Sara McDonnell

Head of Mortgage Originations, Colorado
NMLS #383327
Licensed loan originator in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MT, NC, NJ, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, WA, WI
Contact
(303) 601-1025sara@multiplymortgage.com
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Sara has nearly 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry and is passionate about helping buyers navigate one of the biggest purchases of their lives. She views her role as more than just facilitating a transaction—it's a lifelong relationship where she remains a trusted resource for her clients throughout the process and beyond.

A 4th-generation Colorado native, Sara was born and raised in Denver, and her love for Colorado runs deep. When she's not working, she's cheering on her children in their sports activities or staying active herself. An avid hockey enthusiast, Sara has been instrumental in promoting girls' hockey in Colorado. She also enjoys skiing and spending time in the mountains. Committed to giving back, she and her children are involved in charitable efforts, particularly supporting MIB Agents, an organization that aids children and young adults with osteosarcoma.

Client success stories

As a first time homebuyer, I can't emphasize enough how helpful it was to work with Sara. She was responsive, informative, and made sure I had the tools to make decisions on a fast closing timeline. It really took the stress of the purchase, and it was a great experience working with PHM. Thanks!

Jackson A

Sara was easy to work with and super responsive throughout the entire process. She took great care in creating structured requests and making sure we understood each step. Also the digital tools leveraged by the team streamlined the majority of actions and document submission.

Lindsey B

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For every homebuyer

New

For new homebuyers ready to start their journey

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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. 
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Experienced

Repeat buyers looking to upgrade or relocate

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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.
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Pro

Investors and multiple-home owners

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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.
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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

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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.
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15-Year Fixed

Pay off your home faster with lower total interest

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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.
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Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

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

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

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

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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
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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).

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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?

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