Philip Riccobono, Ph.D.

The Mortgage Ph.D.

Mortgage Guidance for Homebuyers, Homeowners & Investors

Helping clients make informed mortgage decisions through education, experience, and personalized guidance.

The Mortgage Ph.D. BriefMortgage insights, homeownership tips & A Taste of Southern Italy.
FHAVAConventionalDPADSCRHard Money
Philip Riccobono, Ph.D., The Mortgage Ph.D.
Philip S. Riccobono, Ph.D. Mortgage Professional • Educator • Advisor
NMLS #358185Mortgage Loan Originator
Realtor Partners WelcomeSupporting successful transactions from contract to closing
Education FirstClear guidance before decisions

Loan options

Mortgage programs I can help clients understand

Every borrower is different. The goal is to understand the full picture and identify a mortgage path that fits the borrower’s qualifications, goals, and timeline.

Home Purchase Loans

FHA, VA, Conventional, Jumbo, and first-time buyer options.

Down Payment Assistance

Guidance on available DPA options and borrower eligibility.

Investor Financing

DSCR, hard money, and non-traditional financing conversations.

Refinance Review

Evaluate payment savings, debt consolidation, and long-term costs.

About Philip

Education-first mortgage guidance

Philip Riccobono, Ph.D. combines mortgage experience, an educator’s approach, and investor perspective to help clients understand their options before making major financial decisions.

  • Mortgage professional with experience dating back to 2002
  • Ph.D. educator focused on clear explanations and practical guidance
  • Experience with homebuyers, homeowners, investors, and referral partners
  • NMLS #358185
Homes and mortgage guidance

Realtor referral partners

A mortgage resource for your clients

Realtor partners welcome. I am committed to supporting successful transactions and helping clients secure the financing that best fits their needs.

  • Clear borrower communication
  • Mortgage education without pressure
  • Support for FHA, VA, Conventional, DPA, DSCR, and Hard Money questions
  • Responsive updates throughout the process

Quick estimate

Mortgage payment calculator

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This is for educational purposes only and is not a loan estimate or commitment to lend. Actual payment may include mortgage insurance and other costs.

Weekly mortgage insights

Subscribe to The Mortgage Ph.D. Brief

Mortgage-focused updates for borrowers, homeowners, investors, and referral partners. Topics may include rates, FHA, VA, Conventional, DPA, DSCR, hard money, homeowner tips, and a brief Taste of Southern Italy.

Latest From The Mortgage Ph.D. Brief

Mortgage Rates Reach Their Lowest Levels Since Mid-May

Mortgage rates recently moved lower, reaching their lowest levels since mid-May. For borrowers, even modest rate improvements can affect monthly payment, purchasing power, and refinance conversations.

My take: Rate dips are worth watching, but the best move is still to understand your numbers, compare options, and be ready when the right opportunity appears.

📈 Rate Watch

Lower rates may create opportunities for buyers, homeowners considering refinancing, and investors reviewing payment-sensitive scenarios. The key is preparation, not guessing the perfect day to lock.

🏦 Mortgage Minute

FHA vs. Conventional is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Credit score, down payment, debt-to-income ratio, reserves, and long-term goals all matter.

💡 Financing Strategy

Many buyers overestimate how much cash they need. FHA, VA, Conventional low-down-payment options, and down payment assistance may help qualified borrowers move forward sooner.

📊 Investor Corner

DSCR and hard money options can help investors evaluate rental, fix-and-flip, or value-add opportunities when traditional income documentation is not the best fit.

🔨 Homeowner Tip

Replace HVAC filters regularly during heavy-use seasons. Better airflow can improve comfort, reduce strain on the system, and help manage utility costs.

🇮🇹 A Taste of Southern Italy

As a dual American-Italian citizen with roots in Sicily and Calabria, I share a short Southern Italian food tradition or recipe in each issue.

Client success stories

What clients are saying

Thinking about working with me? See what past clients have shared about their mortgage experience.

★★★★★

“Philip was great! My wife and I were first-time home buyers and he went above and beyond to help us through the process. He was very friendly and was always quick to answer any questions at any time. The whole process was a breeze with Philip. I can't thank him enough for everything he has done for us. I'll definitely be using Philip again! I highly recommend Philip for any of your future mortgage needs!”

— Hunter

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Use this form for a mortgage question, pre-approval conversation, refinance review, investor financing question, or referral partner introduction.