Berj Arakelian

Founding Branch Manager, CA
NMLS #1695267
Licensed loan originator in CA, AZ, FL, and IL
Speak with Berj
Apply now
With over 10 years of experience helping hundreds of homebuyers secure the right mortgage, I take a client-centric approach rooted in trust, education, and financial guidance. I'm known for building lasting relationships and delivering a seamless, personalized homebuying experience. My goal is to serve not just as a lender, but as a trusted financial partner throughout the journey.

With over 25 years of market and economic experience—and the past 10 focused specifically on the California real estate market—I bring deep local insight and a strong understanding of regional trends, lending practices, and buyer needs. This expertise allows me to guide clients with confidence through California’s dynamic housing landscape.

Outside of work, I’m a proud parent and active in my local community, including volunteer efforts and charitable events. I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring California’s natural beauty, and staying involved in youth activities and leadership development.

Client success stories

Scott Kagi was very easy to work with, knowledgeable, detailed, honest, transparent, and respectful. He was always patient and understanding, making the complicated transaction as easy as possible.

Charles B.

Scott is very personable, communicative, and helpful to explain the lending process. I was the Realtor on this transaction and continue to be impressed with Scott and his professionalism.

Kristen L.

Scott was introduced to me after my husband and I had already chosen a lender for our first home. Upon Scott's great work ethic and drive to get the best rates for his clients, he offered us a deal that we could not resist. We decided to go with Scott last minute and it made all the difference. The process was streamlined and we did not have to worry about a thing! He was quick with phone calls and texts messages, even helping us while away at a family emergency. He is very knowledgable and extremely great to work with. I highly recommend Scott and his team. We plan to use him in the future for any refinancing or 2nd home purchase.

Sarah H.

Scott did an awesome job helping my clients get the loan they needed at a great rate. He is very professional and responds quickly to all questions. I highly recommend him.

Kim S.

Speak with Scott

For every homebuyer

New

For new homebuyers ready to start their journey

Learn more

First-Time Homebuyers

Things to keep in mind
FHA Loans — A Powerful First-Time Buyer Tool
A 30-year fixed mortgage offers a stable interest rate and consistent monthly payments over the life of the loan. Your principal and interest payments remain the same for the full 30 years, regardless of market fluctuations.
Your First Tax Break
Buying your first home can open the door to major tax benefits. You may be eligible to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and possibly mortgage insurance — savings that may reduce your taxable income significantly. Don’t forget to explore state-level tax credits or assistance programs too. Speak to one of Multiply Mortgage’s loan experts to help you understand what is in the realm of the possible.
Understanding Closing Costs
Buying a home involves more than just saving for a down payment. You’ll also need to budget for closing costs, which usually range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. These costs generally include things  like appraisals, title insurance, and more. Multiply Mortgage can help you estimate your closing costs upfront to avoid surprises when it’s time to close on your new home.
Why Pre-Approval Matters
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and helps you know exactly what you can afford. Pre-approval can also speed up the closing process. Our team can help guide you through the simple steps to get started. 
Speak with Berj
Experienced

Repeat buyers looking to upgrade or relocate

Learn more

Repeat Buyers

Things to keep in mind
Porting Your Equity
Have equity in your current home? You may be able to apply it toward your next purchase — even before selling. Multiply Mortgage’s experts can help you explore options like bridge loans or HELOCs to keep your move seamless. Understanding your options in regards to your current equity can help you make more competitive offers. Take advantage of the opportunity to leverage one of our experts today.
Thinking of a Trade-Up?
Thinking about a bigger home or different neighborhood? Timing your purchase and sale is critical. Multiply Mortgage helps coordinate offers, avoid costly interim housing and evaluate contingencies. We can also analyze your affordability under today’s rates and help you make sense of buy-before-you-sell options. Speak with one of our mortgage experts today and understand all of your options.
Navigating Contingencies
When buying and selling at the same time, contingencies can protect you—like making your purchase dependent on selling your current home. Multiply Mortgage can help you structure offers that balance your needs and keep your transactions on track.
Considering Renovation Loans
Found a home that needs updates? Renovation loans, like FHA 203(k) or Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle, let you finance repairs and improvements as part of your mortgage. Multiply’s experts can help you explore these options and understand what’s possible for your next investment.
Speak with Berj
Pro

Investors and multiple-home owners

Learn more

Investors / Multiple-Home Owners

Things to keep in mind
Building Equity While You Sleep
One of the most powerful aspects of real estate investing is equity growth through mortgage paydown and appreciation. With each monthly payment, your tenants build your equity. Multiply Mortgage can help you compare loan structures that drive the best monthly payments for you — essential for scaling your portfolio over time.
Know Your DSCR
For investment properties, your Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) could matter more than your salary. Multiply Mortgage’s loan experts can help you prioritize and recognize income-producing value to identify your best option.
Exploring Portfolio Loans
If you own multiple properties, traditional loans may not always fit your needs. Portfolio loans—held by lenders instead of being sold to investors—can offer flexible terms for complex situations. Multiply Mortgage can help you evaluate if this approach is right for your investment strategy.
Cash-Out Refinance for Growth
Need capital for your next investment? A cash-out refinance lets you tap into your property’s equity to fund new purchases or renovations. Multiply Mortgage can help you compare options and calculate the impact on your overall portfolio.
Speak with Berj

Find the best mortgage for you

We have many mortgage structures to fit your financial needs, some of our most common options include:

30-Year Fixed

Most popular option with predictable payments

Learn more

30-year Fixed Mortgage

A 30-year fixed mortgage offers a stable interest rate and consistent monthly payments over the life of the loan. Your principal and interest payments remain the same for the full 30 years, regardless of market fluctuations.
Got it
15-Year Fixed

Pay off your home faster with lower total interest

Learn more

15-year Fixed Mortgage

A home loan paid off over 15 years with a fixed interest rate. The rate and monthly payment remain the same, but payments are higher than a 30-year loan since you pay it off faster.
Got it
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

These loans start with a fixed interest rate for a set period, then adjust semiannually

Learn more

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

These loans start with a fixed interest rate for a set period, then adjust annually.
Typical Options:
  • 10/6 ARM – Fixed rate for the first 10 years, then adjusts semiannually for the remaining 20.
  • 7/6 ARM – Fixed rate for 7 years, adjusts semiannually after that.
  • 5/6 ARM – Fixed for 5 years, then adjusts semiannually thereafter.
Got it
Interest-only Mortgage Options

Pay only interest for a fixed period, then the loan converts to amortizing payments (principal + interest) with an adjustable rate for the remaining term

Learn more

Interest-Only Mortgage Options

Pay only interest for a fixed period (usually 5, 7, or 10 years), then the loan converts to amortizing payments (principal + interest) with an adjustable rate for the remaining term.
Typical Options:
  • 5/1 IO ARM – Interest-only for 5 years, then adjusts annually
  • 7/1 IO ARM – Interest-only for 7 years, then adjusts annually
  • 10/1 IO ARM – Interest-only for 10 years, then adjusts annually
Got it
Speak with Berj
Apply now

Mortgage Calculator

Get an estimate of your monthly payments
Calculator provided for illustrative purposes only, and may not reflect your individual circumstances. To learn more about your mortgage options, contact one of our expert advisors today.

Introductory terms

Essential terms every homebuyer should understand

APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

A measure of the total cost of borrowing, including interest rate and fees, expressed as a yearly rate.

Equity

The difference between your home’s market value and the outstanding balance on your mortgage.

Interest

The fee the lender charges you to borrow money for your mortgage, based on a percentage of the principal.

Pre-approval

A lender’s conditional agreement to loan you a certain amount based on preliminary financial information.

Principal

The amount you borrow from the lender to buy a home. This is typically calculated by taking the home value, minus the down payment (initial upfront investment into the mortgage).

View all
Speak with Berj

Who I help

First-time homebuyers

We know buying a home can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. We're here to guide you, help avoid costly mistakes, and ensure your mortgage gets approved so you can secure your home!

Move-up and second homebuyers

Buying a new home while owning one brings unique concerns. We're here to answer your questions, whether it's for a new primary residence or a vacation home.

Refinancing home owners

If you're refinancing to lower your rate or take cash out, we can help and guide you in structuring the best deal.

Ready to get started?

Apply now