Meet Marcus - Your Local Mortgage Expert
In 26 seconds, see how an independent wholesale mortgage broker saves you time and money in Auburn, the Sierra Foothills, Orange County, and anywhere in California.
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We shop top wholesale lenders
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Lower rates
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Faster closes
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Personal guidance end to end
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Same-day pre-approvals


Why Homebuyers & Agents Choose
Broker Direct Lending
5-Star Mortgage Broker Reviews from California Homebuyers
Arieus M.
"Very professional and trustworthy. Glad I was able to work with them—I bought my first home thanks to their help."
Chris K.
"Marcus was extremely helpful when we decided to refinance. Very easy to get ahold of and willing to answer any and all questions."
Amber M.
"As a first-time homebuyer, I feel incredibly lucky to have been referred to Marcus and his team. From start to finish, they were nothing short of exceptional."
Miranda H.
"We recently purchased our first home & couldn’t have done it without Marcus’s help! He kept us informed every step of the way—it was amazing."
We’re Broker Direct Lending — your neighbors and your mortgage experts. Led by Marcus and Melissa Johnson, our Auburn-based team has been helping Placer County and surrounding communities get better deals through wholesale home loan solutions for over 20 years. We guide you from application to closing, making the process clear, quick, and stress-free. Whether you’re buying a new home or refinancing your current one, we shop top lenders to secure the best rate and terms for you — not the bank. Let’s get you home faster.
Buying or refinancing in Southern California?
Meet Nathan, our Orange, CA mortgage expert.
Loan Programs to Fit Your needs
5-Star Mortgage Broker Reviews from California Homebuyers
About The Team

Marcus Johnson
Broker/Owner
Born and raised in Auburn, Marcus brings more than 23 years of wholesale mortgage lending experience to his role as founder of Broker Direct Lending. Since launching the company in 2017, he’s been known locally as a true mortgage guru—providing faster, simpler, and more affordable home loans while earning the trust of his community one client at a time.
NMLS #372256

Melissa Johnson
Business Development Director
Melissa’s background in business development, marketing, and client relations ensures every client has a smooth experience from start to finish. She manages timelines, supports Realtor partners, and keeps everything on track—while also being an ultramarathon runner who truly goes the extra mile.
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Nathan Rose
Branch Manager, Orange, CA
A former Marine turned mortgage expert, Nathan leads our Orange, CA office with the same grit and precision he honed in service. He’s passionate about transparency and speed—and is committed to helping clients secure the best mortgage possible without the runaround.
NMLS #2012051