Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Mortgage Solutions in California
Citizens Financial was founded on a commitment to serve those who serve their communities, with a focus on educators, military personnel, and first responders. Our mission is to empower Californians to achieve homeownership through education-first guidance and tailored mortgage solutions. We combine personalized strategies with advanced financial technology to deliver a high-touch experience that prioritizes clarity and care. With local teams in Northern and Southern California, we specialize in FHA, VA, Conventional, and other loan programs designed for diverse financial situations. Our founders early work with veterans at the VA Medical Center in Westwood, California, established our philosophy of turning gratitude into action through smarter mortgage solutions. We serve first-time buyers, growing families, retirees, self-employed entrepreneurs, and high-end clients, offering full-spectrum programs including down payment assistance, jumbo loans, and reverse mortgages.Our approach blends boutique service with seamless digital tools, ensuring clients receive both expert guidance and efficient processes. We emphasize long-term relationships over transactional interactions, helping clients build equity and financial stability. Our teams expertise spans low-down-payment options, investment property financing, and renovation loans, with a focus on making homeownership accessible. By maintaining a deep understanding of local markets and federal programs, we provide actionable solutions that align with each clients unique goals and circumstances.
Services
VA Loans
FHA Loans
Conventional Loans
Jumbo Loans
Reverse Mortgages
Down Payment Assistance
Investment Property Loans
Rehab Loans
USDA Loans
Refinance Options
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We specialize in mission-driven mortgage programs for educators and first responders.
- Our local California teams provide personalized guidance and market expertise.
- We offer down payment assistance programs with up to 100% closing cost coverage.
- Our founder pioneered VA loan education for veterans in 2000.
- We combine boutique service with digital tools for efficient transactions.
What people say
Mission-driven guidance
Personalized strategies
Local market expertise
Seamless digital tools
Veteran-focused support
Services
VA Loans
VA Loans provide zero-down-payment options for veterans and active-duty military. These government-backed mortgages eliminate private mortgage insurance requirements while offering competitive rates. Our team specializes in navigating VA-specific underwriting standards and renovation programs.
Down Payment Assistance
Our Down Payment Assistance Program offers fully forgivable second mortgages for California first-time homebuyers. This program covers up to 100% of closing costs and allows purchases of homes valued up to $1 million with minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
Jumbo Loans
Jumbo Loans cater to high-value property purchases exceeding conventional loan limits. We provide flexible terms for luxury homes and investment properties, with specialized underwriting for self-employed borrowers and unique income scenarios.
Rehab Loans
Rehab Loans combine purchase or refinance funds with renovation costs. Available through FHA 203(k) and VA programs, these mortgages enable buyers to finance repairs and improvements into a single loan with streamlined approval processes.
Reverse Mortgages
Reverse Mortgages allow homeowners aged 55+ to convert home equity into tax-free income. These loans provide monthly payments, lump sums, or credit lines while maintaining property ownership, with no repayment required until the home is sold.
People
Gregory Ritchie
Broker & Owner
Gregory Ritchie founded Citizens Financial in 2000 after working with veterans at the VA Medical Center. His commitment to serving public servants shapes our mission-driven approach to mortgage lending.
Anthony Bell
Long Beach Branch Manager
Anthony Bell leads our Long Beach operations with over 15 years of mortgage experience. He specializes in guiding first-time buyers through California's complex housing market.
Khristene Parker
Mortgage Loan Officer
Khristene Parker provides personalized loan solutions for Southern California homebuyers. Her expertise in VA and FHA programs helps veterans and first-time buyers achieve homeownership.
Scott Tonnesen
Fairfield Branch Manager
Scott Tonnesen oversees our Northern California operations. With a background in real estate law, he ensures seamless transactions for Bay Area homebuyers and investors.
Natalie Neal
Marketing Director
Natalie Neal leads brand development initiatives while maintaining her active mortgage license. Her dual expertise ensures our educational resources align with client needs.
Questions
What mortgage programs do you specialize in?
We offer FHA, VA, Conventional, Jumbo, Reverse, and Down Payment Assistance programs tailored to California homebuyers.
Can first-time buyers qualify with low down payments?
Yes! Our Down Payment Assistance Program offers 100% closing cost coverage and zero-down options through VA and USDA loans.
Do you serve clients outside California?
Our primary focus is Northern and Southern California markets with local teams in both regions.
How do you support veterans?
We specialize in VA loans with zero-down options and have helped veterans since our founding in 2000.
What sets you apart from other lenders?
Our combination of mission-driven service, local expertise, and technology-enabled efficiency creates a unique client experience.
Can I refinance my existing mortgage?
Yes, we offer rate-and-term refinancing, cash-out options, and VA streamline programs to meet various financial goals.
