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Welcome to The HAKES Team at GEM Mortgage your Orange and Riverside County SoCal Branch

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GEM Mortgage

The Hakes Team at GEM Mortgage – Temecula & Murrieta’s Trusted Local Lender

The Hakes Team at GEM Mortgage – Orange and Riverside County’s, Temecula & Murrieta’s Trusted Local Lender

The Hakes Team at GEM Mortgage is a leading mortgage lending team proudly serving Orange County, Temecula, Murrieta, the Inland Empire, and communities throughout Southern California. With decades of combined experience, our team is known for delivering clear guidance, competitive loan options, and a stress-free mortgage experience for homebuyers and homeowners alike.

Whether you’re purchasing your first home, refinancing, upgrading, downsizing, or investing in real estate, The Hakes Team provides personalized mortgage solutions tailored to your unique goals. We specialize in a wide range of loan programs including:

Conventional & Jumbo Loans
FHA & VA Loans
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Refinance & Cash-Out Refinance
Investment Property Loans
Self-Employed & Non-Traditional Income Loans

As a direct lender with GEM Mortgage, we combine the power of a national mortgage company — competitive rates, advanced technology, and strong underwriting — with the hands-on service of a local branch that truly cares. That means faster approvals, clearer communication, and a team that stays with you from application to closing (and beyond).

Led by industry veteran Heather Hakes, who brings over 30 years of mortgage experience, The Hakes Team has helped thousands of families and individuals across Temecula, Murrieta, Newport Beach, Escondido, and greater Southern California achieve their homeownership and financial goals. Heather’s leadership ensures every client benefits from deep expertise, honest advice, and a consultative approach — not pressure.

At The Hakes Team, we believe getting a mortgage should feel empowering, not overwhelming. That’s why we offer no-obligation mortgage consultations, clear education, and real-world strategies to help you make confident financial decisions.

If you’re looking for a local mortgage team you can trust, backed by the strength of GEM Mortgage and the heart of a hometown lender, The Hakes Team is here for you.

Local expertise. National strength. Real people who care about your future.

Schedule your free mortgage consultation today.

ADDRESS:

31945 Corydon Road, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

PHONE:

(951) 217-2788

NMLS#

2256197

MEET OUR TEAM

Heather Hakes

Loan Production Manager

NMLS# 153608

APPLY NOW

01 pre-approval

Get a head start by securing your pre-approval. This step helps you understand how much you can borrow, giving you a clear picture of your budget and boosting your confidence when house hunting.

02 FIND your home

Now that you know your budget, it’s time to find the perfect home! Your real estate agent and our team will work together to ensure your dream home is within reach.

03 Submit your loan application

Once you’ve found the home, the next step is submitting your official loan application. We’ll guide you through providing all the necessary documentation to make this process as smooth as possible.

04 underwriting

During underwriting, we carefully review your financial information and the property details. This ensures everything meets the required guidelines. Our team will keep you updated throughout the process.

LOAN PROGRAM TO FIT ALL DREAMS

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) gives homeowners access to revolving credit based on their home’s equity, offering flexible funds for major expenses or projects.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

Access equity. Revolving credit.

Investment Property Loans are designed for purchasing or refinancing rental homes, offering financing options that support income-generating real estate investments.

Investment Property Loan

Rental purchase. Refinance options.

Second Home Loans offer financing for vacation homes or seasonal getaways, providing flexible options to fit different budgets and lifestyles.

Second Home Loan

Vacation home. Flexible options.

Construction Loans provide funding to build a new home from the ground up, covering costs throughout the construction process with flexible terms.

Construction Loans

Build new. Full funding.

Renovation Loans allow borrowers to finance home improvements and repairs as part of their mortgage, making it easier to upgrade or customize a property.

Renovation Loan

Finance upgrades. Simple process.

USDA Loans feature zero down payment options for eligible rural and suburban buyers, helping more households achieve homeownership with affordable financing.

USDA Loan

Zero down. Rural homes.

Reverse Mortgages allow homeowners age 62 and older to convert home equity into cash, providing financial flexibility without monthly mortgage payments.

Reverse Mortgage

Convert equity. No payments.

VA Loans are exclusive to veterans and active-duty military members, offering no down payment, flexible qualifications, and additional savings compared to traditional loan programs.

VA Loan

Veteran benefit. No down payment.

FHA Loans are government-backed programs that allow for lower down payments and easier qualifications, making homeownership accessible to first-time buyers and those with limited savings.

FHA Loan

Low down payment. Easier approval.

Jumbo Loans are designed for higher-priced homes that exceed conventional limits, providing flexible financing solutions for buyers purchasing in more expensive markets.

Jumbo Loans

Large loans. Higher limits.

Conventional Loans follow standard lending guidelines and offer flexible terms, making them a popular option for qualified borrowers seeking competitive rates and customizable financing.

Conventional Loans

Popular option. Flexible terms.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) offer lower initial interest rates that adjust over time, making them a smart choice for buyers who expect to move or refinance within a few years.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage

Flexible rates. Potential savings.

Fixed Rate Mortgages provide long-term stability with a consistent interest rate and predictable monthly payments, ideal for homeowners who plan to stay in their home for many years.

Fixed Rate Mortgage

Consistent rate. Predictable payments.

why our clients