Sun West Mortgage

Office address: 18303 Gridley Rd., Cerritos, CA 90703 
Website: www.swmc.com 
Year established: 1980 
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 650+ 
Expertise: conventional mortgages, FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, jumbo loans, non-QM loans 
Parent company: N/A 
CEO and key people: Pavan Agarwal (CEO), Jennifer Vallinayagam (COO), Neeraj Kumar (VP, credit/risk management), David Pahwa (VP, capital markets), Mae Mackey (Senior VP, production management), Preeti Agarwal (VP, marketing & advertising) 

Financing status: N/A 

Sun West Mortgage is a mortgage lending and servicing company based in Cerritos, California. The company has more than 80 branches in operation and manages a servicing portfolio exceeding $9 billion. SWMC has expanded its operations across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands. 

History of Sun West Mortgage 

Founded in 1980, Sun West Mortgage has evolved with a client-first philosophy, prioritizing ease and stress-free processes for prospective homeowners. Over the years, the company has achieved Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Ginnie Mae approvals. In 1998, the company constructed a large in-house servicing program. 

Sun West Mortgage progressed its financial success to become one of the major lenders in the country during 2012-2018. The company continued to rank among the top companies in the mortgage industry, winning multiple awards throughout the years. Since then, its operation and locations have expanded, along with its multiple product lines. 

Products and Services of Sun West Mortgage 

Sun West Mortgage offers a diverse portfolio of mortgage products to cater to various homeowner needs, including: 

  • FHA loans: with less stringent credit score requirements and the possibility of financing with a FICO as low as 500, FHA loans from Sun West Mortgage are designed to be accessible 

  • VA loans: dedicated to serving the needs of military personnel, veterans, and their families while also catering to credit scores as low as 500 

  • USDA loans: aimed at borrowers in rural areas, these loans do not require a down payment and offer benefits such as low monthly mortgage insurance, lower income requirements, and the ability to finance up to 100% of the property value 

  • conventional loans: these require a minimum credit score of 620, with interest rates that vary based on the borrower's credit  

Culture at Sun West Mortgage 

Sun West Mortgage promotes a professional culture that is rooted in diversity and inclusion. This is reflected through its leadership composition, with an all-minority and a supermajority women board. The company also shows their appreciation towards their diverse staff through comprehensive employee benefits that include:  

  • vacation and paid time off  

  • sick days, paid holidays, and unpaid extended leave 

  • 401(k) plan  

  • health, life, dental, and vision insurance 

  • free lunch and snacks 

About Sun West Mortgage CEO Pavan Agarwal and Key People 

Pavan Agarwal founded Sun West Mortgage in 1980 and has led the company as its CEO since then. Agarwal created AngelAi to improve the company’s online platform and founded Celligence International, an affiliate company. He graduated from UC Irvine with Bachelor's Degree, Electrical and Electronics Engineering. 

Along with Pavan Agarwal, other experts and professionals also aid with SWMC’s operations. Key people include:  

  • Jennifer Vallinayagam, as the COO, oversees the company's operational processes, ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently 

  • Neeraj Kumar, holding the position of VP of credit/risk management, is responsible for assessing and managing the credit risk and financial exposure of the company, safeguarding its financial health 

  • David Pahwa, as the VP of capital markets, is tasked with strategizing and managing the company's interactions with the capital market, optimizing its financial performance and market value 

  • Mae Mackey, serving as the senior VP of production management, helps in overseeing the company’s loan production process, ensuring that loan services are delivered efficiently and meet the company’s standards 

  • Preeti Agarwal, in the role of VP of marketing and advertising, directs the company's marketing and advertising strategies, enhancing its market presence and customer engagement 

The Future at Sun West Mortgage 

Sun West Mortgage plans to develop their customer service, website navigation, and simple transactions by using technology and their digital influence. The company is seeking to elevate its mortgage business through their initiatives like AngelAi, an artificial intelligence entity embedded within its platforms. Their recent presence at the OriginatorTech event also indicates a mission to leverage technology and innovation to augment the company’s operations. 

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