Making
Mortgages Easy
Helping military families, first-time homebuyers and San Diego homeowners navigate the mortgage process with confidence.
Loan options built around your goals
Whether you’re buying your first home, using your VA benefits, refinancing or relocating to San Diego, we guide you through every step with expert advice, clear communication and loan options tailored to you.
Buying a Home
Conventional, FHA and jumbo financing with a strategy built around your budget.
Learn more →VA Loans
Put the benefit you earned to work — including $0 down options for eligible buyers.
Learn more →First-Time Buyers
Low down payment programs, plus a step-by-step guide to buying your first home.
Learn more →Refinance
Lower your payment, shorten your term or tap into your home equity.
Learn more →
Your mortgage advisor for the long run
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and I believe it should be an exciting experience, not an overwhelming one. For more than 27 years I’ve helped individuals, families, veterans and first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership.
I founded The Schmidt Team to create a client experience built on trust, education and long-term relationships. Today we’re proudly powered by Barrett Financial Group, giving my clients access to a wide variety of loan programs and competitive financing.
Experience you can count on
- Over 27 years of mortgage experience
- Certified VA home loan specialist
- First-time homebuyer expert
- Local San Diego market knowledge
- Award-winning mortgage professional
- Education-first approach — no pressure
- Clear communication from start to finish
- Relationships that last beyond closing day
Awards & press
Tracie Schmidt was named one of Mortgage Professional America’s Elite Women. Read the full article.
Mortgage tips & San Diego life
Quick, practical videos on VA loans, buying strategies, seller credits, refinancing and the local spots that make San Diego home.
Watch more videosWhat clients & Realtors say
“Tracie goes above and beyond with everything she touches. From her excellent communication to her dedication to her clients' success, Tracie definitely sets the bar high for her competitors. I have peace of mind with full confidence when I refer anyone to her.”
“Tracie and her team are amazing. She is quick, efficient, keeps you up-to-date and communication is great, even on a Sunday! I highly recommend Tracie and her team.”
“Tracie and Alina did an amazing job with my refinance. They kept me informed throughout the process and got it all done quick and easy! I highly recommend them to all my clients and friends.”
Download a home buying guide
Everything you need to know — loan programs, the approval process, mortgage dos & don’ts and the terms you’ll hear along the way.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need for a down payment?
Less than many people think. Many conventional programs allow as little as 3% down for qualified buyers, FHA allows 3.5%, and eligible veterans and service members can buy with $0 down using a VA loan. Down payment assistance may also be available. 20% down is not required to buy a home.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
Many conventional loans look for a score of about 620 or higher, while FHA and VA programs can be more flexible. Every situation is different — we’ll review your credit with you and, if needed, give you a plan to improve your score before you buy.
What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
A pre-qualification is an early estimate based on what you tell us. A fully underwritten conditional approval goes further: you provide documents, an underwriter reviews your credit, income and assets up front, and you shop with an approval that’s much stronger in a competitive or multiple-offer situation.
What documents will I need?
Typically your last 30 days of pay stubs, two years of W-2s (and tax returns if you’re self-employed or have other income), two months of bank and asset statements, a copy of your ID, and for VA loans your Certificate of Eligibility — which we can help you get.
A lending partner your buyers will thank you for
Fast pre-approvals, a call to the listing agent with every offer, classes for your team and a seller buydown calculator you can use at your next listing appointment.
We can’t wait to hear from you
Call or text 858-336-5200, email tschmidt@barrettfinancial.com, or send a message and we’ll get right back to you.
Tracie Schmidt is licensed in California, Florida and Washington. Through Barrett Financial Group, our team can help homebuyers and homeowners in every state except New York — reach out and we’ll connect you with the right loan officer.