I had a GREAT experience with Omar. He was able to get the loan done quickly and efficiently. I would highly recommend him.
Levi Renninger
2 months ago
Omar is the best and most dynamic mortgage broker in San Diego. He is highly knowledgeable, honest, and responsive. He truly always keeps his client's best interest in mind and continues to advocate for them throughout the process. After 18 months of looking for a refinance with > 4 different brokerage firms, Omar was the one to finally get the job done. He was able to use his network of banks to find the right match for me to refinance my mortgage despite the HOA having outstanding repairs necessary to balconies, which had been blocking me and anyone in my community from refinancing for the past 1.5 years. He is very personable and goes above and beyond, often answering outside of typical work hours which was never expected but appreciated. We secured a great loan for myself that almost sounded too good to be true, but with no catches. When interest rates drop 1% whether it is in 1 year or 10 years, Omar will be the first person I contact!
Diane Flood
2 months ago
Omar is one of the nicest men I have ever encountered. He is very respectful and is always there for me, even on weekends he will return my calls. I know I should not call him during the weekends, but he always makes everything easier on me when I am in a panic for whatever situation I am in. He makes everything 100% better. When I first got my reverse mortgage, Omar was on top of each and every detail and solved all my requests and concerns. He definitely knows how to sooth one's mind while in a panic. He always does for me. I highly recommend Omar as an advisor. Thank you, Omar you are, the best indeed. Fondly, Diane F.
Rachel Rosenthal
2 months ago
We had a great experience working with Omar to purchase our first home. As first-time homebuyers, we appreciated his knowledge of the market, current rates, and the entire mortgage process. He was always available to answer our many questions, explain each step clearly, and put us at ease throughout the experience. We would recommend Omar to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, responsive, and honest mortgage broker!
Michael Herrera
3 months ago
(Translated by Google) It was a pleasure working with you and having you guide us through the entire process. Your manner is always very friendly. 100% recommended (Original) Fue un placer trabajar contigo y que nos giaras en todo el proceso y tu trato siempre es muy cordial. 100% recomendado
Kensuke Yamamoto
3 months ago
This was my second time working with Omar, and once again, he exceeded my expectations. I chose to work with him again because of the excellent experience I had the first time, and he continued to deliver outstanding service. From start to finish, Omar was incredibly responsive, professional, and easy to work with. Whenever I had a question, he replied quickly and always took the time to make sure I fully understood the answer. What really sets Omar apart is how well he guides his clients through the mortgage process. He clearly explained each step, kept me informed about what to expect next, and made sure I always knew where we were in the process. Buying or refinancing a home can be overwhelming, but Omar made everything feel smooth, organized, and stress-free. He was also very efficient and kept everything moving forward without unnecessary delays. I truly appreciated his patience, attention to detail, and commitment to providing exceptional customer service. Itβs rare to find someone who is not only knowledgeable and efficient but also genuinely cares about making the experience as easy as possible for their clients. Thatβs why I came back to Omar a second time, and I wouldnβt hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a trustworthy, responsive, and dedicated mortgage broker. Thank you again, Omar, for another outstanding experience!
Lycia Rios
7 months ago
We had an excellent experience working with Omar for our HELOAN to secure the down payment on our second home. From start to finish, he demonstrated incredible knowledge and experience in navigating the lending process. He took the time to explain every detail clearly, answered all of our questions, and made sure we fully understood our options. What truly stood out was how committed he was to acting in our best interest as borrowers. He carefully evaluated different scenarios to ensure we were making the smartest financial decision for our family. We never felt rushed or pressured β just genuinely supported. On top of his professionalism, he is friendly, approachable, and easy to communicate with, which made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and manageable. We are so grateful for his guidance and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and trustworthy mortgage professional!
Antonio
10 months ago
Itβs hard to describe the experience my wife and I just had with Omar. In contrast to previous accounts with βprofessionalsβ he shined bright. The communication, consistency and patience he had for us in our situation, was an absolute breath of fresh air in a cut throat and unforgiving industry. If I could give him 10 stars I would.
Crrz99 C.J
11 months ago
Awesome person to work with Iβm grateful for helping me purchasing our first home :) Hope I can work again with you soon.
Iris Urvina
11 months ago
Omar is an exceptional broker who truly goes above and beyond. My sister and I were previously stuck in an unfair loan and felt discouraged, thinking we wouldnβt qualify for anything better given our financial situation. Omar took the time to carefully research our options and quickly found a solution that put us in a much better position. He made the entire process clear and stress-free, walking us through every question and detail. Even after closing, he continues to check in and guide us toward our future goals. Weβre extremely grateful for his support and expertise!
Patrick Yrigoyen
11 months ago
Working with Omar to purchase my first investment property was an absolute pleasure. The entire process was quick and painless, thanks to his professionalism and proactive approach. Omar asked for everything he needed upfront, which eliminated the usual back-and-forth and made the experience incredibly smooth. He kept us informed with timely updates and was always available to answer questions. One standout moment was when Omar flagged a property that was underinsuredβhis advice helped us avoid potential issues that could have surfaced down the line. That level of diligence and care truly sets him apart. If you're looking for a mortgage broker who is thorough, communicative, and genuinely invested in your success, Omar is the one. Highly recommended!
Juan Dario
11 months ago
Omar helped us with the purchase of our first home. He was very helpful every step of the way. Every question we had, he made sure to answer. Very professional, I would totally recommend. Very satisfied. Thank you Omar
Jorge Zambada
11 months ago
Great experience with Omar, very clear, always available for any questions, transparency of all payments, proactive when it comes to anticipating next steps. I strongly recommend Omar for your next home loan.
Amy Genao
1 year ago
Omar was referred to me from multiple friends as a top mortgage broker, and from our first conversation, I could see why. He listened to me patiently, asked insightful questions, and took the time to explain every detail in plain language. What really impressed me was how knowledgeable he isβnot just about mortgages, but the broader financial landscape. Omarβs approach is proactive, thorough, and refreshingly human as heβs genuinely invested in helping his clients succeed. Iβm grateful for his guidance and would wholeheartedly recommend Omar!
Lucia Alvarado
1 year ago
Omar Michel is an amazing mortgage loan officer. When I purchased my townhome as a first time buyer, the process was smooth from start to finish, and he was always available to answer all of my many questions without hesitation. Omar took the time to walk me through my options, offering great flexibility that made the experience stress-free. He worked hard to help me secure low rates, and I genuinely felt like I was in good hands the entire time. We still keep in contact, and Iβd recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and dependable mortgage professional.
Lizz Coble
1 year ago
Iβve worked with Omar multiple times, and he always goes above and beyond for my clients. He works hard to present them with different loan options so they can make the best decision for their situation. What really sets Omar apart is his availability and responsiveness. No matter the time or question, heβs always there to provide clarityβfor both my clients and me as their agent. His dedication, knowledge, and commitment to great service make every transaction so much smoother!
Monica Medina
1 year ago
Amazing! Omar Michel was extremely professional and helpful. He was very flexible and knowledgeable. He answered all my questions and took the time to research to provide the best outcome .I highly recommend Omar for all your important decisions.
Allan Balestrini
1 year ago
Omar is the best financial advisor, I highly recommend him! I got the house of my dream with the best interes rate because of his advices!
Tori Peck
1 year ago
Omar made everything so seamless and easy for me! There are many options when considering a Mortgage Advisor but choosing Omar is a no brainer. He is customer service at it's finest! He was able to find me low rates with lots of flexibility and his availability was endless! I highly recommend Omar Michel!
Yvonne Ramge
1 year ago
As a Realtor it is important to work with competent and trustworthy Mortgage Loan Advisors. I have worked with Omar Michel since 2012. Not only is he knowledgeable with every mortgage product/program he is always responsive and professional. I reccomend Omar to anyone looking to purchase or refinance their property!
Araceli Lopez
1 year ago
Omar was an absolute pleasure to work with for my mortgage loan. He was patient, courteous & very knowledgeable. He explained my options to acquire the best low rates. He was flexible with my capabilities & always available for my questions. I highly recommend him & have already put him in contact with some of my friends.
Sven M
1 year ago
I have been working with Omar since I bought my first home in 2009. He helped answer all my new homeowner questions. He was patient and responsive throughout the whole process. The reason I keep going through Omar for refinancing and new mortgages are his low rate options. He always has great advice and locks in the rate when you are comfortable. Thank you for helping me through all the years and transactions.
Diego Luna
1 year ago
Omar has shown me He is an incredible person to work with. He is able to provide me with many options of low rates for mortgages. I appreciate that when I have a question he is quick to respond back with the answer that I am looking for. I highly recommend Omar, for anyone looking for a reliable loan.
TeslaFanatic1614
1 year ago
Omar is super flexible, he met us on our terms, helped us get the lowest rate and close the deal in record time, his flexibility helped close a complicated deal in a timely manner
Jennifer Delacruz
1 year ago
I have worked with Omar a few times on refinancing my home. He has been constantly available and Iβm made to felt like Iβm his only client. I trust his knowledgeable expertise, and I will always have the lowest rates and the best personalized service. I recommend Omar hands down to my friends and family.
Jonathan Zavala
1 year ago
Cascada Mortgage Advisors provided an exceptional experience from start to finish! They offered a wide range of options, ensuring I found the perfect mortgage to meet my needs. Their team demonstrated incredible flexibility, tailoring solutions that worked with my financial situation and timeline. I was particularly impressed by their availabilityβthey were always ready to answer my questions and guide me through the process. Plus, they secured incredibly low rates, saving me money in the long run. I highly recommend Cascada Mortgage Advisors to anyone looking for professional and reliable mortgage services!
Daniel Laguna
1 year ago
Working with Omar was an incredible experience. As a first-time homebuyer, I was both nervous and admittedly a bit needy throughout the process. Omar and his team were patient, understanding, and incredibly supportive every step of the way. He provided me with plenty of options tailored to my needs, offering the flexibility to choose what worked best for me. His availability to answer all my questions (and there were a lot!) and his ability to find me low rates made the entire journey much less stressful. I couldnβt have asked for a better guide through the mortgage process. Iβm so happy to see him running his own brokerage now, and I wouldnβt hesitate to work with him again. Five stars all the way! This version highlights your personal experience and makes the review feel more genuine. What do you think?
Sara I. Sandoval
1 year ago
I have had the pleasure of working with Cascada Mortgage, specifically with Omar Michel, the owner, on three separate loans so far. The reason I keep going back to Omar is his ability to find the best interest rates and loans for my needs. Omar and his staff are very knowlegeable when it comes to the current mortgage market and are always readily available to ensure every step of the loan process is correct and secure. I appreciate their flexitility and availibility while processing my loan requests. I highly recommend Cascada Mortgage Advisors, Inc, for all of your mortgage needs.
David B
1 year ago
Omar is amazing!!! He is so responsive and attentive! Very knowledgeable and gives weekly updates. He's so patient and explains the entire process step by step . He is my go to guy with any loans. I highly recommend him ! ββ β β β.
Alex Z
1 year ago
I highly recommend Omar Michel. Heβs helped me on numerous mortgage loans and all my clients love him. Heβs always available to take my calls and breakdown the process in simple terms. My clients choose to work with Omar, because he always has options for them and give them low rates, which most others cannot compete with.
Case studies
A condo refinance had been blocked for 18 months by outstanding HOA balcony repairs after the borrower worked with more than four other brokerages.
Cascada matched the borrower with a lender from its wholesale network whose review process fit the property and HOA circumstances.
The refinance closed.
Anonymized. Results vary.
Lower your monthly mortgage payment, reduce your interest rate, or access cash from your home equity. Our San Diego refinance experts compare 100+ lenders to find you Competitive Rates and terms in Southern California.
View today's competitive mortgage rates for San Diego County and Southern California home loans. Compare fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, VA, and jumbo loan rates updated daily for local homebuyers and refinancers.
Get personalized answers to your California home loan questions from experienced San Diego mortgage advisors. We specialize in complex scenarios, self-employed borrowers, and unique financing needs throughout Southern California.
Access 100+ lenders offering conventional mortgages, FHA loans, VA financing, jumbo loans, and specialized programs for Southern California homebuyers. Whether you're purchasing your first home throughout San Diego County, refinancing to lower your rate, accessing home equity, or consolidating debt, our local mortgage advisors will find the perfect loan solution tailored to your financial goals.
Conforming financing for move-up purchases, second homes, and rate-and-term or cash-out refinances. San Diego County's 2026 high-balance limit is $1,104,000 for a one-unit property.
Exclusive 0% down payment home financing for veterans, active-duty military, and eligible spouses. VA loans offer competitive rates with no private mortgage insurance (PMI) required. Honor your service with the best California VA loan benefits available in San Diego and statewide.
Convert California home equity into retirement funds with no required monthly mortgage payment; borrower must continue paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues (if any), and maintaining the home. Proceeds are generally not considered taxable income; consult a tax advisor. Available for homeowners age 62+ in San Diego and across California. Remain in your home while accessing cash for retirement, healthcare, or daily living expenses.
Government-backed mortgages for eligible California primary residences with down payments as low as 3.5%. FHA guidelines may accommodate qualifying credit scores starting at 580, subject to lender requirements.
Alternative home financing for self-employed borrowers, business owners, and unique income situations in California. Non-QM mortgages offer flexible documentation using bank statements, DSCR, or asset verification instead of traditional tax returns.
High-value financing above San Diego County's $1,104,000 high-balance ceiling for the region's premium real estate market. Competitive rates and flexible terms for La Jolla, Del Mar, Coronado, Rancho Santa Fe, and other luxury California neighborhoods.
Run the numbers instantly β adjust the sliders and see results update in real time.
Example rate for illustration only. Not a quote or current pricing. See Today's Rates for the latest index averages. Reference date: October 16, 2026
Example only. Assumptions: home price $500,000, 20% down payment, 30-year fixed term, 7.294% example rate, 740+ credit score. Figures as of October 16, 2026 and subject to change. APR is not shown and will differ from the interest rate. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to lender approval.
Estimated Monthly Payment
$2,741
Example rate for illustration only. Not a quote or current pricing. See Today's Rates for the latest index averages. Reference date: October 16, 2026
Example only. Assumptions: loan balance $400,000, current rate 7.000%, new example rate 7.294%, 30-year fixed term, 740+ credit score, no cash out. Figures as of October 16, 2026 and subject to change. APR is not shown and will differ from the interest rate. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to lender approval.
Monthly Savings
-$79
-$28,599 over 30 years
Example rate for illustration only. Not a quote or current pricing. See Today's Rates for the latest index averages. Reference date: October 16, 2026
Example only. Assumptions: annual income $120,000, monthly debts $500, down payment $50,000, 30-year fixed term, 7.294% example rate, 740+ credit score. Figures as of October 16, 2026 and subject to change. APR is not shown and will differ from the interest rate. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to lender approval.
You Could Afford Up To
$692,183
Max payment: $4,400/mo Β· DTI: 49%
Example only. Assumptions: loan amount $80,000, HELOAN example rate 7.50%, HELOC example rate 8.75%, 15-year term, 740+ credit score, 80% combined loan-to-value. Figures as of October 16, 2026 and subject to change. APR is not shown and will differ from the interest rate. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to lender approval.
HELOAN saves you more
$106,183
less total interest
Need more advanced tools? Try our full Blended Rate and VA IRRRL calculators.
An independent broker can compare multiple wholesale lenders and loan programs, while a bank offers its own available products.
Serving his hometown of Tierrasanta, San Diego County, and throughout Southern California, Omar provides a holistic and comprehensive approach to help homebuyers and homeowners make better decisions, saving them both time and money. Mortgage planning is not just quoting rates. There is an art to engineering a loan structure that's designed specifically for each client's goals and objectives.
With access to 100+ wholesale lenders serving the San Diego area and Southern California, and collaboration with your sphere of influence, you and your clients can compare service, rates, and strategies tailored to the local real estate market.
Omar Michel
Independent Mortgage Broker
NMLS ID# 398944
CA DRE # 02131389
www.nmlsconsumeraccess.orgLicensed in CA and FL

Download expert guides to help you make smarter decisions β whether you're buying, refinancing, or self-employed.
See how much you could save by refinancing at today's rates with our easy-to-read comparison report.
The exact documents and steps self-employed borrowers need to get approved β no guesswork.
Get notified when rates go down
Contact us today for a free consultation. We're here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect mortgage solution.