Meet Mike Lichtenfeld | Mortgage Broker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Lichtenfeld and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My journey in real estate began in 2018 when I became a Realtor in Costa Mesa. Like many new agents, I struggled to gain traction in a highly competitive market and started exploring ways to expand my skill set. Around that time, I was spending a lot of weekends in Mammoth Mountain and saw firsthand the growth of the short-term rental market. That interest eventually led me to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where I accepted a role as Director of Business Development for a vacation rental management company.

That experience was invaluable — it taught me everything from pricing strategy and revenue optimization to operations and client relations. After a few years in Colorado, I missed Southern California and decided to move back to launch my own vacation rental management company in Newport Beach. Running that business gave me a deep appreciation for entrepreneurship and client service. I realized that what I loved most was helping property owners maximize their returns — understanding the numbers, optimizing strategy, and driving results. That curiosity and passion naturally evolved into mortgage lending.

Once I earned my NMLS license, I went all in. My first year, I funded over 50 loans and $30 million in volume. I had a great mentor and learned a ton, but I eventually realized that to truly deliver the level of service and transparency I believed in, I needed to branch out on my own.

The thought process behind starting my business as an independent mortgage broker was simple: I wanted to operate with complete authenticity — to serve my clients exactly the way I’d want to be served. That meant offering great pricing with low margins, being transparent about every fee and option, and tailoring each loan around my clients’ goals rather than corporate profit targets. It also meant building a business where I could reinvest my earnings directly back into improving my systems, marketing, and client experience.

Going independent gave me full control — over my lenders, my processing partners, my schedule, and most importantly, my client relationships. I finally get to run a business that aligns with my values of honesty, service, and excellence. It’s been the most rewarding decision of my career.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m an independent mortgage broker and the founder of LoansFunded, powered by C2 Financial Corporation, the largest broker platform in the country. I specialize in residential home loans across California, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Washington, with a focus on helping homeowners and buyers find the most competitive mortgage options on the market.

What truly sets me apart is how I operate — low-margin, high-service lending. I left the retail and direct-lender world because I saw firsthand how much markup gets built into those rates. As a broker, I have access to over 200 lenders, which allows me to shop on behalf of my clients and consistently beat the “big box” banks by 0.5–1% or more — all while providing a more personal, transparent experience. My model is simple: do right by the client, keep costs low, communicate clearly, and deliver fast closings.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built this business from the ground up, with nothing but grit, faith, and a commitment to excellence. It wasn’t easy. There were months early on when deals fell apart, leads went cold, or cash flow got tight. But every challenge forced me to get sharper — to refine my systems, double down on client experience, and stay laser-focused on long-term relationships instead of short-term wins.

I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is less about talent and more about consistency and integrity. The mortgage industry can be noisy, but when you show up every day with genuine care, honesty, and hustle, people feel that. That’s how I got here — by never cutting corners, always being available for my clients (even on weekends), and treating every file like it’s my own family’s loan.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: I’m not here to sell loans — I’m here to build trust. Whether it’s a first-time buyer, a luxury homeowner, or someone just looking to lower their rate, my mission is to help people make smarter, wealth-building decisions through real estate.

And none of this would be possible without the support of my wife Siena, who’s a Realtor with Compass Newport Beach and the Coastal Estate Group. She’s my sounding board, my inspiration, and the reason I can go all in on this business every single day. Together, we’ve built something rooted in service, heart, and hard work — and we’re just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, we’d do it right — a full week soaking up everything that makes Newport Beach unbeatable. The food, the weather, the beaches — it’s truly world-class. Once you experience it, it’s hard not to fall in love.

We’d start the morning at Lighthouse Café on Balboa Peninsula — breakfast and coffee with an incredible harbor view. Lunch would be at Bear Flag Fish Co. for fresh poke bowls and local seafood, and dinner at Mama D’s for the best Italian food you’ll ever have (get the Gnocchi with Pink Sauce — it’s legendary).

For activities, we’d hop on the Balboa Ferry to explore Balboa Island and the Fun Zone, then take a walk along the Newport Pier to catch the sunset. We’d spend a day cruising the harbor on paddleboards, taking in the boats, sea lions, and calm water. At some point, we’d swing by The Wedge to watch the massive waves and local body surfers in action — it’s one of Newport’s most iconic spots. And when it’s time to unwind, we’d mellow out on the sand at L Street, one of my favorite quiet beach stretches in town.

Newport has this incredible mix of laid-back energy and ambition — surfers, entrepreneurs, artists, and families all sharing the same sunshine. It’s a lifestyle that’s equal parts inspiring and relaxing. There’s truly no place like it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest shoutout goes to my wife, Siena Lichtenfeld. She’s a Realtor with Compass Newport Beach, part of the Coastal Estate Group, and she’s the definition of dedication and heart. Siena has stood by me through every chapter — from the early grind to the breakthroughs — and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without her love and belief in me.

She has a heart of gold, yet she’s one of the fiercest negotiators I’ve ever met. She takes care of her clients in a way that’s unmatched, always going the extra mile and balancing professionalism with genuine compassion. Siena serves clients throughout Orange County, San Diego, and Los Angeles, and I’m endlessly proud of the business she’s built and the person she is.

Beyond all of that, she’s my anchor — the steady force who keeps me grounded, inspired, and focused on what really matters. This journey is ours, and I’m so grateful to have her by my side.

Website: https://www.c2financialcorp.com/mlichtenfeld

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loansfunded/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelichtenfeld/

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