Meet the Team

Tom Farnesi

Managing Partner, NMLS ID – 144397

Direct Phone: 610.304.7066

Born in West Chester, Tom’s love for family and community has kept him close to his roots. Tom is a graduate of Bishop Shanahan High School and received his management and economic degrees from the University of Delaware. Following his passion for finance, he found his career with residential mortgage planning in 2003. Since then he has learned flexibility is critical to progress which strongly influences his business approach. Tom is a member of the West Chester Chamber of Commerce, the Future Leaders of West Chester and is sponsored by the CMPS institute. At Penn Street, he is responsible for managing loans, operations management, and business development. When he finds time, Tom loves to play golf, attend Philadelphia sports events and hanging out with family and friends. Tom currently resides in West Chester with his wife, Denise, son Tommy, and 3 daughters: Mia, Josephine, and Georgia.

John Carlson, Jr.

Manager Partner, NMLS ID – 235847

Direct Phone: 302-383-3142

John has been in the mortgage industry since 2003 and has used his years of experience in the industry to simplify the home buying and refinancing process. With a focus on communication, education, and customer service, John brings a refreshing experience to those he works with. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware where he studied Finance and Economics. John enjoys golf, Philadelphia Flyers hockey and resides in Avondale, PA with his wife Kate, daughter Kalina, son Jack, and dog Belle. John is also a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor with Cetera Financial Specialists.

Dante Saienni

Director of Operations & Partner, NMLS ID – 235850

Direct Phone: 302.494.3919

Dante’s dual role at Penn Street Mortgage means that he originates new loans as well as guides all of Penn Street’s clients through the mortgage process. Dante works directly with Penn Street’s various lenders to submit and finalize loans for all borrowers. His consistent approach, combined with a strong understanding of underwriting, facilitates the process to ensure clients receive a smooth & on-time loan experience. Dante has excelled in the mortgage industry since 2006, and still has a full head of hair! Dante is an avid wine maker and lives in Wilmington, with his wife Nikki, daughter Lucia and son Marco.

Ran Whitnah

Managing Partner, Penn Street Commercial NMLS ID – 2144695

Direct Phone: 610.659.2358

Ran has worked in the commercial finance industry since 2007 in various roles, advising on many different asset types and financing strategies throughout his career.

Ran has forged long-established relationships with lenders across the country including banks, insurance companies, CMBS lenders, agency lenders, non-bank commercial lenders, bridge lenders, family offices, and debt funds. He has been involved in originating, underwriting, or funding of loans in most states across the country. His clients are owner operators, investors, and developers that lean on him for advice on how to best leverage their assets and acquisitions in order to accomplish both short and long term goals. Ran is highly experienced in the debt capital markets and solves problems calmly and creatively to get his clients to the closing table.

Ran is a long time Chester County resident. For fun, he spends most of his time with his wife Heather and their 4 children, mostly at various sporting venues in the region. He’s a Philadelphia sports fan, and enjoys soccer, skiing, and being outdoors.

Bradford Norris

Mortgage Consultant, NMLS ID – 1496404

Direct Phone: 610.241.0047

Brad was born and raised in West Chester and is very knowledgeable about the area in many different aspects. Brad is a down to earth straight-shooter who is eager to help those looking to refinance or purchase a home – if you’re looking for someone to make your loan a top personal priority and go the extra mile, he’s your guy. He understands the urgency in the approval process, and prides himself on being timely, accurate, and detailed and will make sure to answer all questions along the way. He also loves the challenge & reward of finding his clients the lowest possible rates. Brad lives in Exton with his wife Whitney, son Ford, daughter Kinsley, and dog Addie, and he enjoys biking, golfing, and all things Philadelphia sports.

Eric Santostefano

Mortgage Consultant, NMLS ID – 1855376

Direct Phone: 610.803.1799

As a local entrepreneur, Eric has ingrained himself in the roots of the West Chester community. A graduate of Penn State, Eric earned his Operations Management degree at University Park and MBA from the Great Valley campus. He brings a family focused and open-minded approach to real estate lending. Eric is ready to tailor mortgage and commercial funding to fit your needs. An avid golfer and craft beer connoisseur, Eric resides in West Bradford, PA with his wife Melissa, and sons Ian and Carson.

Michael D’Alessandro

Mortgage Consultant, NMLS ID – 1964383

Direct Phone: 215.409.8008

Mike brings his background in mortgage operations and real estate investing to Penn Street Mortgage. Having graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Real Estate, Mike is well-versed in all aspects of the home-buying process. What he enjoys most is getting to work closely with clients to help them navigate one of their biggest financial decisions – buying a home – by oering clarity around the process and nothing less than top-notch customer service. Mike is a passionate sports fan who roots for the Denver Broncos and the 76ers and even has his own sports podcast with his friends. In his spare time, you can find him in West Chester trying new coee spots with his girlfriend Jamie and their dog Farrah.

James Lynn

Mortgage Consultant, NMLS ID – 2039841

Direct Phone: 610.888.0066

Jim is a lifelong resident of Chester County, PA, and has been working in the real estate and finance industries since 2008. This combined experience has uniquely positioned him to educate and guide his clients through all aspects of the mortgage process – making it as easy as possible. Jim is passionate about working with home buyers and real estate investors to create tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each client. In his spare time, Jim enjoys all things outdoors, CrossFit, and drumming. He lives in West Chester with his kids, Grace, and James.

Richard Keitch

Mortgage Consultant

Direct Phone: 484-319-6327

My goal in business is to constantly provide the highest levels of customer service for my clients. I have spent my entire professional life as a salesperson and/or in sales management, many years in pharma/biotech and now in the residential mortgage industry. I attribute my success in sales to always having the customers best interest, to listen, and to go the extra mile. My focus as a mortgage loan officer is to simplify going through the mortgage process and make the home loan process easy to navigate. After all, buying a house is exciting and should be fun! I do this by setting expectations for borrowers throughout the transaction, so they fully understand the steps and processes. I support a wide range of loan products, so I’m able to assist all types of clients with their mortgage needs, from first-time home buyers to seasoned investors.

FAQ | Mortgage Brokers & Philadelphia Home Loans

At Penn Street Mortgage, we are committed to helping you every step of the way on your home buying journey. We understand that the mortgage process and home purchase itself can seem daunting, but that is why our Philadelphia mortgage company is here to help.

We have compiled answers to frequently asked questions about working with a mortgage broker, but we are always here to answer any other questions.

When you are ready to get started on your home loan process, reach out to our team to schedule an appointment or use our free tools to explore your options today.

What is a mortgage broker?

When someone is looking to buy a home, they may not have the cash upfront to make the purchase. This is where a mortgage broker comes in – they act as an intermediary between the borrower and the lender, helping the borrower secure the best possible mortgage terms for their needs.

To do this, a mortgage broker must have an in-depth knowledge of the industry, including the various types of mortgages available, interest rates, and loan terms. They use this knowledge to help the borrower navigate the complex world of mortgages, and to negotiate with lenders on their behalf. Ultimately, the goal of a mortgage broker is to help the borrower find a home loan program that is affordable and meets their specific needs.

Why should I work with mortgage brokers?

When it comes to obtaining a mortgage, working with a mortgage broker can make the process much more manageable and less stressful.

Our team at Penn Street Mortgage has extensive knowledge of the mortgage industry and is well-connected with a wide network of local and national lenders and home loan products. This allows our mortgage professionals to provide you with a range of home loan options, which can ensure you get the best loan program and interest rate available.

Additionally, our experienced team of Philadelphia mortgage advisors can guide you through the entire home buying process, from pre-approval to closing, to make sure that you understand all the steps and have what you need to make informed financial decisions about your options.

When you work with a mortgage broker at Penn Street Mortgage, you will save time, effort, and money while also providing you with peace of mind.

What are the benefits of using Philadelphia mortgage brokers?

Philadelphia has a dynamic and unique housing market. A local mortgage broker like Penn Street Mortgage understands this market and can provide valuable insight. They will take into account local property laws, access local lenders, and advocate for your best interests in the Philadelphia context.

How do I start working with a broker?

Starting with a mortgage broker is as straightforward as scheduling a consultation. At Penn Street Mortgage, we offer clients an initial, no-obligation meeting to discuss your needs and how we can assist.

What types of mortgages can a broker in Philadelphia help me access?

Our extensive network of lenders enables us to offer you a range of loan options that cater to various financial circumstances. We can help you find fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages, as well as FHA loans, VA loans, jumbo loans, and many more. We customize our approach to match your individual situation because we know that no two home buyers are exactly the same.

How does a mortgage broker determine the right loan for me?

By conducting a thorough review of your financial situation, which includes your credit score, income, debts, and assets, our mortgage broker will be able to suggest the most suitable mortgage for your needs. Our team will take the time to understand your monthly budget and what kind of mortgage requirements you have and then identify the best loan match for you.

From conventional loans to refinancing, we can help you with all your mortgage needs.

Can a mortgage broker help me if I have poor credit history?

Our mortgage brokers have access to lenders who provide loans to those with less-than-ideal credit. This is different from a mortgage lender who is only able to present you with the loan products their specific financial institution offers.

At Penn Street Mortgage, we would be happy to help you find creative solutions to help you secure a home loan.

How much down payment do I need when working with a mortgage broker?

The required down payment amount varies based on the type of loan and eligibility criteria. Seek guidance from a broker to understand your options. You may be eligible for a zero down payment option with a VA loan or pay a lesser amount with private mortgage insurance or through FHA loan programs.

Will working with a mortgage broker speed up the approval process?

Mortgage brokers have extensive knowledge and experience in mortgage loans, and their established relationships with lenders can help simplify and streamline the application process.

They ensure that all necessary documents are in place and everything is in order for a smooth and timely closing. This can make the loan application process much more efficient and hassle-free.

If I am self-employed, can a mortgage broker still help me?

When it comes to securing a mortgage, it can be challenging for self-employed individuals to navigate the process. However, mortgage brokers are experts in working with all sorts of employment situations, including self-employment.

We can provide guidance on the documentation required, such as tax returns and financial statements, and help you present your financial situation in the best possible light to mortgage lenders.

Let us find you the best mortgage | West Chester, PA and Beyond

Buying a home is a major milestone, and the right mortgage broker can make your journey of homeownership smoother and less stressful. Contact us today to get started!