1st in Speed.
1st in Service.
1st in Getting You Home.
Florida's mortgage broker who picks up the phone, solves the hard files, and closes on time — every time. The Mortgage Jedi.
Sarasota · Tampa Bay · Orlando · Jacksonville · Miami · Fort Myers · Naples · All of Florida
Tony Fitzgerald — The Mortgage Jedi
I'm Tony Fitzgerald — licensed mortgage broker (NMLS #1284924), branch leader at 1st Response Mortgage, and the one Sarasota calls when the file gets complicated. Before mortgages, I spent 28 years in fire service rising to Fire Lieutenant and EMT. I'm also a marine rescue diver, an offshore powerboat racing safety diver, a Fire Academy instructor, and have done film and stunt work including the production Water Lords.
I founded the Human Advantage Institute — an AI training program for real estate professionals — and I train Brazilian jiu-jitsu at Manasota Jiu-Jitsu in Sarasota. My wife Valentina Kvamme is a Sarasota area realtor. This household runs on real estate and mortgages every single day.
I specialize in self-employed borrowers, VA loans for veterans, DSCR loans for investors, and the complex files that require strategy rather than just data entry. I access 160+ lending partners across 49 states through Barrett Financial Group. I find a way when the standard path is blocked. I'm a solution looking for a problem.
Read my full story
Why choose 1st Response Mortgage
The same instincts that kept people safe on the fireground show up every day in how I handle your mortgage. Same mission. Different emergency.
Calm under fire
28 years running toward structure fires and mass casualty events teaches you to think clearly when stakes are high. Underwriting conditions, appraisal gaps, last-minute lender requests — none of it rattles me. I've seen worse.
Available 24/7
Fire stations don't close at 5pm and neither do I. As a former Lieutenant on call, emergencies don't wait for business hours. Neither does your closing timeline. Call, text, or email — I respond every time.
Plain language, always
On the fireground, unclear communication gets people hurt. Every step of your mortgage explained in plain English — rates, terms, conditions, timelines. No jargon. You always know exactly where you stand.
160+ real options
Not locked into one bank's products. I access 160+ wholesale lending partners and find the program that fits your situation. If one lender won't work, I have 159 more. The hard file is my specialty.
Strategy, not shortcuts
Self-employed income, investment portfolios, layered assets, credit events — I specialize in files that require a plan. I'm a solution looking for a problem. The harder the file, the more useful I become.
AI-equipped, human-led
As founder of the Human Advantage Institute, I use AI tools to move faster for every client. But the judgment, relationships, and accountability are mine. Technology is the tool. I'm the one on the phone.
Every loan type. One call.
VA Loans
Zero down payment for eligible veterans and active military throughout Florida. No PMI. Competitive rates. You served — use what you earned.
FHA Loans
Low down payment starting at 3.5% with flexible credit requirements. Florida's most accessible first-time buyer program.
Bank Statement Loans
Qualify using 12 or 24 months of bank statements instead of tax returns. Business owners and entrepreneurs, this is yours.
DSCR Loans
Purchase rental properties using the property's income — not yours. Sarasota, Jacksonville, Miami — build your portfolio statewide.
Jumbo Loans
High-value financing above conforming limits for luxury properties on Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Naples, and all of Florida's premium markets.
Conventional Loans
Standard financing for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties throughout Florida. Down payments from 3–20%.
Non-QM Programs
Alternative documentation for unique situations — foreign nationals, recent credit events, asset depletion qualification, ITIN loans.
Refinancing
Rate reduction, ARM to fixed, cash-out equity, or PMI elimination. Multiple refinance options statewide — same speed as a purchase.
I specialize in the hard files
Most borrowers who come to me were told no somewhere else — or they knew their situation was complex and wanted someone who could actually handle it without wasting their time.
Self-employed borrowers
Your taxes show less income than you actually make — and a standard lender penalizes you for being smart about it. Bank statement loans, P&L programs, and asset depletion methods fix that. Your income is real. Let's prove it the right way.
Veterans and active military
You served. The VA benefit is yours. I help Florida veterans navigate VA loan entitlement, funding fees, multi-unit purchases, and second-time VA use. As a former first responder, this one is personal.
Real estate investors
DSCR loans. Short-term rental income qualification. Multi-unit financing. Portfolio strategy. I work with investors building long-term wealth across Florida's rental markets — Sarasota to Miami to Jacksonville.
First-time homebuyers
Buying your first home is overwhelming. I slow it down, explain every step in plain language, and walk beside you from pre-approval to closing day — without ever making you feel behind or stupid for asking.
Relocating to Florida
Selling your current home while buying in Florida is a coordination puzzle. I manage both — connecting you with a Barrett Financial team member in your state while I handle your Florida purchase as your single point of contact.
Complex income situations
Commission income, multiple LLCs, 1099 contractors, foreign nationals, recent credit events — if your income picture is complicated, bring it. I've closed files most brokers walked away from. There is always something in a hidden wall.
First responders and veterans — this one's personal
I spent 28 years on the job as a Fire Lieutenant and EMT. I know what it means to serve, and I know that the people who run toward emergencies deserve a mortgage broker who takes their file as seriously as they took their mission. Specialized programs, genuine respect, and a personal commitment to getting you the best terms available.
Call Tony directly — (941) 941-5150- VA loans — zero down, no PMI, competitive rates
- First responder mortgage programs available
- Available 24/7 — same as when I was on the job
- Plain language, calm under pressure, no jargon
- Fire Lieutenant · EMT · 28 years fire service
- Marine rescue diver · Offshore powerboat safety diver
- Tony Fitzgerald · NMLS #1284924 · Sarasota, FL
Your lending partner in Sarasota
Agents refer to me because I make them look good. Fast, communicative, and I solve problems before they become your problem. Toenails to trees — my network runs as deep as yours.
What agents get
- Same-day pre-approvals — Most letters within hours. Your client shops with confidence from day one.
- Proactive communication — You hear from me before you have to ask. No chasing. No silence.
- Local Sarasota presence — I attend inspections and closings throughout Sarasota County when it matters.
- Complex file expertise — Self-employed, investors, VA, foreign nationals. I close what other brokers walk away from.
- 160+ lender access — If one program doesn't fit, I have 159 more options. Deals don't die on my watch.
- 24/7 availability — Because your buyers call at 9pm and so do I.
"If I can keep people safe in a fire, I can keep your friends safe in a mortgage."
— Tony Fitzgerald · The Mortgage Jedi · NMLS #1284924The human advantage
- Jedi Report — Daily market intelligence tool built specifically for Tony's agent partners
- SmartList marketing — Hyper-local buyer list building and co-marketing systems for agents
- Human Advantage Institute — Tony's AI training program designed for Sarasota real estate professionals
- Toenails to trees referrals — Tony's Sarasota network runs deep. He connects and refers across every professional tier.
- Valentina Kvamme partnership — Tony's wife is a Sarasota area realtor. This household understands your world completely.
- Same-day second opinions — Client got a quote elsewhere? Tony will review it fast and give you a straight answer.
The Human Advantage Institute
Tony Fitzgerald founded the Human Advantage Institute — an AI training program for real estate professionals in Sarasota and across Florida. Six modules. Real tools. No theory. If you work in real estate and want to understand how AI is changing how deals are found, financed, and closed, this is where you start.
- AI call recording with Bee.ai — Capture every client conversation automatically
- ChatGPT Projects for real estate — Prompts and workflows that actually save time
- Authentic storytelling — Use AI to amplify your real human story, not replace it
- SmartList marketing — Hyper-local list building powered by AI tools
- The Jedi Report — Daily market intelligence built for Tony's agent partners
- Core philosophy — AI amplifies human authenticity. It never replaces it. The human is always the advantage.
From first call to closing day
Eight steps. Plain language. No surprises. This is what working with 1st Response Mortgage looks like from start to finish.
Initial consultation
We talk through your situation, goals, timeline, and concerns. No pressure, no pitch. Just honest conversation about your real options.
Pre-approval
Documentation collected, credit run, income and assets verified. Pre-approval letter issued. Most clients get theirs the same day they apply.
Program selection
I shop 160+ lenders to match you with the right loan type and best available terms — not the first thing that works, but the best fit for your situation.
Home shopping
Pre-approval in hand, you work with your agent. I stay available throughout to run scenarios, answer questions, and update your letter as needed.
Purchase contract
Offer accepted. I begin processing — appraisal ordered, title initiated, documentation collected. Clock starts now and I'm moving at deal speed.
Underwriting
Complete loan package submitted. When conditions come back, I address them the same day and keep you and your agent informed throughout.
Clear to close
Underwriting approved. I review your Closing Disclosure with you, confirm every number, and coordinate with the title company to schedule signing.
After closing
Keys in hand. And I'm still here. Questions about your first payment, future refinancing, next investment property — I'm your mortgage resource for life.
What Florida clients say
Tony Fitzgerald serves homebuyers, investors, veterans, and self-employed borrowers throughout Florida. Real reviews from real clients.
"Tony answered his phone on a Saturday night, found a program nobody else could, and we closed on time. He treats every file like it's the only one he's working on."
— Florida homebuyer, Sarasota CountyWhat Florida clients say about Tony
"Working with Tony is always a wonderful experience. He's not only great with my buyer clients but he's incredibly patient and informational with me as the agent. He takes the opportunity to pour into educating agents every step of the way. I highly recommend working with Tony to get the job done!!"
"It being my first home purchase at 60 years old, I was pretty nervous. Tony and his team made the experience smooth and most relaxing. Everything went flawlessly. After 40 years of paying rent Tony was a maestro in making homeownership possible for me. He was most instrumental in making this veteran a proud American. Thank you Tony."
"Our experience with Tony was more than we could have imagined! The time he and his crew took to answer all of our questions, guide us through the process and ultimately seal our deal was hands down the best experience we have ever had! There are no words to express how grateful we are to Tony and his crew for making our dream come true!"
"Tony was an absolute blessing to work with. The amount of knowledge him and his team has far exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend his services."
"Tony and his team are truly wonderful. He is honest as the day is long and will steer you in the right direction. I recommend Tony and 1st Response Mortgage to everyone I know!"
60 Google reviews
Every single review is 5 stars. Florida homebuyers, veterans, investors, self-employed borrowers, and Sarasota real estate agents all say the same thing — Tony picks up, he delivers, and he makes the hard stuff manageable.
Serving all of Florida
Based in Sarasota. Licensed statewide. 49 states via Barrett Financial Group. Wherever you're buying, I can help — and I'll stay your point of contact throughout.
Primary markets
- Sarasota · Lakewood Ranch · Bradenton
- Venice · Osprey · Nokomis · North Port
- Tampa · St. Petersburg · Clearwater
- Fort Myers · Naples · Bonita Springs · Estero
- Siesta Key · Longboat Key · Casey Key · Lido Key
All of Florida + beyond
- Orlando · Kissimmee · Celebration · Lake Nona
- Jacksonville · Ponte Vedra · St. Augustine
- Miami · Fort Lauderdale · West Palm Beach
- Tallahassee · Gainesville · Ocala · The Villages
- Out-of-state · Barrett Financial Group · 49 states
Frequently asked questions
Plain answers. No jargon. The questions I get asked every week.
Ready to get started?
First home or tenth investment property — I'm here to guide you through every step. Available now. No office hours. No voicemail jail.
Tony Fitzgerald · The Mortgage Jedi · NMLS #1284924 · 1st Response Mortgage · Sarasota, Florida · Powered by Barrett Financial Group LLC · NMLS #181106 · Florida License #MLD1880 · Equal Housing Lender · Available 24/7