Our Team

Community First Mortgage was founded in 1986 in Westlake Village, Ca. We originally specialized in purchase loans, handling entire subdivisions for many Southern California Builders. As our purchase clients started to move or refinance we have had the pleasure of growing with them. Our company remains a family business that thrives on repeat clients and referrals to their family and friends. We look forward to offering you the most competitive rates and customized personal attention-it’s what you and your family deserve!

Michael Mitchell Jr.

Owner - NMLS 795011
Valerie Mitchell

CFO/Loan Officer - NMLS 352598
Michael Mitchell Sr.

Broker - NMLS 310850
Neil Coulsell

Loan Officer - NMLS 343149
JB Samuelson

Operations Manager / Loan Officer - NMLS 1336739
Brian McClure

Loan Officer - NMLS 1913123
Laura Kelley

Senior Loan Processor

We Are Here to Help You

Even if we are not your best choice for a loan, we’ll point
you in the right direction. Get Your Free, No-Pressure Rate Quote Here

Home Purchase Rates Home Refinance Rates

First Time Home Buyers :
Westlake Village
Thousand Oaks
Ventura County

Michael Mitchell Jr.

Owner - NMLS 795011

Mike did a short stint at Community First during high school which allowed him to park closer to campus than the actual student body parking lot. That turned out to be his first and last “company perk”. After high school he attended UCSB and later Pepperdine Law School. He became an attorney in 2006 which should have led to him to fulfilling his family’s wishes of avoiding the cyclical Real Estate market. Instead, he rejoined the family business, married his high school sweetheart, hired his best friend since elementary school, and bought a home down the street from his parents. He has been accused of not branching out very well.

Apply with Mike

Valerie Mitchell

CFO/Loan Officer - NMLS 352598

Valerie Mitchell obtained her Real Estate License in 1970 but according to Val child labor was far more acceptable at the time. She enjoys being the matriarch of the office and has funded well over a billion dollars in loans throughout her 30+ years at Community First Mortgage.

Apply with Valerie

Michael Mitchell Sr.

Broker - NMLS 310850

Mike has been in Real Estate since 1972. He sold new homes throughout Southern California for decades before joining his wife in the family business. Many men at Mike’s age work simply to get out of the house. With both his son and wife at the office, Mike finds ample opportunities to work from home.

Neil Coulsell

Loan Officer - NMLS 343149

Neil Coulsell was born and raised in Westlake Village. Graduated from UCSB in 2003 with a degree in Business Economics. Neil lives in Thousand Oaks with his wife and four children. When not at work, you can find Neil coaching his children’s baseball, basketball, and soccer teams throughout the Conejo Valley. Neil has worked for Community First Mortgage since he was first licensed in 2010. He has closed over 1200 loans with total volume of over 500 million. At Community First Mortgage we pride ourselves on being a local, family-owned company offering incredible rates and service. Community First Mortgage is the #1 rated mortgage broker on Yelp in Ventura County! Whether you are looking for a fantastically low rate with low costs or want to close a purchase loan in as little as 10 days – Neil will love to make that happen!

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JB Samuelson

Operations Manager / Loan Officer - NMLS 1336739

It’s a girl! And JB is short for JB. Those two answers account for 25% of the traffic on this webpage. While updating the website, JB was upset to realize that this bio can now accurately report that she has over 20 years’ experience in the mortgage industry. During those 20 years JB has been a Lender Rep, Loan Processor, Loan Officer, and Underwriting Manager. Basically JB has handled any position this industry has to offer. Fun Facts= JB speaks Tagalog and is one of 4 siblings whose names all begin with J.

Apply with JB

Brian McClure

Loan Officer - NMLS 1913123

Apply with Brian

Laura Kelley

Senior Loan Processor

Laura is a Senior Loan Processor with thousands of successful loans funded to date. She is our third longest tenured employee. She worked at Community First for a couple years in the mid 90’s before taking a 15 year hiatus to raise her three kids. During those years she also worked in assorted positions throughout our industry. When she rejoined Community First in 2010 Laura had three grown boys yet she hadn’t aged a day (bizarre but it happened people). Laura’s husband is a Captain in the Ventura County Fire Department and they currently spend all of their free time doting on their granddaughter Makenzie.