Business Details
18 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Mortgage Partner for First Responders in Chicago
Police Mortgage has been a trusted partner for first responders since 2008, specializing in tailored mortgage solutions for law enforcement officers and public safety professionals. Our team combines decades of mortgage industry expertise with a deep understanding of the unique financial needs of those who serve their communities. As a subsidiary of National Police Federal Credit Union, we leverage our institutional knowledge to deliver competitive rates, streamlined processes, and personalized service. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of helping thousands of first responders achieve homeownership through conventional, FHA, and VA loan programs.We maintain rigorous professional standards while offering specialized benefits like our End of Watch Loan Protection, which provides critical financial security at no additional cost. Our Chicago-based leadership team brings multi-generational experience in both mortgage finance and public service, ensuring our clients receive both technical expertise and genuine understanding of their professional realities.
Services
Conventional Loans
FHA Loans
VA Loans
Loan Protection Programs
Mortgage Refinancing
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of mortgage industry experience with first responder expertise
- Our team includes former credit union managers and public safety family members
- We provide exclusive End of Watch Loan Protection at no additional cost
- Our streamlined process achieves typical 30-day closing timelines
- We specialize in low down payment options including 0% VA loans
What people say
Exceptional service
First responder understanding
Competitive rates
Smooth closing process
Personalized guidance
Services
Conventional Loans
Conventional loans offer competitive rates with low down payment options starting at 3%. These mortgages provide flexibility for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties. Borrowers benefit from streamlined underwriting processes and potential PMI removal at 20% equity. Our conventional loan program includes specialized protections for first responders.
FHA Loans
FHA loans enable home purchase with 3.5% down and lower credit score requirements. Designed for first-time buyers, these loans allow qualification based on rental income from multi-unit properties. Our FHA program includes End of Watch Loan Protection and meets strict HUD standards while maintaining accessibility for public servants.
VA Loans
VA loans provide 0% down payment options for qualified veterans with no mortgage insurance requirements. Our program includes funding fee financing and specialized protections for active duty personnel. We offer expert guidance through VA-specific underwriting requirements and property standards.
End of Watch Loan Protection
This exclusive benefit cancels up to $850,000 in mortgage debt for first responders killed in the line of duty. Available at no cost, it covers multiple loans and provides critical financial security for families. The program includes comprehensive coverage for on-duty and training-related incidents with no additional premiums.
Mortgage Refinancing
Our refinancing options help reduce monthly payments, shorten loan terms, or access home equity. We specialize in FHA-to-conventional conversions and rate adjustments while maintaining first responder benefits. The process includes personalized rate analysis and streamlined documentation requirements.
People
John Aretos
CEO
With 25 years in mortgage finance, John leads Police Mortgage's strategic direction. A graduate of Indiana University, he combines institutional knowledge from his family's restaurant business with deep community ties to serve first responders' financial needs effectively.
Patrick Doah
Loan Officer
Patrick brings multi-generational law enforcement perspective to mortgage solutions. A University of Illinois graduate, he specializes in guiding first-time homebuyers through the process while leveraging his local Chicago expertise to match clients with suitable properties.
Dylan Walsh
Loan Officer
Dylan transitioned from marketing to mortgage finance, developing expertise in first responder loans under CEO mentorship. He established our St. Louis office, combining regional knowledge with national standards to expand our service capabilities across the Midwest.
Connor Walsh
Loan Officer
With a decade in sales, Connor applies relationship-building skills to mortgage services. He focuses on streamlining loan processes through team collaboration, balancing technical requirements with client communication to ensure smooth transactions for both first-time and repeat buyers.
Vivian Abraham
Loan Officer
Vivian contributes 10 years of banking experience and family law enforcement connections. Her background managing credit union locations informs her approach to financial wellness, while her community engagement helps connect clients with local resources beyond mortgage financing.
Questions
What credit score is required for mortgage pre-approval?
Conventional loans require minimum 620 score, while FHA/VA loans need at least 580 for pre-approval eligibility.
What documents are needed for pre-approval?
Submit completed application, two paystubs, two years W2s, recent bank statements, and photo ID for pre-approval processing.
How do pre-qualification and pre-approval differ?
Pre-qualification is an initial discussion, while pre-approval involves verified documentation that strengthens purchase offers.
What are minimum down payment requirements?
Conventional loans require 3-5% down, FHA needs 3.5%, and VA loans offer 0% down payment options for qualified borrowers.
How long does the mortgage process take?
Typical closing timeline is 30 days from contract receipt with pre-approved buyers.
What protections exist for first responders?
Our End of Watch Loan Protection cancels up to $850,000 in mortgage debt at no cost if killed in the line of duty.