From Life’s Detours to Mortgage Mastery: How Rob T Is Making Homeownership a Reality in 2025

In today’s high-stakes housing market, finding a trustworthy mortgage professional who truly gets it can feel like searching for a unicorn. That’s why Rob T of Mainstay Mortgage is someone you need to know.

On a recent episode of The Dream is Real Podcast, Rob sat down with the Dream Select Realty team to share not just his expertise—but his heart. From life-changing family loss to building a thriving mortgage career, Rob's story is one of resilience, service, and smart strategy. This blog dives deep into the episode’s biggest insights and actionable takeaways.

Before he became the go-to mortgage expert for Long Island and beyond, Rob T had no plans of entering the finance world. He originally set out to become a psychobiology researcher after graduating from Stony Brook University. But life had other plans.

When his father passed away unexpectedly, Rob put his academic goals on hold to help his family. He took a job in the import business, then pivoted into landscaping—an industry he never expected to thrive in, but did for nearly 30 years.

That entrepreneurial spirit—combined with his work ethic—set the foundation for his career in mortgages. He didn’t choose this profession... it chose him.

Rob was first introduced to the mortgage world in the mid-90s when a Spanish-speaking office needed help translating for clients. Rob, who speaks Spanish fluently, stepped in—and the demand never stopped.

Recognizing a gap in the market, especially for Spanish-speaking homebuyers, Rob began serving this underserved community. His language skills opened doors for many who might have otherwise been turned away or misunderstood by the system.

He started advertising in Tribuna Hispana, and just like that, his client base grew. He didn’t just fill out paperwork—he empowered people to become homeowners.

Over time, Rob realized what made him successful wasn’t just understanding mortgage rates or underwriting guidelines—it was the way he treated people.

“It’s not just about numbers and forms,” Rob said on the podcast. “It’s about helping people achieve something meaningful.”

Having lived through financial hardship, Rob brings empathy to every deal. He doesn’t just process loans—he coaches his clients and educates them every step of the way.

This is one of the biggest questions in today’s market: Should you go with a big bank or a mortgage broker?

Rob breaks it down:

Banks offer standard products and require you to fit inside their box. Brokers like Rob have access to dozens of lenders—and can match you with one that fits your specific situation.

He’s worked both sides and says brokers have more tools to solve unique problems like: high debt-to-income ratios, self-employed income, or properties with missing COs (Certificates of Occupancy).

As a broker, Rob can pivot quickly if something goes wrong—something a traditional bank just can’t do.

The 2008 mortgage meltdown changed the game forever. It brought tighter regulations, licensing requirements, and much-needed accountability to the industry.

“It cleaned up a lot of the bad actors,” Rob noted. “Now, there are real consequences for doing shady deals.”

The upside? If you’re working with a licensed broker today, especially one with Rob’s experience, you can feel confident you’re getting ethical, smart guidance.

Here are Rob’s must-know tips for anyone buying in today’s market:

Get Pre-Approved Early
Don’t wait until you find your dream house. Sellers expect a pre-approval in hand. Rob’s team will assess your income, debt, and credit to give you a clear picture of what you can afford.

Check Your Credit First
Your credit score affects your rate, your down payment, and even your chances of getting the house. Rob offers free credit consulting and guidance to improve your score before applying.

Explore All Loan Options
Conventional isn’t always best. FHA, VA, and other programs may work better depending on your financial profile.

Have Realistic Expectations
In high-demand markets like Long Island, expect bidding wars. Being flexible and ready to act fast gives you the edge.

Rob also works with real estate investors, and he doesn’t sugarcoat it: investment loans are more complex.

Expect to put down 20–25% for most rental or commercial properties. First-time investors may need to put even more down if they lack landlord history. Lenders want to see that the property is self-sustaining (rents cover costs). Multi-family homes or properties with accessory units are ideal starting points.

But the rewards? Long-term wealth, passive income, and portfolio diversity.

One of Rob’s most valuable insights: Don’t go it alone.

To succeed in buying or investing, you need a responsive real estate agent (like the team at Dream Select Realty), and a flexible mortgage broker (like Rob T).

“It’s like assembling a dream team,” Rob says. “The right people will make sure you don’t miss a step.”

“It’s not just about the rate—it’s about the strategy.”

Rob reminds buyers to focus on homes that fit their lives—not just their wallets, plan for the long term, and know that yes, you can still own property in New York, even with today’s challenges.

You can reach Rob directly to talk about financing options, credit cleanup, pre-approvals, and investment lending.

Contact Rob T:
📧 Email: RobT@Mainstaymortgage.com
🌐 Website: https://iMainstay.com
📞 Office: 631-792-1800
📱 Cell: 631-816-0430

At Dream Select Realty, we believe The Dream is Real—and we exist to help you reach it. Whether you’re searching for your forever home or building a real estate empire, we’re your trusted partner from day one.

Follow Dream Select Realty:
Instagram: @dreamselectrealty
Twitter/X: @dreamselecthome
Call/Text: 631-623-7117
Email: hometeam@dreamselectrealty.com
Website: www.dreamselectrealty.com

Listen to the Full Episode
Search for The Dream is Real Podcast on Spotify, YouTube, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure to like, subscribe, and share—and leave a comment or question. We might feature it in our next episode.

Because your dream? It’s real. And we’re here to help you live it.