Richard Khalifa
Founder & Mortgage Broker
NMLS# 1115092 | CA DRE# 01978876
Most mortgage professionals spend their careers mastering one part of the business. Richard Khalifa has spent more than two decades working across nearly every side of it.
Since entering the mortgage industry in 2002, Richard has advanced from junior loan officer to senior loan officer, branch manager, vice president of loan origination, warehouse line manager, and executive responsible for lender placement. Along the way, he has trained more than 1,000 sales professionals and managed hundreds of loan officers across a network of 20 branches.
By 2008, Richard was leading a 250-person operation, including 30 processors. During that six-year period, the organization originated and funded more than $2 billion in mortgage loans under his direction. In the years that followed, teams under his supervision funded nearly $1 billion more. Across his career, teams and companies under Richard’s leadership have originated and funded more than $3 billion in mortgage volume.
Richard was nationally ranked as a Top Producer by Scotsman Guide in both 2019 and 2022.
That experience gives Richard something borrowers rarely find in one person: a clear view of the entire loan process. He understands how to structure a loan, how lenders and investors evaluate it, and where it is most likely to fit. He has managed warehouse lending relationships at the executive level, worked directly with investors on pricing and program guidelines, and overseen lender-placement decisions across a wide range of scenarios. His recommendations are grounded in firsthand experience, not theory.
Richard founded WestFi to bring that depth of knowledge directly to each client. Whether helping a first-time buyer purchase a home, guiding a homeowner through a refinance, or solving a complex file for a business owner, he remains personally involved from the first conversation through closing.
At WestFi, there are no call centers and no revolving cast of loan officers. Clients work directly with Richard, a licensed mortgage professional who answers the phone, explains every step clearly, and knows how to find solutions when the path is not obvious.
Call, text, or email Richard. He answers.
The Question I Get Asked Most
With your background, why do you still handle individual loans yourself?
I hear it all the time. And I love the question.
It is like asking an architect why, after overseeing entire developments, they would still want to design one home.
Because that is where the craft becomes personal.
Since 2002, I have worked at nearly every level of the mortgage industry. I understand how loans are structured and priced, how lenders evaluate them, where a particular file is most likely to fit, and how to guide clients through a changing rate environment.
I could use that experience from a distance. I choose to bring it directly to each client.
There is nothing abstract about helping someone buy their first home or finding a path forward after they were told none existed. That remains the most rewarding part of this business.
That is why I founded WestFi.
And that is why, when you call, I answer.
— Richard Khalifa, Founder
These reviews reflect clients’ experiences working with Richard Khalifa at prior mortgage companies.
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee similar results.
“Richard Khalifa was very straightforward and methodical. He got us to closing in only 10 days with the best rate and no points. He knows how to quickly navigate the mortgage process. We will recommend him to anyone.”
“Look no further than dealing with Richard, a true professional mortgage broker. Speed, great communication and efficient closing is what you can expect every time. Purchase or refinance, he's the man for the job.”
“Richard, thank you for the amazingly fast and efficient closing. Your knowledge in everything real estate is simply second to none. A real master broker!”
“Don't look anywhere else! You want a home loan, Richard is your guy. My experience was nothing but ease and speed. Highly recommended!”
“Richard was very personable and straightforward. He kept me up to date on every aspect of my loan process. I closed on my loan in less than 30 days because of him!”
“Richard provided my client with excellent service. He worked so quickly and professionally. He was responsive and had us cleared to close on a purchase in JUST FOUR DAYS!”
“Richard was terrific to work with. He answered all my questions, even the silly ones. He made the process smooth and great.”
“When I wanted to refinance to a lower rate, my prior mortgage company was completely unable to get this done for over two months. Richard called me and worked through the process, and I am very happy with the results. A lower rate and payment, plus NO hassles.”
“Richard was amazing to work with and I look forward to using him for any other transactions! Thank you for taking care of me and my family.”
“If you want an officer who will be on top of every small detail, timely and organized, RICHARD is the guy you want to work with! From start to closing was less than 4 weeks.”
“Richard not only got me a low interest rate, but he closed in 13 days and got me a refund at closing. Richard is not only kind and compassionate but will fight for his clients until the end. Great job Richard!”
“Thank you so much to Richard and his team for their professionalism, their attention to detail, their swift responses, and doing absolutely EVERYTHING they could to get our loan underwritten in a timely manner. It was our second time working with Richard and they definitely did not disappoint.”
“Honest, reliable and fast. Richard guided me through the whole process and was a pleasure to work with. 10/10.”
“Richard did a great job to speed up the process and get closing done in a quick manner. Pretty easy procedure from being across the country in California while I was in New York.”
“Richard is the consummate professional — he helped guide us through what can be an incredibly stressful process and made it a truly pleasant experience. Richard's responsiveness, knowledge and kindness, topped with always being available, built such strong trust through this process, knowing he was always there working for us to put us in our new home! We cannot recommend Richard highly enough.”
“Richard was very helpful in the process of refinancing my house. Thank you Richard! The whole process from start to finish was handled by Richard.”
“Thank you so much for guiding us painlessly through the process. We started July 18th and closed August 15th. Incredible customer service every step of the way, and I truly appreciate you.”
“Worked with Richard — great service, and he delivers what he says. Quick, painless and great service, keeps you informed through the process, and the results were much better than expected.”
“Hello, we can't say enough about the beautiful job Richard and his team did on my refinancing. We are very pleased, and they went the extra mile to make us happy. Thank you, Ron & Joyce M.”
“Richard Khalifa recently helped us obtain a new home loan. He was not only able to get us a great rate, he was also the most helpful and efficient loan officer we've dealt with in the last 18 years. Thank you Richard. Regards, the J. Family, Eastvale, CA”
Clear from here.
NMLS #2890320 | CA DRE #02443798