February 11, 2025
Founder, Lead Mortgage Broker - Seattle’s Mortgage Broker
Joe Tafolla
Joe Tafolla is the founder and lead mortgage broker at Seattle’s Mortgage Broker, a full-service mortgage consulting firm dedicated to helping homebuyers secure financing with competitive rates, faster closings, and personalized service.
With more than two decades in the mortgage industry, Joe has helped hundreds of families achieve homeownership, writing more than $1 billion in pre-approvals, including purchases and refinances.
Experience & Leadership
As a leading voice in the mortgage industry, Joe is frequently sought after by media outlets for his insights on mortgage financing, home loan strategies, and down payment assistance programs. He has been featured in USA Today, FOX News, NBC, CNN, and The Olympian.
His areas of expertise include:
- Mortgage and loan structuring
- Fast closings and competitive rates
- Market trends and education
- Down payment assistance programs
Expertise & Specializations
As a leading voice in the mortgage industry, Joe is frequently sought after by media outlets for his insights on mortgage financing, home loan strategies, and down payment assistance programs. He has been featured in USA Today, FOX News, NBC, CNN, and The Olympian.
His areas of expertise include:
- Down payment assistance programs
- Mortgage and loan structuring
- Fast closings and competitive rates
- Market trends and education
Latest Articles and Videos
Latest Media Appearances
Education and Credentials
Joe holds an Associate’s Degree from Seattle Central Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Washington. He has written two books on mortgage financing, including the Amazon Bestseller Buy Like A Pro.
He is recognized throughout the real estate industry as an educator, having developed a comprehensive education portal on the Seattle Mortgage Broker’s website for first-time homebuyers.
Joe is also known for delivering a high level of customer satisfaction, having secured hundreds of five-star reviews from clients.
Awards and Recognition
Joe’s expertise and success in the mortgage industry have been recognized by leading industry associations and organizations. His outstanding sales performance, client-first approach, and innovative strategies have earned him multiple awards and distinctions over the years, including several honors from United Wholesale Mortgage, the #1 mortgage lender in the United States:
- Top 1% Mortgage Broker in Washington (2019, 2020, 2021, 2024)
- Top 1% Nationwide (2019, 2020, 2021, 2024)
- Top 20 Purchase Business (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024)
- Fastest Growing Loan Officer (2021)
- PRO Elite Status (2024): Recognized for loan efficiency and performance
In addition to these achievements, he has also been recognized by UWM for his industry-leading closing times in 2018 and 2023. His expertise in underwriting efficiency has earned him Top ASR Status in 2019 and 2024.
Beyond sales performance, Joe’s innovative contributions to mortgage strategies and process improvements have been honored by UWM with the Brilliant Ideas Award in both 2019 and 2020, recognizing his ability to develop forward-thinking solutions that improve industry practices.
Affiliations and Causes
Joe Tafolla is a dedicated advocate for first-time homebuyers, families, and veterans, ensuring they have access to the financing and resources needed to achieve homeownership. His passion for financial education has led him to become a recognized voice for home accessibility, including past speaking engagements for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
More recently, Joe has focused his community involvement to helping families in need. Beyond his work in the mortgage industry, Joe supports several initiatives that create sustainable economic opportunities, including:
- Water.org
- Dog Gone Seattle
- Hug a Tree Seattle
- Food for the Poor
