Mortgage Lender · Northwest Indiana · Nationwide

A steady hand for one of life's biggest decisions.

Buying, refinancing, or moving from Illinois to Indiana? I make the mortgage process simple, fast, and clear — with 25 years of experience behind every loan. Our reviews speak for themselves, and we're available 24/7.

Apply Now Call or Text 708-259-2279 🕊️ Send a Pigeon
25+Years of experience
5,000+Loans closed
U.S.Licensed nationwide
500+5-star reviews
James R. Stachyra, Senior Mortgage Loan Advisor at CIBM Mortgage
Senior Loan AdvisorCIBM Mortgage
Meet James

25 years helping families build wealth through homeownership.

Hi, I'm James R. Stachyra, a Senior Mortgage Loan Advisor with CIBM Mortgage (NMLS #895338). I live in Schererville, Indiana, with my wife, Morgan, our 13-year-old daughter, Scarlett, and our 8-year-old son, Merett.

With over two decades of experience in the mortgage industry (since 2001), I'm dedicated to providing a smooth, stress-free loan process for my clients. My goal is to be the most helpful Loan Advisor you've ever worked with.

By offering clear, step-by-step instructions and keeping you informed at every stage, I aim to remove the guesswork and confusion often associated with purchasing or refinancing a home.

— James R. Stachyra
NMLS #895338 · Licensed nationwide
Why work with me

Experience you can measure.

A mortgage is one of the largest financial commitments you'll ever make. Here's what 25 years brings to your closing table.

2001

Since day one

Helping Northwest Indiana families with mortgages for over two decades — through every kind of market.

5,000+

Loans closed

More than 5,000 loans closed. Experience matters when the stakes are this high.

U.S.

Licensed nationwide

Local advice you can trust, paired with nationwide lending options wherever life takes you.

500+

5-star reviews

More than 500 five-star reviews across Zillow, Google, and Experience.com. Trusted by buyers, homeowners, Realtors, and referral partners. See the reviews →

Mortgage options

The right loan for where you are.

Whether it's your first home or your forever home, there's a financing path built for your goals.

Home Purchase Loans

First-time buyers, move-up buyers, and forever homes — guided from pre-approval to keys.

Refinancing

Lower your payment, remove PMI, consolidate debt, or tap into your home's equity.

FHA Loans

Just 3.5% down with flexible credit requirements — a great path for first-time buyers and those rebuilding credit.

VA Loans

For eligible veterans and active military — zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates as a thank-you for your service.

USDA Loans

0% down for homes in eligible rural and suburban areas — ideal for buyers with low-to-moderate incomes.

Conventional Loans

Competitive financing for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties.

HELOC & Home Equity

Tap into your home's equity with a home equity line of credit — for renovations, big expenses, debt consolidation, or a financial cushion, while keeping your low first-mortgage rate.

Ready to apply? It only takes minutes.

Start your secure application online — choose the option that fits your goal and you'll be on your way.

Apply for a Purchase Apply for a Refinance
Down payment at a glance

Loan programs & down payments.

Every buyer is unique — so are the programs designed to help you reach homeownership. Here's a quick look at minimum down payments and financing.

Program Min. Down Financing Best for
VA LoanVeterans Administration 0% Up to 100% Eligible veterans & military families
USDA LoanUSDA Rural Housing 0% Up to 100% Eligible rural & suburban areas
Fannie Mae HomeReadyConventional 3% Up to 97% Lower-income, first-time buyers
Freddie Mac Home PossibleConventional 3% Up to 97% Lower-income, first-time buyers
FHA LoanFederal Housing Administration 3.5% Up to 96.5% Flexible credit & lower down payment
Conventional Loan 5% Up to 95% Strong credit, primary & investment homes

Minimum credit score requirements apply to all programs. Contact James to learn which options you qualify for.

Credit problems? No problem.

A few bumps on your credit don't have to stand between you and your new home. Our senior credit advisor can help you build a clear plan to get mortgage-ready.

Senior Credit Advisor
Jamie Gould
847-687-6969 Jamie.Gould@cibmmortgage.com
Moving from Illinois to Indiana?

Cross the state line. Keep more of your paycheck.

Families are moving from Illinois to Northwest Indiana for lower taxes, more home for the money, and strong communities. I'll help you compare payments and loan options side by side — and make the move simple.

Compare My Options
Leaving
What changes
Arriving
IllinoisHigher property tax
→
IndianaLower property tax
LessHome per dollar
→
MoreHome per dollar
ComplexOut-of-state move
→
SimpleGuided by James
Northwest Indiana is on the rise — possible future home of the Chicago Bears.

With plans advancing for a new Bears stadium in nearby Hammond, now is a smart time to put down roots on the Indiana side of the line. Ask me how a move could work for you.

Tax and cost differences vary by household and property. Let's run your real numbers together.

Areas I serve

Home loans across Northwest Indiana.

Your local mortgage lender for Crown Point, Schererville, Munster, Valparaiso, and every community in the Region — plus refinancing and home loans nationwide.

ScherervilleDyerSt. JohnMunster HighlandGriffithHammondWhiting East ChicagoGaryHobartLake Station MerrillvilleCrown PointCedar LakeLowell St. John TownshipWinfieldSchneiderHebron ValparaisoPortageChestertonPorter Burns HarborDune AcresOgden DunesKouts WheelerWanatahDeMotteRoselawn WestvilleLa CrosseShelbyLeroy + Nationwide
Read my reviews

See why families trust James.

Real reviews from buyers, homeowners, and Realtors across the region.

Zillow Reviews · 4.99★ (285) Google Reviews · 5.0★ (27) Experience.com · 4.98★ (318)
Connect with me

Tips, market updates & homebuyer advice.

Facebook Facebook (Business) LinkedIn
Mortgage calculator

Estimate your monthly payment.

Adjust the numbers below to see an estimated monthly payment. When you're ready for a real, personalized quote, I'm one tap away.

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Default rate reflects the 30-year fixed national average from Mortgage News Daily as of June 9, 2026, and is shown for illustration only — it is not your quoted rate. This calculator provides estimates for general informational purposes only and is not a loan offer, pre-approval, or commitment to lend. Property tax and insurance are rough estimates and vary by location; PMI applies when the down payment is under 20%. Your actual rate and payment depend on credit, loan program, and other factors. Contact James for a personalized quote.

Contact me

Have a question? Let's talk.

Send me a quick message and I'll get back to you — usually the same day. Available 24/7.

🕊️ Send a Pigeon (text James)

Or call/text James directly at 708-259-2279

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Common questions

Mortgage questions, answered.

Straight answers to what Northwest Indiana buyers and homeowners ask most.

With 25+ years of experience, more than 5,000 loans closed, and hundreds of 5-star reviews, James R. Stachyra at CIBM Bank is a trusted mortgage lender serving Crown Point, Schererville, Munster, Valparaiso, and the surrounding Region. Call or text 708-259-2279 — available 24/7.

Getting pre-approved is simple. Apply online in minutes through the secure application, or call James directly. You'll get a clear picture of your budget and a pre-approval letter to make strong offers on homes in Northwest Indiana.

Home purchase loans, refinancing, FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, and conventional mortgages — for first-time buyers, move-up buyers, second homes, and investment properties nationwide.

Absolutely. Many families move from Illinois to Northwest Indiana for lower property taxes and more home for their money. James will compare your payments and loan options side by side and make the cross-state move simple.

Yes. There are low-down-payment and first-time homebuyer options, including FHA, USDA, and conventional programs. James will walk you through which fits your goals and budget.

It depends on the loan. Conventional loans can start as low as 3% down, FHA loans at 3.5%, and VA and USDA loans may allow 0% down for those who qualify. James will help you find the lowest down payment option you're eligible for.

Many buyers are surprised they qualify with less-than-perfect credit. FHA loans can work with lower scores, while conventional loans typically reward higher ones with better terms. If your credit needs work, James can give you a clear plan to get mortgage-ready.

Most purchase loans close in about 30 days, though it varies with your situation and the property. James keeps the process moving and communicates at every step so there are no surprises before closing day.

Refinancing can make sense if you want a lower payment, want to remove PMI, need to consolidate debt, or want to tap your home's equity. James will run the numbers with you so you can see whether the savings are worth it for your situation.

Closing costs cover things like appraisal, title, and lender fees, and typically run a few percent of the loan amount. James gives you a clear, upfront estimate early on — and can discuss options like seller credits or lender programs that may reduce what you pay out of pocket.

Yes. Self-employed and business-owner buyers absolutely qualify — it just means documenting income a little differently. James has helped many self-employed clients through the process and knows which loan programs work best.

You get a real person who knows the Northwest Indiana market, answers the phone, and is available 24/7 — not a call center. With 25+ years locally and 5,000+ loans closed, James offers the personal guidance a big online lender can't, with the same competitive options.

Two easy ways: apply online through the secure application, or simply call or text James at 708-259-2279. There's no obligation — just straight answers about your best options.

Ready to get started?

Call, text, or email me today and I'll help you review your best mortgage options — no pressure, just straight answers.

James R. Stachyra
Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
CIBM Mortgage · NMLS #895338
Licensed nationwide
Apply Now Call / Text 708-259-2279 Email James

Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, income verification, and property appraisal. Rates and terms subject to change. NMLS #895338.