About Our Company
What makes us different?
Most people don’t fully appreciate a smooth home loan experience until they have had a bad experience. We’ve spent decades refining our operational processes, vetting lenders, testing new mortgage technology, and closing loans – all in an effort to provide the best experience to the borrower possible.
Mortgage Brokers
We work with a portfolio of lenders to find the right home for your loan.
Expert Originators
Often the difference between getting a home or not
More Loan Options
Access all of the loan types that can help you into your new home
Competitive Rates
Shopping with over 25 lenders ensures that you will get the best rate
Personalized Service
You will work directly with your Loan Originator. No go-betweens.
Our company’s journey
Over 20 years ago Uptown Mortgage was founded by Lana Jern out of the living room of her home in the Uptown district in Denver, CO. Her background had been in processing mortgages for other loan originators and she believed that she could structure a better loan experience for homebuyers. Driven by her strong entrepreneurial spirit and soft-spoken leadership style she began building the framework of one of the top mortgage brokerages in Colorado.
Since then, we have helped thousands of our clients become homeowners. Our headquarters is now located in Lower Downtown Denver (LoDo). The company has also grown in size and reach, with a staff of licensed originators that are able to assist homebuyers in states other than Colorado.
Our mission of creating an exceptional home loan experience for every borrower that walks through our doors is as fundamental to our success now as it was back then.
We achieve this primarily through the service we provide. You will work directly with your mortgage professional and their processor to get your loan to the finish line.
As proud Mortgage Brokers, we’ve built our success on the relationships we’ve developed over 20 years with a network of wholesale lenders. This network allows us to provide our clients with exceptional service and competitive rates. It also allows us to find the right lender for more challenging loan situations or property types.
Because the origin of our company was rooted in the operations side of the mortgage industry, our processes and technology are second to none. The people who work for us and the systems we’ve built with them are what drive our success and borrower experience. Our licensed mortgage professionals are the best in the business. Figuring out difficult loans is what we do.
Purchasing or refinancing a home is a big deal, and you should be thoughtful about who you choose to work with. Since 2000, we’ve been successfully helping people navigate the home loan process. Reach out to us today and let one of our professionals help guide you on your mortgage journey.
Lana Jern
Owner / MLO
NMLS # 268711
Read about our borrower loan experiences
Our expert originators are here for you.
Reach out to one of our experienced loan originators to get your questions answered today
Call us at (303) 839-5262
OR
Contact an Expert
Our people
Lana Jern
Owner / Licensed Mortgage Broker in CO, FL and GA
NMLS # 268711
A Little About Me
As a loan originator with 25+ years of experience, I have been helping buyers with their lending needs. I have owned my own mortgage brokerage firm since 2000. I have extensive knowledge about programs for first time homebuyers, down payment assistance, tax credit programs, investment loan programs, rehab programs, and options for both purchase and refinance borrowers. I make it my personal goal to make sure my clients understand the entire process and that the product they select will make their investment a wise choice.
Originally from Virginia via Atlanta, Georgia, I moved to Denver in the mid 90’s. Since that time, I have enjoyed watching my children graduate from high school and college and now spend my time enjoying what Colorado has to offer. One of my favorite activities is country western couples dancing and sometimes I just can’t get enough of great country music! I also love to spend time with my family including my two grandsons Aiden and Harrison.
Working with my clients gives me great pleasure because I do all that I can to make sure they are happy with the choice they made for their loan. During the loan process, we strive to ensure that we meet contract deadlines and regularly communicate with all the parties in the transaction so everyone is aware of the progress of the loan. Real estate agents frequently comment on the high level of service I provide and appreciate my hands on approach.
The biggest compliment I get is the continual referrals and repeat business from past clients. It gives me a sense of personal satisfaction and joy to work with referrals and clients I have dealt with in the past and it inspires me to continue to strive to meet and exceed the expectations of everyone I work with now and in the future.
Jason Kauffman
Owner / Licensed Mortgage Broker in CO, GA, FL and IA
NMLS # 199088
A Little About Me
Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, I moved to Colorado in 1995 with my family. I attended Colorado State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. I found my way into the mortgage industry and have been originating loans for over 20 years.
Having closed close to half a billion dollars in residential loans, I have a knowledge base that spans just about every loan program available. The thing that separates me from other loan officers is that I pride myself on leveraging my experience to do a thorough analysis on the front end that leaves very little work for my borrowers later in the loan process. This tends to lead to a smoother and faster loan process.
As a professional and someone who cares about the mortgage consumer and the trajectory of mortgage industry regulation, I participate in advocacy initiatives at the local and national level. I was president of the Colorado Association of Mortgage Professionals (CoAMP) in 2015 and 2016, and I spent 5 years sitting on the board of Directors.
I spend my spare time with my wife Amber and our children. When I’m not at home with them you can usually find me fishing on one of Colorado’s many great trout streams while tossing around one of my homemade flies.
It is my goal to create a transaction that is smooth and stress free, leaving my clients thinking of me for their future mortgage needs.
Jason Henkel
Licensed Mortgage Broker in CO
NMLS # 205844
A Little About Me
Jason has been a loan officer in the Denver market since 1999. Prior to joining the Uptown team 5 years ago, Jason worked for one of the nation’s largest home builders for over 10 years. Whether you’re buying your first or last home, Jason has the expertise you can count on to ensure a smooth process.
He lives in Highlands Ranch with his wife Jennifer and son Preston. When not helping clients with their mortgage needs, Jason enjoys playing golf and running along one of the many trails found here in Colorado.
Barb Van Horn
Licensed Mortgage Broker TX and CO
NMLS # 250051
A Little About Me
For over 15 years, Barbara has processed Conventional, FHA and VA mortgage transactions. Since 2009, Barbara has also been loan originating in Colorado and is now currently licensed in Texas as well. She is a full service loan originator because she has the understanding and experience of all levels and details associated with the loan process. Barbara is a proactive communicator and prides herself on friendly personal customer service, professionalism, and truly cares about her clientele. She understands that home buying is a dream for many and wants the experience to be as smooth and stress free as possible for both the buyers as well as her Real Estate partners.
Barbara loves working closely with individuals educating them on different mortgage products & programs to ensure they make the best decisions for their mortgage financing needs. It doesn’t matter to Barbara if you are a first time home buyer, someone buying an investment property, or someone looking to refinance, she takes the time to educate and advise the best option for each individual situation.
Barbara is originally from the Pacific Northwest growing up in Alaska & Oregon. Barbara and her husband Todd feel fortunate to have lived together in Oregon, Arizona, Southern California and Colorado. She also enjoys visiting her five nieces & nephew, road trips in and around the Colorado Rockies, following her favorite sports teams, and having a glass of wine with friends. Lastly, she enjoys exploring and taking advantage of all there is to offer in her current home in Austin, “The live music capital of the world!”
Nicole Reed
Compliance Manager / Licensed Mortgage Broker in WA, CO and IA
NMLS # 1549405
A Little About Me
I have been with the Uptown Mortgage family since 2015, working as the Operations and Compliance Manager. I quickly caught the industry bug and became a licensed originator in 2017. I am currently serving Washington, Colorado and Iowa, but with family and friends across the country, I am actively looking forward to serving more states in the near future! Using the interpersonal skills from an extensive past in the service industry, customer service and satisfaction will always remain my top priorities.
I am armed and ready with the skills to listen to every client and tailor the perfect plan for each unique scenario. As a broker, I understand that not every borrower fits into the cookie cutter, traditional mortgage and will work diligently to find the programs and products that suit your needs. It is my ultimate goal to teach prospective (and current!) homeowners that mortgages don’t have to be scary!
As an army brat to two military parents, my family and I moved around frequently as a child, but I was lucky enough to be rooted in Colorado for 20 years. Colorado will always have my heart. In 2018, my wife, Jessica, graduated from the Colorado School of Mines and took a position in Washington State as a nuclear engineer, so a new adventure began! We are lucky to spend our free time boating on the Sound, visiting local wineries and the lush landscapes of Washington.
Rocque McKinney
Licensed Mortgage Broker In GA
NMLS # 2005705
A Little About Me
I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and currently live in the suburbs with my husband and two children. I attended The University of Georgia where I double majored in Housing and Consumer Economics. I started my real estate career on the commercial side where I spent 10 years in development and construction, property management and tenant relations. I made the switch to residential in 2020 to assist Lana Jern and then became licensed myself to originate loans in the state of Georgia. I love being able to help families navigate their housing needs by making the process as smooth as possible. I love quality time with my family, adventure, hiking, good food and the beach!
Jason Smith
Licensed Mortgage Broker in CO
NMLS # 2273405
A Little About Me
Born in Lansing, Michigan and later growing up between Michigan and the suburbs of Philadelphia. I graduated high school in Berwyn, PA at Conestoga H.S. The pursuit of an engineering degree took me to Atlanta, GA. and Georgia Tech.
I graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with an engineering degree in 1995. Almost immediately after college I moved to Colorado to build a life and family in the mountains. I have been a full-time resident of Summit County, Colorado since 1996.
As a Colorado entrepreneur since 2001, I have owned and operated several local businesses, and maintain residential and commercial real estate investments here in the county.
Being an avid snowboarder and motorcycle rider, Colorado offers year-round entertainment and constant stimulus. Summit County has been my home for more than 25 years. There is no better place to live, travel and invest in your future. I’m motivated by sharing the mountain lifestyle with great people.
Dustin Moffat
Senior Loan Processor
A Little About Me
Born in Utah, I have been a Coloradan since 1990. I have been a part of the Mortgage industry for 16 years and take pride in the profession I have chosen. It’s a unique experience being able to help a borrower purchase their first home or refinance their home they’ve owned for years, one that I’m happy to help with and enjoy doing. I pride myself in trying to help make the home loan process as easy as possible for our clients.
When I’m not at work, you’ll find me spending most of my time with my wife Panther and our wonderful two kids. If there’s a good movie out there to see, you’ll find me at the Cineplex with a bucket of popcorn. Sometimes it has to be a movie for the kids, but I enjoy those as well.
Vanessa Moreno Mares
Loan Setup Specialist
A Little About Me
I was born in Tempe, Arizona and raised in beautiful colorful Colorado. I enjoy everything our state has to offer from the glowing sunrises shining on the rocky mountains to the vibrant color changes of oranges and reds in the fall.
I have been in the mortgage industry for 7 years and look forward to many more. I enjoy being able to help our clients in their day to day home loan needs. I love that I have the opportunity to work with such an amazing team at Uptown Mortgage where I can truly say I have a second home.
When I’m not working you’ll find me with my family. My husband Jesus and I are always looking for things to do with our daughters Sophia and Melody. We’re up for pretty much anything that can get us out of the house and let us experience this wonderful state we live in.
Ashley Carlisle
Administrative Assistant
A Little About Me
I am enjoying coming back into the mortgage industry to assist and make Uptown Mortgages’ clients experience as flawless as possible. I have lived in Colorado all my life and when I’m not in the office I enjoy being outdoors, having adventures with family and friends in our beautiful state, and especially being with my two kids Lucy and Barrett.
Erika Johnson
Senior Loan Processor
A Little About Me
I started my path in the mortgage industry in 2006. Being a natural problem solver, processing mortgages became my calling and I love helping people with the American dream! Throughout the years my knowledge and experience grew in VA, FHA, USDA and Fannie/Freddie guidelines. My passion for guiding people seamlessly through the underwriting process to get your loan to the closing table is what sets me apart from the rest!
I am an avid animal lover and have 3 dogs. I am also a huge football fan and love to watch college games as well as the NFL. When not watching football, you can find me in nature with a good craft beer. Cheers!
Location Info
Uptown Mortgage Headquarters
1350 Lawrence St. Suite 100
Denver CO, 80204