Daily Inspiration: Meet Laura Contreras

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Contreras.

Hi Laura, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I discovered that the person my mother trusted wholeheartedly hadn’t represented her honestly, I was furious. How could someone we relied on take the easy way out? That moment changed everything for me. I decided to get my real estate license so that the next time a family member or friend wanted to buy a home, I could review their documents and offer real advice.

It wasn’t supposed to be a career move—but that was back in the early 2000s, and here I am, still going strong! What started as a way to protect and help others turned into a true passion and a rewarding career.

In 2008, during the mortgage meltdown, I took a leap of faith and opened my own office. I knew people would always need to buy and sell homes, and I wanted to be there to guide them through it. Over time, my focus shifted to mortgage loans, and I dove deep into learning everything I could about different mortgage products and programs.

My passion for helping those who don’t always have a clear path to homeownership—especially minorities like myself—has driven me to where I am today: a mortgage broker who proudly helps mostly first-time homebuyers. Many of my clients are Spanish-speaking and first-generation Americans who simply need someone to explain their options and empower them to make informed decisions.

This career has been incredibly rewarding, and I truly can’t imagine doing anything else.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening my own mortgage office in late 2008 was, without a doubt, terrible timing. The years that followed were challenging as I worked to establish a name for myself in a turbulent market. From day one, my mission was to grow organically — no paid advertising, just honest work, great service, and competitive products and rates.

We built our business the old-fashioned way: through word-of-mouth referrals. Even today, that’s still how we operate. The aftermath of the mortgage meltdown brought significant changes, and many homeowners found themselves in difficult situations. Securing a mortgage became a real challenge, but we stayed committed to helping as many people as possible find solutions and keep their homes.

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud that many of those early clients still return to us today — and even more proud that they trust us enough to refer their family and friends. That, to me, is the ultimate measure of success.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Professionally, I’m an independent mortgage broker with Crosswalk Mortgage Inc., a small, dedicated firm specializing in a full range of mortgage products. We assist clients with home purchase loans, refinancing for various needs, and second liens for purposes such as debt consolidation or home improvement.

Many people are surprised to learn that we also offer Reverse Mortgages and Mobile Home Loans — making us a true full-service mortgage advisor.

What separates us from other mortgage professionals is that we don’t just “quote rates.” Our focus is on educating clients and helping them make the best financing decisions based on their unique circumstances and long-term goals.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Like many industries, the mortgage industry is also seeing the growing influence of AI. Many of our investors are now using AI to process files more quickly and efficiently, and I believe this technology will continue to shape our industry in meaningful ways.

That said, I don’t believe AI will ever replace what I offer as a mortgage professional. Buying a home — or going through any mortgage transaction — can be an emotional and deeply personal experience. Clients need guidance, understanding, and the reassurance that comes from working with someone who has the expertise, empathy and many years of experience like myself.

Technology can streamline the process, but the human touch remains essential — especially when navigating the highs and lows of one of life’s biggest financial decisions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lauracontrerasmortgage.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lendingwith_laura/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraContrerasMortgage
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-contreras-mortgage/
• Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/laura-contreras-la-habra-3
• Other: Google: g.page/laura-Crosswalk

Image Credits
Lesley Bohm