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Your Local CrossCountry Mortgage Loan Officer

Sarena Talbert

  • Regional Sales Manager / SVP Mortgage Lending
  • Newport Beach, CA Mortgage Loan Officer
  • NMLS #1043739

Dedicated to getting it done

Hi, I’m Sarena Talbert, and I’ve been helping people build wealth and achieve homeownership dreams for more than 28 years. With experience in nearly every corner of the mortgage industry — from operations and underwriting to sales and management — I know how to turn even the toughest loans into success stories.

My roots in real estate run deep. I’m one of six kids in a family that has been in the real estate, mortgage and escrow business in Southern California since the 1970s, and I’m proud to continue that legacy. I’m also a mom of three, which is why helping families means so much to me.

I’m licensed in 49 states and D.C., allowing me to support clients nationwide. What drives me is helping others — whether it’s making someone’s job easier, teaching clients how to build wealth through homeownership or navigating a challenging loan — with positivity and purpose.

My superpower? Getting hard loans across the finish line with ease and a smile.

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Your Mortgage Expert

Navigating the mortgage loan process is exciting – and easy – with the right home financing partner. When you work with CrossCountry Mortgage, you’ll collaborate closely with a licensed mortgage loan officer. We want to make sure you receive a competitive rate, and a fast, simple experience. Why? Our goal is to be your mortgage lender of choice for years to come. 

How much will my mortgage payment be?  

This calculator is being provided for educational purposes only. The results are estimates based on information you provided and may not reflect CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC product terms. The information cannot be used by CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC to determine a customer’s eligibility for a specific product or service.

The Fed dropped its benchmark interest rate.

What does this mean for you? Mortgage rates typically move in the same direction, although they aren’t tied directly to the Fed decision.

If you want to buy a home or refinance, understand your mortgage choices with a pre-approval. Getting ready now means you can move quickly when you find the perfect home or the rate that makes a refi work for you.

  • Get pre-approved for a purchase
  • Get pre-approved for a refinance
  • Calculate equity for a cash-out refi

Want to learn more about our expert take on lower rates?

Inspiration for your home loan journey

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A couple sitting on their porch discussing when mortgage rates will go down & their mortgage refinance options.

When Will Mortgage Rates Go Down?

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FHA Loan Requirements Checklist 2025

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What Are Conforming Loan Limits?

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Frequently asked questions

  • Refinancing costs typically range from 2% to 6% of the loan amount and include fees such as appraisal, title insurance, and closing costs. Factors like your loan type, location, and credit score can significantly impact these expenses. Our team can help to provide strategies that can help minimize costs.

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  • To determine how much home you can afford, you’ll want to assess your financial situation. This includes your income, expenses, and debt-to-income ratio, to ensure your mortgage fits comfortably within your budget. A general guideline is to spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs and 36% on total debt.

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  • A good credit score typically starts at 620 for conventional loans, while FHA and VA loans may accept scores as low as 500, though higher scores offer better terms. A strong credit score can help you secure lower interest rates, saving you significant money over the life of a home loan.

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  • A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving line of credit that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their home. HELOCs function like a credit card, giving access to funds up to a set limit, which can be used for expenses like renovations or debt consolidation. You only pay interest on the amount you borrow, and the repayment terms typically include a draw period followed by a repayment period.

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  • To calculate your mortgage payments, start with your loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. Your payment will depend on the interest charged over time and the repayment schedule. You can use a monthly mortgage payment calculator or connect with us to learn more.

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I’d love to hear from you.

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