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Proudly serving clients across Florida, Georgia and Illinois.
I have spent more than 20 years helping people make informed mortgage decisions. During that time, my team and I have served thousands of clients, from first-time buyers to experienced homeowners navigating new construction, renovation, or a more complicated financing situation.
In 2024, I was recognized by STRATMOR Group’s MortgageCX program as a National Top 25 Loan Officer for customer experience. The recognition was based on borrower feedback measuring care, responsiveness, knowledge, clear explanations, and how well borrowers were kept informed throughout the process. I have also been recognized as a Five Star Mortgage Professional for 14 consecutive years, an annual distinction based on evaluations from homebuyers and real estate professionals.
Those qualities reflect how I believe the mortgage process should work. You should understand your options, know what to expect, and receive straightforward answers along the way. My role is not simply to provide a loan. It is to help you evaluate your choices and select financing that fits your needs and overall financial situation.
Every buyer’s situation is different. Purchasing your first home is not the same as buying your fifth, and financing new construction presents different considerations than purchasing an existing home. My team and I take the time to understand your situation, anticipate potential challenges, and keep you informed from application through closing. Although we work as a team, I remain personally involved and accessible throughout the process.
We offer a broad range of residential mortgage options, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, first-time homebuyer, renovation, and construction-to-permanent loans.
If you are considering buying, building, renovating, or refinancing a home, I would welcome the opportunity to help you understand your options and determine the right next step.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Michael's communication was great and kept us informed throughout the process. Melissa MeideFleming Island, FL Aug 12
Michael's communication was great and kept us informed throughout the process.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Michael was very reapinsive and helpful and went out od his way to make sure it all went well when there hiccups he atood up fixed them and showed hia commintment to making sure we were hapoy ans delivering the product he promised! Richard AFleming Island, FL Aug 10
Michael was very reapinsive and helpful and went out od his way to make sure it all went well when there hiccups he atood up fixed them and showed hia commintment to making sure we were hapoy ans delivering the product he promised!
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass I’ve worked on dozens of transactions with Michael Gayda and his team, including Shannon Vargas, and they have consistently delivered exceptional service. Michael is an outstanding communicator who keeps everyone informed throughout the loan process, and he has a real talent for thinking outside the box to find solutions when challenges arise. Sh... IraPonte Vedra, FL Jul 30
I’ve worked on dozens of transactions with Michael Gayda and his team, including Shannon Vargas, and they have consistently delivered exceptional service. Michael is an outstanding communicator who keeps everyone informed throughout the loan process, and he has a real talent for thinking outside the box to find solutions when challenges arise. Sh...
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass The whole team is personable and responsive - they make getting a mortgage seem easy! JenniferPonte Vedra, FL Jul 30
The whole team is personable and responsive - they make getting a mortgage seem easy!
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Fast response times - personal service - all answers provided RichardPONTE VEDRA, FL Jul 13
Fast response times - personal service - all answers provided
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Working with Michael and his team is always great! I'm confident my clients will be well taken care of and have a great experience. Thanks again Michael! BrianPONTE VEDRA, FL Jun 10
Working with Michael and his team is always great! I'm confident my clients will be well taken care of and have a great experience. Thanks again Michael!
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Michael and his team of professionals are TOP NOTCH! I have worked with them for years across multiple transactions and you simply cannot find a better team. Everything about our transaction was easy and smooth because of them. We cannot recommend them enough! We love our new home but if we ever need another mortgage, Michael will be my first call.... Lauren ElizabethSAINT JOHNS, FL May 28
Michael and his team of professionals are TOP NOTCH! I have worked with them for years across multiple transactions and you simply cannot find a better team. Everything about our transaction was easy and smooth because of them. We cannot recommend them enough! We love our new home but if we ever need another mortgage, Michael will be my first call....
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Michael and Shannon were absolutely amazing to work with, made this the easiest experience I could ever imagine. ChristopherPANAMA CITY BEACH, FL May 21
Michael and Shannon were absolutely amazing to work with, made this the easiest experience I could ever imagine.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass and Shannon Bowen amazing job especially Michael. I appreciate so much that you had my back. I know it wasn't easy, but your efforts on my behalf matter even more because of itu thank you. Nancy L.JACKSONVILLE, FL May 15
and Shannon Bowen amazing job especially Michael. I appreciate so much that you had my back. I know it wasn't easy, but your efforts on my behalf matter even more because of itu thank you.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Zillow I am honored to leave the second review for Michael Gayda. PLease refer to my previous review on 09/2016. I mentioned that I will use him again for my next purchase, I did indeed. I just bought my second and forever home. Michael made it happen and gave me a very competitive rate!!!. He is the best in Town. Awesome Lender AgainPonte Vedra Beach, FL Apr 30
I am honored to leave the second review for Michael Gayda. PLease refer to my previous review on 09/2016. I mentioned that I will use him again for my next purchase, I did indeed. I just bought my second and forever home. Michael made it happen and gave me a very competitive rate!!!. He is the best in Town.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Zillow LOVE LOVE LOVE! Michael Gayda and his team are amazing! Michael Gayda and his team are quick to respond either with a phone call or email. I love that I have them in my back pocket and will not use any other lender again! His team has made all my transactions very seamlessly and flawless. Timothymgreen86Punta Gorda, FL Apr 30
LOVE LOVE LOVE! Michael Gayda and his team are amazing! Michael Gayda and his team are quick to respond either with a phone call or email. I love that I have them in my back pocket and will not use any other lender again! His team has made all my transactions very seamlessly and flawless.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Zillow Michael Gayda was an excellent resource when I purchased my home! Michael was more than willing to help and answer any questions I asked (and I had a lot of them since I was a first time home buyer). I have recommended friends to use Michael for initiating a home loan and would recommend any person I talk with to take advantage of his expertise a... NicholasJacksonville, FL Apr 20
Michael Gayda was an excellent resource when I purchased my home! Michael was more than willing to help and answer any questions I asked (and I had a lot of them since I was a first time home buyer). I have recommended friends to use Michael for initiating a home loan and would recommend any person I talk with to take advantage of his expertise a...
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Very communicative and quick to respond. Kept the transaction on track. Doreen AnnSAINT JOHNS, FL Apr 14
Very communicative and quick to respond. Kept the transaction on track.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 from Encompass We had a little hiccup at the end regarding closing mix-up due to appraisal delay, but other than that everything was handled very professionally and things went pretty smoothly throughout the process. TomPONTE VEDRA, FL Apr 14
We had a little hiccup at the end regarding closing mix-up due to appraisal delay, but other than that everything was handled very professionally and things went pretty smoothly throughout the process.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Michael Gayda and his assistant Shannon were the definition of professional. They were quick to respond if I had questions and always kept me informed of what was going on. MarcSAINT JOHNS, FL Apr 14
Michael Gayda and his assistant Shannon were the definition of professional. They were quick to respond if I had questions and always kept me informed of what was going on.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 from Encompass Comminication was clear and steps were very organized. The team made the process easy! Olivia JosephinePONTE VEDRA, FL Apr 08
Comminication was clear and steps were very organized. The team made the process easy!
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Michael has proven over the years to be an excellent source for information guidance and expertise guiding home buyers through the mortgage process. We work many years together and he is a trusted source for continued excellence in his field!! MarkPONTE VEDRA, FL Apr 01
Michael has proven over the years to be an excellent source for information guidance and expertise guiding home buyers through the mortgage process. We work many years together and he is a trusted source for continued excellence in his field!!
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Great communication, timely action ShaiffuPALM COAST, FL Mar 31
Great communication, timely action
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Zillow Michael and his team did an absolutely amazing job on a very complex application! We love our new home, and grateful we had Michael on our side through the entire process! AustinSaint Johns, FL Mar 30
Michael and his team did an absolutely amazing job on a very complex application! We love our new home, and grateful we had Michael on our side through the entire process!
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Michael, Shannon, and the entire team were absolutely phenomenal throughout the execution from application to closing! Professional conceriege service that allowed for a much smoother, seamless closing on our new home! Thank you all for your hardwork, attention to details, and transparency throughout this process! Shelby TravisPONTE VEDRA, FL Mar 22
Michael, Shannon, and the entire team were absolutely phenomenal throughout the execution from application to closing! Professional conceriege service that allowed for a much smoother, seamless closing on our new home! Thank you all for your hardwork, attention to details, and transparency throughout this process!
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Michael was available whenever I had any questions and was always very helpful. He made the whole process go smoothly and a lot less stressful. BrianJACKSONVILLE, FL Mar 17
Michael was available whenever I had any questions and was always very helpful. He made the whole process go smoothly and a lot less stressful.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Encompass Michael and his team were always available for any questions and explained everything in detail. KatherinePONTE VEDRA, FL Feb 27
Michael and his team were always available for any questions and explained everything in detail.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from Zillow We used Prime Lending, and the experience couldn’t have been better. They were on top of everything, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. Clear communication, prompt responses, and a genuinely helpful approach made them incredibly easy to work with. Highly recommend! NerminaJacksonville, FL Feb 24
We used Prime Lending, and the experience couldn’t have been better. They were on top of everything, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. Clear communication, prompt responses, and a genuinely helpful approach made them incredibly easy to work with. Highly recommend!
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from facebook Michael and his team did an absolutely amazing job on a very complex application! We love our new home, and grateful we had Michael on our side through the entire process! Austin Smith Feb 24
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 from facebook We used Prime Lending, and the experience couldn’t have been better. They were on top of everything, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. Clear communication, prompt responses, and a genuinely helpful approach made them incredibly easy to work with. Highly recommend! Nermina Imsirovic Feb 24