NEW ERA

    Your home journey,
    guided by people who care

    Personalized mortgage guidance backed by institutional-grade technology. Every detail handled. Every option explored. Every closing on time.

    NMLS #2373412+ Years ExperienceLicensed Nationwide
    167+
    Loans Closed
    2+
    Years in Business
    5.0
    Average Client Rating
    Our Team

    Meet the experts

    Our experienced mortgage professionals are here to guide you home.

    Edward Raymond Walkowiak

    Branch Manager

    Visit their site

    Antonique Bernice Short

    Loan Officer

    Visit their site

    Daryl Hopkins

    Loan Officer

    Visit their site

    Karl Raymond Armbruster

    Loan Officer

    Visit their site

    Sheri Lynn DeMarco

    Loan Officer

    Visit their site
    Loan Programs

    Every option. Your best fit.

    ◆
    Conventional
    Traditional financing with competitive rates. As little as 3% down for qualified buyers. Conforming and jumbo options available.
    ◆
    FHA
    Government-backed loans with flexible credit requirements. 3.5% down payment. Ideal for first-time homebuyers building their foundation.
    ◆
    VA
    Zero down payment for eligible veterans and active military. No monthly mortgage insurance. The benefit you've earned.
    ◆
    Jumbo
    High-balance loans for premium properties. Competitive rates on loan amounts above conforming limits. Tailored structuring.
    ◆
    Renovation
    Finance the purchase and renovation in a single loan. FHA 203(k) and conventional options. Turn potential into your perfect home.
    ◆
    Non-QM
    Bank statement, DSCR, and asset-based programs for self-employed borrowers and investors. Creative solutions for complex scenarios.
    Available 24/7

    Meet Sophia,
    your mortgage guide

    Get instant answers, explore loan options, estimate payments, and start your pre-approval — any time, day or night. Sophia is backed by our team's expertise and AFN's full lending platform. When you're ready, a loan officer steps in personally.

    →
    Estimate monthly payments based on your actual scenario
    →
    Explore loan programs matched to your situation
    →
    Get pre-approved without waiting for a callback
    →
    Check local market conditions and neighborhood data
    S
    Sophia
    Backed by American Financial Network · NMLS #237341
    Hi, I'm Sophia — your branch's mortgage assistant. I can help you explore options, estimate payments, or get pre-approved. What's on your mind?
    What can I afford on $120K income?
    Based on $120K annual income, you could qualify for roughly $480K–$540K depending on debts, down payment, and rate. Want me to run a detailed scenario?
    Client Experiences

    Trusted by 97 families & counting

    ★★★★★5.097 verified reviews
    "
    The team did a great job helping me through the process.
    KIARA B.
    Chicago, IL · via Antonique Bernice Short
    March 2025
    "
    Eveyone on the team moved our application steadily through the process. When we had questions our questions were answered in a tumely fashion. Also, when we needed nudging to keep the process moving forward we were firmly and gently instructed in a professional manner to do so.
    RENEE M.
    Crete, IL · via Daryl Hopkins
    December 2025
    "
    Made everything easy and i felt really comfortable talking through out the whole time.
    SANTOS K H.
    Lockport, IL · via Edward Raymond Walkowiak
    September 2026
    “
    Karl took the time to educate me on the process and set very clear expectations of what was happening with every step and followed up consistently to make sure I was clear and see if I had any questions! The whole team made me feel very supported and I knew what was expected of me the whole time. That took a lot of stress from me which was most appreciated especially as a first time home buyer.
    MEGI J.
    Jacksonville, FL · via Karl Raymond Armbruster
    May 2026
    “
    We had a wonderful overall experience and truly appreciated the consistent communication throughout, thank you! A couple of suggestions for future first time homebuyers. An upfront meeting with a checklist or packet outlining all required documents and steps would be a game changer, especially for first-time buyers. There were moments where we felt fully prepared, only to find out something else was urgently needed that we hadn't anticipated. We'd also suggest introducing any additional contacts who may reach out during the process. Receiving emails from unfamiliar senders occasionally made us question whether they were legitimate, which caused some unnecessary anxiety. We really appreciated the thorough explanations and found the phone calls especially reassuring. As first-time homebuyers with little prior knowledge, that extra communication made a big difference. We are so grateful for all of your help in getting us to this milestone, thank you for helping us purchase our first home!
    HEATHER H.
    Portage, MI · via Sheri Lynn DeMarco
    September 2026
    “
    The attention to detail, her overall patience and last but not least she made sure my process was very smooth
    BRANDON J.
    Chicago, IL · via Antonique Bernice Short
    June 2024
    “
    Everything was great the service and the process a great experience working with the company!!!!!!
    HARLIS M.
    Crete, IL · via Daryl Hopkins
    December 2025
    “
    Excelente servicio y agilidad en solucionar inconvenientes, muy profesionales, resolutivos recomendaría mil veces trabajar con ellos
    YULY KATHERINE C.
    Schaumburg, IL · via Edward Raymond Walkowiak
    August 2026
    “
    Karls the man, walked me through the process with ease and made it as simple as possible.
    ALEX J R.
    Bloomingdale, IL · via Karl Raymond Armbruster
    October 2025
    “
    There was constant communication from beginning to the finish line. From all avenues - and if I ever sent an email it was responded to immediately - there was never a wondering as to what was going on. Everything happened the way she told me it would happen
    MODESTO J P.
    Chicago, IL · via Sheri Lynn DeMarco
    August 2026
    “
    She was very professional. She kept me updated on everything. Overall she was just awesome. I would recommend her to everyone
    LESLIE J.
    Calumet City, IL · via Antonique Bernice Short
    March 2024
    “
    Good personal service, fast and efficient process
    RICARDO A.
    Schaumburg, IL · via Edward Raymond Walkowiak
    August 2026
    “
    Karl told us exactly what to do. Step by step how to achieve our financial goals.
    ANGEL P.
    Chicago, IL · via Karl Raymond Armbruster
    August 2025
    “
    A perfect 10 with all questions answered and a smooth transaction. Thank you and your team.
    JOHN B.
    Orland Park, IL · via Sheri Lynn DeMarco
    June 2026
    “
    Edward was so great to work with. As first-time buyers with a million questions, he was always so patient and never made us feel like a bother. He broke everything down so we could actually understand it, and I completely recommend him and his team to any first-time buyer!
    SANDRA C.
    Chicago, IL · via Edward Raymond Walkowiak
    August 2026
    “
    Karl was clea in his coimmunication and prompt. He was an utmost professional in making sure I understood all the information I needed .
    LINDA CHRISTINE L.
    Park Ridge, IL · via Karl Raymond Armbruster
    February 2025
    “
    She's so sweet she made us feel like family loved working with her she experience is super she helps you with everything super happy we had her Julie Jim Seitz
    Julie S.
    Manteno, IL · via Sheri Lynn DeMarco
    June 2026
    “
    Edward was outstanding to work with. He was always available to answer my questions and patiently guided me through every step of the process of refinancing my home. He was professional, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciated his responsiveness, patience, and expertise. I would highly recommend him to family and friends, and I would gladly do business with him again.
    SUZANNE A.
    Mt Pleasant, WI · via Edward Raymond Walkowiak
    July 2026
    “
    Karl and the entire team was always available to answer and questions I had. They also made the process so easy which took a lot of stress off me. I’m so excited to be closing today! The entire process only took 22 days . Amazing ??
    LAURA A M.
    Berwyn, IL · via Karl Raymond Armbruster
    October 2024
    “
    The friendly and prompt service we got every time we met or called. We never had a single problem from start to finish. Thank
    James S.
    Manteno, IL · via Sheri Lynn DeMarco
    June 2026
    Real Estate Partners

    Are you a real estate agent?

    We provide your clients with a premium lending experience, on-time closings, and 24/7 access to Juliet AI for instant updates. Let's build a partnership that elevates your business.

    Partner With Us
    Visit Us

    Our Branch

    New Era

    American Financial Network · NMLS #237341

    Address
    1143 Essington Rd. Suite 101
    Joliet, IL 60435
    Office Hours
    Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sat: By Appointment
    Sun: Closed
    Get in Touch

    Ready to get started?

    I'm interested in:

    Our team typically responds within 24 hours. No bots, just expert advice.