Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mortgage Partner in Suwanee, GA
At First Option Mortgage, we believe homeownership is about more than transactionsit's about transforming lives. Since 2004, we've prioritized people over paperwork, guiding families, veterans, and individuals through every step of the homebuying and refinancing process. Our mission remains unchanged: to create better lives for our clients and employees through personalized service and innovative solutions. With decades of combined leadership experience, we've streamlined mortgage processes to deliver average closing times of just 24-48 hours. Our team of 300+ professionals operates with three core values: adapting to industry changes, compassionate client care, and purposeful action. We empower loan officers with cutting-edge technology like our proprietary FOM EZApp platform and comprehensive training resources.Recognized for excellence through awards like Vision Magazine's Servant Leader cover feature, we combine technical expertise with human connection. From initial pre-qualification to final key exchange, our branch network and digital tools ensure stress-free experiences. As an NMLS-registered institution with nationwide ambitions, we maintain rigorous risk management standards while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Our commitment extends beyond businesswe actively support community initiatives and professional development. Whether purchasing a first home or refinancing an investment property, clients benefit from our transparent communication, competitive pricing models, and dedicated support teams across underwriting, operations, and customer service.
Services
Mortgage Refinancing
Home Purchase Loans
Conventional Loans
Non-QM Loans
Loan Processing
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 18+ years of executive leadership experience in mortgage financing
- Our team provides 24/7 personalized support through local branch offices
- We guarantee competitive pricing models for better client affordability
- Our average underwriting time is just 24-48 hours for faster closings
- We provide comprehensive training resources and cutting-edge technology
Associations and certifications
- NMLS #123411
What people say
Efficient loan process
Accessible support teams
Positive company culture
Career development opportunities
Collaborative environment
Services
Mortgage Refinancing
Our mortgage refinancing service helps homeowners reduce monthly payments, shorten loan terms, or access home equity. We streamline the process by combining primary and secondary mortgages into single loans with competitive rates. Clients benefit from our fast underwriting process and expert guidance through rate selection and closing.
Home Purchase Loans
We offer comprehensive home purchase financing solutions for first-time buyers and experienced homeowners. Our loan officers guide clients from pre-qualification through closing, providing personalized support for conventional and specialized loan programs. Our technology platform ensures transparent communication and timely document processing for stress-free transactions.
Non-QM Loans
Our Non-Qualified Mortgage programs serve borrowers with unique financial situations through flexible underwriting standards. This service caters to self-employed individuals, investors, and those with non-traditional income documentation. We combine regulatory compliance with customized solutions to help non-traditional borrowers achieve homeownership.
Loan Processing
We provide end-to-end loan processing from application to closing with average turnaround times of 24-48 hours. Our operations team utilizes advanced technology for document verification, credit analysis, and compliance checks. Clients receive real-time status updates through our proprietary tracking system for complete transparency.
Conventional Loans
Our conventional loan programs offer competitive rates for borrowers with strong credit profiles. This service includes fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages with flexible down payment options. We provide personalized rate consultations and comprehensive loan package reviews to ensure clients select the best long-term solution.
People
Alvin Shah
Managing Partner
BBA graduate from Georgia State University with 18+ years mortgage industry experience. Recognized by Marquis Who's Who for leadership achievements. Serves on Georgia Mortgage Bankers Association board and Lenders One advisory council. Featured Vision Magazine Servant Leader in 2020.
Kurt Nikolai
Managing Partner
Seasoned mortgage executive with extensive secondary marketing expertise. Brings deep industry knowledge from previous roles in corporate accounting and underwriting. Instrumental in developing company's investor relationships and financial strategies.
Mike Kiessel
VP Secondary Marketing
Mortgage professional with 30-year career spanning collections, accounting, and secondary marketing leadership. Joined FOM in 2020 after successful wholesale/retail lending experience. Manages strategic financial partnerships and loan product development initiatives.
Clay Jones
VP Credit Risk
Risk management expert with comprehensive mortgage operations background. Leads underwriting team while maintaining practical perspective from years in various mortgage roles. Focuses on balanced risk assessment and process improvement.
Kevin Strika
VP Operations
Georgia Tech MBA graduate transforming mortgage operations since 2013. Technology-driven leader optimizing processes through Encompass LOS innovations. Oversees critical functions including processing, closing, compliance, and reporting systems.
Questions
What mortgage products do you offer?
We provide conventional loans, Non-QM programs, jumbo loans, and specialized financing options tailored to diverse financial situations.
How quickly can you close a mortgage?
Our average underwriting time is 24-48 hours with streamlined processes from application to closing.
Do you have online application options?
Yes, we offer digital tools including our proprietary FOM EZApp platform for convenient online mortgage applications.
What areas do you serve?
We operate nationwide with local branch offices and digital support available across the United States.
How do you support loan officers?
We provide cutting-edge technology, comprehensive training resources, competitive pricing models, and dedicated operations support for loan professionals.
Are you an equal opportunity employer?
Yes, we maintain inclusive hiring practices and foster diverse team environments across all company locations.
