Stress Less Mortgage · Independent Florida Mortgage Broker

More Mortgage Options. Less Mortgage Stress.

Stress Less Mortgage is an independent Central Florida mortgage brokerage. Because we are not tied to one bank's guidelines, our team compares lenders and programs to find what actually fits your situation - not the other way around.

We help first-time buyers, veterans, self-employed borrowers, retirees, and investors with conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, self-employed, and investor financing built for real Florida (and Georgia, where licensed) files.

Told no somewhere else? One lender's answer is not the final answer. We shop your scenario across our lender network before we ever say no.

  • IndependentMultiple lenders, not one bank
  • Full menu12+ loan programs
  • Real teamLicensed loan officers

Who we serve:

  • First-Time Buyers
  • Veterans
  • Self-Employed
  • Investors
  • Refinance Clients
  • USDA Rural Buyers
  • Physicians
  • The Villages Retirees
  • Move-Up Buyers
  • Realtor Partners
  • Business Owners
  • Previously Turned Down

Stress Less Mortgage · Company NMLS #1789928 · Eric Eckenroth, Owner, NMLS #1263286 · Licensed to do business in the States of FL and GA. Programs, terms, and approvals are subject to borrower qualification and lender guidelines.

Your situation first. The loan program second.

Traditional banks often work backwards: they start with the products and guidelines one institution offers and try to fit you into them. We do the opposite.

1. We start with you

Income, credit profile, assets, employment, property, and your short- and long-term goals - the real picture, not a checklist.

2. We shop the market

As an independent broker, we compare programs and pricing across multiple wholesale lenders instead of one bank's menu.

3. We match the solution

You get the program that fits your file - conventional, government, or specialty - explained in plain language.

Why it matters Because we are not limited to one bank's underwriting guidelines, loan products, or pricing, we can say yes to more real-life scenarios. We do not promise brokers are always cheaper - we promise more choice, more flexibility, and a team that solves problems instead of reciting rules.

We solve the mortgages other lenders struggle with

Being told "no" by one lender does not necessarily mean you cannot qualify for a mortgage. We regularly help with scenarios that do not fit a single bank's box. (This is not a guarantee of approval - every file is different.)

FHA

Flexible credit and down payment.

VA

Veteran and service member benefits.

USDA

Rural and eligible-area financing.

Jumbo

Financing above conforming limits.

Already turned down elsewhere? Bring us the details. We will look across our lender network before assuming the answer is still no. Schedule a call or call (352) 572-9060.

What Florida homeowners say

Real Google reviews for Stress Less Mortgage, pulled live - not hand-picked or edited.

4.9 out of 5from 149 Google reviewsRead all reviews on Google →

We highly recommend Stress Less Mortgage for the home buying process. Eric and his team guided us through every step of the process with professionalism, courtesy and communication. We received a great rate, and are totally satisfied with their service. Eric offers great support even after closing, with recommendations and advice for home services. Do not hesitate to contact Stress Less Mortgage for a Stress FREE home buying experience!

Kimberley Crotty7 months ago

We are so glad we chose to work with Eric when we decided to buy our first home. He is very good at what he does and guided us every step of the way from pre approval to closing. Now we have our dream home!! We honestly can't imagine going through the process without him.Thank you Eric! Anyone looking to buy a home is in very good hands with Stressless Mortgage on your side. Luther and Rebecca

Luther Zielsdorfa month ago

Eric did a great job servicing my wife and I for our new home in Ocala, Florida. It truly was “Stress Free” as we will be moving there from upstate NY and unfamiliar with the Florida nuances of home mortgage process. We highly recommend Eric and his team. Thanks again Eric…..Bob and Val

Robert Jantzen4 months ago

Eric was absolutely amazing throughout my entire home process. This situation was stressful and complicated at times, and he truly went above and beyond every step of the way to make sure everything got handled smoothly. He was always quick to respond, patient with all my questions, and genuinely cared about helping me through it all instead of making me feel like just another client. He worked incredibly hard behind the scenes and made things happen that I honestly didn’t think were possible. I’m so grateful for all of his guidance, communication, and support during such an important time in my life. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, dedicated, and truly has your best interest in mind, I cannot recommend Eric enough. Thank you again for everything!

Faye Anderson4 months ago

Eric made my family's dream of owning a home real. It was not the easiest transaction but he fought long and hard for me and I could not thank him enough. If you have the same dream and don't think it's feasible, give him a call. He will be honest but kind in guiding you through the process. I can't thank you enough for sticking by my side and advocating for me even when things were tough. Thank you!

Christina Webster4 months ago

Locally recognized

Stress Less Mortgage has been recognized by the community we serve.

Best of the 3521st Place2025
Best of the 352Silver2026
Best of the 352RecognizedPrior Years
Independent broker Belleview office
12+ programs Purchase & refinance
Growing team Licensed loan officers
FL & GA Central FL roots

Loan programs

One clear action per program. Every path starts with a real conversation about your goals.

Browse all loan programs →

Where we help homeowners

Based in Belleview, with dedicated coverage across Ocala, The Villages, and surrounding Marion County communities - plus Florida and Georgia more broadly through our appropriately licensed loan officers.

Also serving Summerfield, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Marion County, Sumter County, Lake County, and Georgia through appropriately licensed loan officers.

How it works

1. Call or reach out

Start with a direct conversation. Call (352) 572-9060, schedule a call, or use our contact form.

2. Review custom options

Compare conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, self-employed, DSCR, jumbo, and other paths matched to your goals across our lender network.

3. Move to closing

Clear next steps, status updates, and guidance through funding so you can focus on the move-in date.

Common questions, straight answers

Who is Stress Less Mortgage?

Stress Less Mortgage is an independent Florida mortgage brokerage (Company NMLS #1789928), founded by Eric Eckenroth (NMLS #1263286). Our team of licensed loan officers helps buyers and homeowners across Belleview, Ocala, The Villages, and nearby communities, plus Georgia through appropriately licensed loan officers.

How is a broker different from going straight to a bank?

A bank can only offer its own products and guidelines. As an independent broker, we can compare programs and pricing across multiple wholesale lenders, which often means more flexibility for borrowers who do not fit one institution's box. We do not promise brokers are always cheaper - we promise more options to compare.

What loan programs do you offer?

We regularly discuss conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, first-time homebuyer, self-employed/bank statement, 1099, asset depletion, DSCR/investor, physician, and debt consolidation refinance options. Start on the loan programs hub or call (352) 572-9060.

I was told no by another lender. Can you still help?

Often, yes. One lender's guidelines are not the only guidelines. Bring us the details of what happened and we will look across our lender network before assuming the answer is still no. This is not a guarantee of approval, but it is worth a conversation.

Which areas do you serve?

Our office is in Belleview. We help clients throughout Marion County, including Ocala, The Villages area, Summerfield, Lady Lake, and Wildwood, and more broadly across Florida and Georgia through appropriately licensed loan officers. See Marion County coverage.

How do I get started?

Ready to stress less about your mortgage?

As an independent mortgage broker, our team can compare lenders and programs to fit your situation. No pressure. Just clear guidance.