From Artist to Mortgage Expert: How Brian Cosgrove Helps New Yorkers Achieve the Dream of Homeownership

Buying a home in New York — especially in today’s high-interest, competitive market — can feel overwhelming. For many first-time buyers, the process seems filled with obstacles: high property prices, strict lending requirements, and the intimidating world of mortgage rates.

But as Brian Cosgrove, senior loan officer at Interstate Home Loan Center, knows firsthand, the dream of owning a home is possible. You just need the right strategy, the right mindset, and the right team in your corner.

Brian’s journey from struggling artist to top-performing mortgage professional is proof that perseverance and creativity can turn even the most unlikely situations into success stories. And today, he’s using those lessons to help Long Island buyers, sellers, and investors make smart real estate moves.

From the Art World to the Mortgage World

Before he was helping clients secure home financing, Brian was immersed in the art world. He studied advertising and graphic design in art school, enjoying the creative process and the satisfaction of producing something from scratch.

But once he started selling his own work, the passion began to fade. What had once been a joyful hobby now felt like homework. And when his career in advertising left him uninspired — selling toothpaste wasn’t exactly fulfilling — he pivoted to the service industry.

For years, Brian worked as a waiter, grinding through late nights and weekends while friends and family enjoyed their time off. Eventually, the irregular hours and lack of fulfillment pushed him to search for something new.

A Christmas Turnaround

The turning point came just before Christmas one year. Brian had been working construction when he unexpectedly lost his job — and the paycheck he was counting on for holiday gifts. With a newborn daughter at home, the situation was dire.

That’s when a friend, Michael Stack, stepped in. Michael owned a mortgage brokerage in Suffolk County and had been telling Brian for months that he’d be great in the industry. Despite Brian’s protests that he “wasn’t good at math” and “wasn’t a finance guy,” Michael made him an offer:

“Work with me for two weeks. If you hate it, at least you’ll have $1,000 to buy gifts for your daughter.”

Brian took the leap — and it changed his life forever.

Early Wins, Early Lessons

In his first week, Brian closed a deal that other lenders had turned down. A family in Westchester had been denied multiple times, but with persistence and creative problem-solving, Brian and his boss got the loan approved.

That early success built his confidence, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Just months into his new career, the 2016 presidential election caused mortgage rates to spike. Deals started falling apart, and Brian, unfamiliar with market dynamics, began to doubt himself.

It was a crash course in the realities of real estate: the market can shift overnight, and the best professionals adapt quickly.

Why Brian Puts Clients First — Always

One of the things that sets Brian apart is his refusal to push clients into bad deals just to make a sale. In an industry where “marry the house, date the rate” is common advice, he makes sure clients are prepared for the possibility that rates might not drop anytime soon.

He asks hard questions:

• Can you really afford this payment if rates stay high?

• What happens if your credit score drops and you can’t refinance?

For Brian, the goal isn’t just to get someone into a house — it’s to make sure they can keep it without jeopardizing their financial health.

Creative Financing: Accessory Units and Rental Income

In today’s high-cost housing market, Brian often looks for creative ways to help clients qualify for a mortgage. One of the most powerful tools? Rental income from accessory units.

Not long ago, using income from an “illegal” basement or garage apartment was off-limits for most loans. Now, under certain programs, that income can be factored into the borrower’s qualifying amount — even if the unit isn’t officially registered.

In one case, Brian helped a single mother and NYPD officer — struggling to find an affordable home near work — qualify by leveraging potential rental income from a basement apartment. While she had to adjust her expectations about location, the strategy opened doors that had previously been closed.

Why Your First Home Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

Brian often tells clients not to get too attached to the idea of a “forever home” right away. His own experience proves the point.

In 2021, he bought a home that wasn’t perfect — it was close to train tracks, the backyard wasn’t ideal, and it appraised for $15,000 less than he paid. But in just a few years, the property appreciated by nearly $200,000, and rising rental rates now mean he could rent it for $4,500 per month — almost double his mortgage payment.

That home, once a source of anxiety, is now a powerful wealth-building tool he can leverage toward his dream home in the future.

The Emotional Side of Homeownership

For Brian, real estate is about more than numbers. It’s about creating a space that’s truly yours — a place where your family can feel safe and secure.

He recalls moments like watching movies with his daughter in their home and feeling an overwhelming sense of peace. Those moments, he says, are what make the hard work and financial risk worth it.

Steps to Prepare for Your Home Purchase

If you’re thinking about buying a home in New York, Brian’s advice is clear: talk to a loan officer first.

Scrolling Zillow might be fun, but until you know your budget and address any obstacles in your credit or finances, you’re just window shopping.

Here’s Brian’s quick-start checklist for buyers:

1. Consult a qualified loan officer to assess your true buying power.

2. Review your credit report and address any issues early.

3. Consider all income sources, including rental potential.

4. Stay flexible about location and property type.

5. Think long-term — your first home is a stepping stone.

Why the Right Team Matters

In real estate, success is rarely a solo effort. Brian emphasizes the importance of having an experienced team — including a skilled loan officer, a responsive real estate agent, and, when needed, a savvy attorney.

The right professionals can identify opportunities, navigate complex situations, and keep the deal moving forward, even when challenges arise.

Connect with Brian Cosgrove

If you’re ready to explore your home buying options — or just want to know where you stand — Brian is always open to a conversation.

📌 Instagram: @thehonestmlo
📌 Phone: 631-617-9099
📌 Interstate Home Loan Center – Serving Long Island, New York City, and beyond

Work with Dream Select Realty

Dream Select Realty specializes in guiding buyers, sellers, and investors through the Long Island real estate market. From first-time home purchases to investment strategies, our team combines local expertise with proven results.

📌 Website: www.dreamselectrealty.com
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📌 Email: hometeam@dreamselectrealty.com

Contact Us Today: 631-623-7117

Final Thoughts: The Dream Is Real

Brian’s story proves that homeownership isn’t reserved for the wealthy or the lucky. With determination, creative problem-solving, and the right guidance, it’s an attainable goal — even in one of the toughest real estate markets in the country.

So whether you’re saving for your first down payment, upgrading to your dream home, or investing in property, remember:

The dream is real. You just need the right plan to make it happen.

For the latest listings, market updates, and expert advice on buying or selling a home in Long Island, visit www.dreamselectrealty.com today.