monroeteam@houseloan.com
719-310-5195
Karen Monroe
Buying a home or exploring a refinance? Connect with Karen to talk through your goals, ask questions, and explore your next steps.
Meet your loan officer
About Karen
After more than 30 years in the mortgage industry, Karen Monroe is both practiced in and passionate about helping people become homeowners. Her ultimate goal is to be her customers’ lender for life. She is fully invested in building lasting relationships, and has worked with customers and their referrals again and again over the years.
Karen started as a loan processor the week after her wedding in 1982, and served for 9 years in that role. Her wholehearted belief in the value of homeownership and her personal mission of helping others inspired her to become a loan officer in 1999.
Karen’s hands-on approach, attentive and caring service, and common-sense guidance are just some of the reasons both clients and industry peers are enthusiastic fans. She works closely with each customer to understand their financing goals and to recommend a mortgage plan that meets their short- and long-term needs. Plus, she’s accessible to her clients, staying in consistent contact during their financing transactions and long after to offer ongoing mortgage advice and trusted support.
The 15th of 17 children, Karen was born in Omaha and spent most of her childhood in Puerto Rico where her father was stationed. She relocated to Colorado in 1974 and has lived in the state ever since. In her spare time, she stays fit with weightlifting, kickboxing, karate, P90X, and Tae Bo. She also enjoys boating and relaxing on the beach. Karen’s favorite pastime, however, is family time; she delights in spending time with her husband and their two children.
What clients say about Karen
Tom and Karen were very helpful and communicative
My daughter and I worked with Cornerstone to secure a loan for my daughter’s first home - a condo in Denver. Both Karen & Tom Monroe went above and beyond to secure the best rate, and take care of the numerous details involved in the loan process for condos. We went under contract during a volatile time in the market when rates were fluctuating daily and Karen provided key advice and support as we determined when to float and ultimately when to lock in. Great communication with us on all the details needed to stay on track for closing and to understand all the cost estimates. I highly recommend Karen and Tom Monroe at Cornerstone Home Lending for your next purchase.
My experience with Tom and Karen Monroe was very smooth and effortless. I had a VA home loan processed and with anything with the government, paperwork and more paperwork. But, these two got me though this process. I worked with Karen at first, then with Tom after my offer was accepted. I sincerely appreciate their level of communication. Communication using all media - texts, e-mail and phone calls….effective!!!!! Thank you, Tom and Karen. :-) DC
Karen was great to work with on our recently closed transaction!! It’s always such a relief knowing you have a professional like Karen on your team. She was helpful, responsive, and kind throughout the deal. I HIGHLY recommend her and her team for your next loan. With love, the Reign TC team
Karen and Tom Monroe (The Monroe Team) were an excellent team to work with. The purchase of our new home went smoothly and closed on time. They guided us through every step of the process sharing both professional and personal experience. I would HIGHLY recommend Karen and Tom Thank you Monroe Team for a job well done
Karen and her team are the best. We’ve closed 4 loans with them. They make it as easy as possible and are their every step of the way whether it’s keeping us up to date on the loan process to making it convenient for us on closing dates. Karen and her team know what true customer service means! We will use them again and again!
Karen and her team did my fiance and my loan, couldn't have asked for a better loan officer. She makes sure to communicate options with you upfront and personally watched for the best rates at the time for us! We were told out the gate about things that could come up so we never had any surprises during the loan process which helps reduce stress. Over all she had great communication the whole way through! We will be back on the next one!
Karen and her team are excellent! They’ve helped me with a few loans over the years and it’s always a pleasure working them. They always get a good understanding of what your needs are, and really make the effort to make the lending process a simple and smooth process for you. I would highly recommend working with Karen and her team for any of your home lending needs.
Karen and Tom are incredible. I can not say enough good things. I would give more stars if the option was available!! Karen really was extremely helpful throughout the entire process and has amazing communication skills. I am so beyond thankful for all the help. I HIGHLY recommend contacting them. I did a refinance, and it was so smooth and stress free!! Thank you all!!!!
you guy’s did great
Karen Monroe is awesome, this is the second time she and her team has been there to assist in a home purchase. The entire process was as smooth as could be. I was informed and explained everything along the way. Karen and her team are professional, friendly, and easy to speak with. ‘A’ plus plus
Karen and the entire Monroe Team have consistently treated us like family! Every aspect of this experience has been completely painless; they thought of and anticipated everything to keep the process going smoothly. In fact, we turned down a cheaper competing offer based purely on the Monroe Team’s personal touch, attention to detail, and consistent on-time closing record. I strongly recommend Karen Monroe to anyone that placed a premium on quality
Let’s connect
Contact Karen
Share a little about your plans and how to reach you.
Office locations
Estero, FL 33928
Suite 700
Houston, TX 77027
Mortgage insights
Helpful guidance for buying a home, financing your next move, and understanding your mortgage options.
Homebuying FAQs
Purchasing a home enables you to receive tax benefits while building equity that you can cash out in the future. Owning a home also gives you the opportunity to truly personalize your space.
Yes! Prequalifying first can help you save time and effort before you get too far into the process. You will know upfront how much home you can realistically afford. It also lets real estate agents and sellers know that you’re a serious buyer, which can be an advantage when making an offer.
Your lender will consider a number of factors when determining your maximum loan amount. Some of these include your debt-to-income ratio (how much of your monthly gross income goes toward paying debts), cash available for down payment and closing costs, and credit history.
Your loan officer will work with you to determine which loan product benefits you. They will review your current finances and future financial goals. Your loan officer will also consider factors like your target monthly mortgage payment and how long you plan to live in the home.
A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate and payment that stay the same over the life of the loan. With an adjustable-rate mortgage, the rate can either increase or decrease, based on market factors. The monthly payment can also go up or down based on the rate adjustment.
A conventional mortgage is a home loan that is not offered or secured by a government entity (like FHA or VA). Conventional mortgages typically conform to the loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA) and are eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the two government-sponsored enterprises that guarantee the majority of mortgages in the U.S.).
Unlike government loans like FHA, VA, and USDA, conventional loans can be used for more property types (primary residences, second homes, and investment properties). In addition to the popular 30-year fixed conventional loan, there are also more choices for loan structure, including 15-year or 20-year terms and adjustable-rate mortgages.
Ready to find the loan that fits your life?
It starts with a conversation, not a commitment. Connect with Karen today.
