We were referred to Umar Gebril to buy our next home and he expertly guided us through several different stages - pre-approval, possible bridge loan (didn't end up using, fortunately), how to best use our $$ while processing our new loan. Once we found the house we wanted, we were already well positioned to make a strong offer! He also was able to close our loan in as little as 15 days - and in the Seattle market, you HAVE to have a strong offer and your lender's reputation and ability to close on time is critical. Also, Umar is just a great guy overall - we enjoyed his candor and felt very confident following his guidance. read more

We were first introduced to Umar over two years ago, when scrambling to submit an offer on what we had believed to be our "dream home." Umar was exceptional. He was incredibly responsive, turning around a pre-approval in record time, and walking us through every step of the first-time homebuyer process. From that time to now, I'm pleased to say that we did indeed finally secure our "dream home," in no small part due to Umar & the Academy Mortgage team's partnership & support. It was thanks to Umar that we were able to offer competitive terms, including the fastest close that I've ever heard of, even in spite of holidays. If you're in the market to secure a home loan, I highly recommend Umar & the Academy Mortgage team. They're THE BEST. read more

Umar with Academy Mortgage is exceptional! He provided excellent coverage and was constantly available to answer any questions that I had. He personally addressed any hiccups that were presented throughout the process. his response time to my needs far exceeded my expectations. we had a 3 week turn around time to get financing in place and this period extended over christmas and new years. awesome service! I will never go elsewhere! as the cherry on top, academy mortgage sent a care package after the deal closed with thoughtful and purposeful gifts that have a philanthropic purpose with sustainability in mind. I absolutely loved this! read more

Academy Mortgage was recommended to us by a realtor, and I couldn't be happier: Umar came through for us with a spreadsheet that helped us calculate different mortgage terms, downpayments, and how different scenarios would affect our total cost of ownership. That put him head-and-shoulders above the other brokers we talked to. Academy gave us a great rate, and was really great at answering all our questions, but what really set them apart was the speed they could close at. We really played hardball with our sellers, and without Umar we wouldn't have been able to offer a shorter close, which is what cinched the deal for us. Thanks Umar! read more

After speaking with several mortgage lenders, I decided to move forward with Umar. He was very responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful. He walked me through every step of the process, answered all of my questions quickly and thoroughly, and made sure that I was comfortable with all of my options prior to having me move forward. I feel that Umar went out of his way to help me and allowed me to have a quick close and a seamless processing. I appreciate every thing that he and his team did for me. Thank you Umar! read more

I've had multiple mortgages and speak from experience, Academy mortgage offered prompt, helpful, useful options; Umar and his team clearly work well together, are transparent in communications, and are readily available throughout the process by email and phone so I always knew what was happening. Strongly recommended. read more

The experience with Academy was very smooth and seamless. Communication was timely and all questions were answered quickly. The website was easy to use for uploading documents and for receiving information as well. They made the overall process stress free. read more

Umar and his team at Academy are nothing short of amazing. We weren't even in the market to buy, but when the right house popped up, Umar had us pre-approved in under 24 hours. He even facilitated a 14 day close without batting an eye. The entire process was seamless, and I can't imagine an easier experience exists. Thank you Academy Eastlake team! read more

Awesome customer service and super quick on time closing! The communication was amazing and made the process very seamless. We were first time buyers in Everett and are thankful we found him and his team! read more

Umar and the Academy Mortgage team are FAST. After a weekend casually looking at homes we found one that we liked. Our Realtor suggested Umar after he closed on a loan in three weeks. We put in our information for pre-approval. All the online forms were straightforward. In about a day we were ready to make an offer. From the moment our offer was accepted, Umar's team kept us up-to-date on everything making the process painless. We ended up closing in less than three weeks, taking possession at the end of November. read more

I worked with Umar and had a fantastic experience. He was incredibly responsive - often emailing back within just a few minutes, even on the weekend - and was more than happy to give me plenty of personal attention as I went through the home buying process for the first time. He also had existing relationships with most of the listing agents we worked with (on our 5 bids) which helped grease the wheels, not to mention the fact that Academy's rates were the lowest I found for any local lender. Highly recommend! read more

I highly recommend Umar and his team at Academy Mortgage. From start to finish I felt well-supported and like a top priority for them. I can imagine that among customers, I was kind of a "small one" (requesting a modest loan for a modest house), but I truly felt like I was their number one priority throughout the whole process. Umar was patient with all of my questions and his staff was always cheerful and friendly. I had an ambitious closing date and they pulled out all of the stops to make it happen. read more

We couldn't be more satisfied with the work that Academy Mortgage did for us, and especially our lender, Umar. Umar was communicative, supportive, accommodating, and quick with getting everything we needed for our pre-approval available. Umar was always there when we had questions, and responsive in a very timely fashion. We loved working with Academy Mortgage, and even more with Umar! read more

Curt Kostewicz is great, he was always calculating different scenarios with different type of loan and down payments to make sure he can make this happen, he he always picked up my phone calls or called me back in 5 minuets and he was sending me updated list of requirements once per week to make sure i don't forget anything and I'm in the line read more

I recently retired and moved back to the area, so was concerned about getting a mortgage (really did not want to pay cash). Umar responded to my inquiry quickly and after a few questions reassured me he and his team could help. I got pre-approved so quickly! Every person on the team was wonderful, kind, responsive and thorough. What a great experience it was to work with them. read more

Don't use Academy They are terrible, They denied my va loan but yet when I went to another company it was approved !! You guys should be ashamed of yourselfs for treating American Veterans like dirt. Word of mouth will take care of that. read more

We used Umar Gebril at Academy Mort to finance our house purchase. I have purchased several houses in the past and this was by far the best experience I've had working with a lender. Umar was on top of every step of the process. His response time for questions or concerns were handled right away. We were able to close earlier than expected. I could not ask for a better buying experience. I highly recommend using Umar and Academy Mortgage. read more

Umar and the gang are fantastic! World's fastest closing (18 days), excellent communication all along the way!

I just completed my third home purchase with Umar and could not be happier with his team! They continue to impress not only me but everyone involved in the process. I worked with a new realtor this time around as I was purchasing out of state (Oregon) but fortunately I was able to use Umar's team again because he is also licensed in Oregon! My realtors always want to continue their relationships with Umar after our transacation because he is so professional, reliable and FAST! My loan closed a week earlier than expected. In my previous home purchase in Seattle, he closed my loan in 10 DAYS! He's also really great with new homeowners - my first time around, I had no idea what I was doing but he was there every step of the way to answer all of my questions. His entire team is fantastic to work with and I highly recommend them. read more

My wife and I were put in touch with Academy Mortgage through our real estate agent. Initially, working with them was great. They were responsive, friendly, and genuinely appeared to have our best interest in mind. However, it all changed when we began to shop around to compare interest rates. We were offered a substantially lower interest rate by a competing mortgage lender. Academy responded by informing us that our rate had come down since the last quote, and we were now sitting at an interest rate close to the competitor. We decided, given our existing relationship, to continue and seek mortgage approval through Academy Mortgage. However, at the time of closing, we noticed that Academy Mortgage had achieved the low interest rate through a buy-down, not because they had "come down" as previously stated. A buy-down was at no time discussed, requested, or implied in ANY conversation. At this point, we were stuck, as interest rates were no longer at the rate they were when we were locked in, so pulling out and going with a new company would just waste our time and money. The branch manager admitted fault, but told me there is nothing they can do. My expectation from a lender is to be fully transparent in regards to costs and fees associated. An interest rate buy-down is common practice, but in my experience it has always been a discussion regarding amount and breakeven point. The fact that they took 4k of our money and bought it down without telling us is infuriating. Unfortunately, the "I'm sorry" I received from the branch manager does not put $4000 that Academy Mortgage took, back in my pocket. It does not make up for the critical 24 hours before closing that they were conveniently unavailable to take my call. I feel strongly that Academy Mortgage deceived us to keep our business. They took $4000 of our money and used it to buy down the rate without giving me an option to choose if that was the right decision for me OR if they were the right company for us. Given the choice, I would have much rather used this money to put back into our new home. At this point, my only course of action is to tell others about my experience. I am BEYOND frustrated with Academy Mortgage. I can't imagine this is the first time nor the last time that this will happen with them. Oh, and in the companies post process survey, we provided our review/comments and checked the box asking them to contact us. Still waiting for that call... read more

Umar and his team were great! We actually switched to Academy mortgage immediately after our offer was accepted because Umar was able to offer a more competitive rate. Umar was quick, responsible and on top of everything. He answered our questions promptly and provided closing cost estimation very close to final statement. The communications were clear and effective. From appraisal to underwriting, every part of the process was smooth. Umar and his team worked very hard and managed to close in three weeks! We've enjoyed working with them and would highly recommend to anyone who's looking for a lender. read more

Umar was a true saving grace when Homestreet absolutely destroyed a great deal. Umar and Academy started and completed the entire deal in the time it took Homestreet to get an Appraisal. Solid and effective communication is key to any real estate transaction and Umar excels at this. Umar is the first Loan Officer I have found that can truly reciprocate my work ethic. Highly impressed all around and will continue to use Umar and Academy as my Primary Lender for clients, we currently have another deal that will close this month. 2 in 1 month is great, 3 in 1 month will be great! read more

Umar and his entire team were fantastic to work with on the closing of my house in Lakebay KP! I'm a recent widow who fell in love with a small waterfront property. I was working with the team from out of state and did not have a conventional loan process. In spite of my ignorance, mistakes and technical challenges on my end this team went above and beyond to get it done! Can't say enough! Adrienne rocks! read more

Umar and his team are nothing short of amazing! 20 day close, completely seamless process, he's a miracle worker. Super responsive, very friendly, incredibly efficient! Homebuying is an extremely stressful process, especially in a competitive area like Seattle. I felt completely confident having Umar on our team as we navigated it all. read more

Umar Gebril, from Academy Mortgage, and his team were very knowledgeable, patient with my questions and timely with their responses. I particularly liked working with Umar's assistant, Adrienne Sharples. Everyone she recommended to help expedite my closing had the same qualifications as stated above so it was a very smooth and pleasurable experience. Umar was recommended by my son who used Academy Mortgage months earlier for his own home. read more

Umar and his team were able to close our loan in under two weeks. They were helpful and responsive throughout the process, explaining every step and giving us plenty of notice ahead of every deadline that we had to meet. Umar helped take the stress out of the mortgage application process for us as first time home buyers, and we would definitely recommend him to others. read more

Umar was so helpful and easy to work with. As first time homebuyers, we had a ton of questions and he was super responsive to all of them. We also found that he was really honest and upfront about rates and loan options; it felt like he was truly working to find the best options for us and not trying to "make a sale." I'd recommend him to anyone looking to buy a house! read more

Umar came highly recommended to me by my realtors. He was extremely quick to respond to my questions and emails and was patient with my often difficult work schedule. He was so on top of everything that I was able to close almost a week early. He and all his staff were amazing to work with and I would recommend them to anyone! read more

I was working with this agency out of ignorance. I was a first time buyer, thinking I was going to have somewhat of help along the way. I was sweet talked and guided untill important stuff started happinging. (Inspections,making sure repairs are done, sending documents to lender) Instead I was the one doing all the work. Anything and everything that could good wrong did. I reached out to there manager broker and was just as disappointed, I was told my questions we're not relovent, and that if I had any doubts about the heating system of the house then I would need to hire someone so I can be comfortable with the results????????? I am a FIRST TIME home buyer, I have every right to ask what I want and deserve a straight answer. Long story short HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE WITH VERY RUDE UNPROFESSIONAL PEOPLE. I don't even know how they are still in business. I wouldn't recommend this agency EVER! read more