I'm Matt Genovese — a Santa Barbara branch manager with New American Funding. Boutique attention, the lending power of a national lender, and a track record clients keep coming back to.
In a transaction as personal as a home, you don't want a call center. You want someone local, accessible, and accountable — backed by a lender with real reach.
Matt has been originating home loans on the Central Coast since 2014. Long-term agents and clients keep coming back — many for their second or third home.
You get a direct line and a real conversation. Behind it, NAF's full lending platform — Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, and renovation — plus in-house underwriting.
The most consistent thing in 199 client reviews: Matt picks up the phone and tells you exactly where the deal stands. No guessing, no chasing.
Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, or non-QM — Matt and the NAF team work across the full range every week.
Standard fixed-rate and ARM loans with competitive pricing. Often the best fit for buyers with solid credit and 5–20% down.
Financing above conforming loan limits — essential in Santa Barbara, where home prices regularly require jumbo-tier loans.
Zero-down, no-PMI loans for active-duty, veterans, and qualifying spouses. Matt is part of NAF's military-focused team.
Government-backed loans with down payments as low as 3.5% and flexible credit. Great for first-time buyers.
Alternative-documentation loans for self-employed borrowers, real-estate investors, and others who fall outside conventional guidelines — including bank-statement and DSCR programs.
Every borrower's situation is different. A quick call with Matt is the fastest way to find the program that's right for you.
Schedule a call →From the first conversation to keys in hand — here's exactly how a loan with Matt works.
A quick call to understand what you're trying to accomplish — purchase, refi, or planning ahead — and what programs fit you best.
You upload documents through a secure portal; Matt's team verifies and issues a pre-approval letter you can shop with confidently.
Once you're under contract, NAF's in-house underwriting moves fast. Matt keeps you informed at every milestone — no chasing required.
Final docs signed, funded, recorded. Keys handed over. Matt stays in touch as your long-term lending resource.
A handful of recent verified reviews from real Central Coast clients.
"I have been working with Matt for over a decade and he has never disappointed my clients or me. He is reliable, gets the job done, and his communication is awesome — you never have to guess where the deal stands."
"Matt was always willing to go the extra mile to help us and to make sure we were understanding the process — this was the first home we were purchasing in California. He never made us feel rushed."
"Matt is a professional and personable guy. He communicates clearly and doesn't over or under communicate, which makes things flow smoothly. He'll point out potential issues and mitigate them with a phone call."
"Matt is smart, accessible and kind. He is the perfect professional."
"Matt and his team were timely in their communications and supportive in helping me navigate the ins and outs of the loan process. A big thanks to everyone involved!"
"Matt and Ofelia were helpful and communicative, which made the whole thing very smooth and easy."
NAF's down-payment assistance program offers qualified first-time buyers in select areas up to $6,000 in support — and it's not a loan you have to repay. Often pairs with other assistance programs for even more leverage.
See if you qualify →A dedicated NAF initiative led by veterans, focused on increasing homeownership for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. VA loans, IRRRL refinances, and real advocacy.
VA loan specialists →
Matt Genovese has been originating home loans on the Central Coast for more than a decade. As Branch Manager of New American Funding's Santa Barbara office, he brings the responsiveness of a local broker together with the rate sheet, programs, and underwriting muscle of one of America's top-rated mortgage lenders.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, refinancing for a better rate, or planning ahead, the next step is a quick conversation. No pressure, no obligation.