Find your loan expert

Lana Jern

Owner / Licensed Mortgage Broker in CO, FL, GA, and KS

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

NMLS # 199088

A Little About Me

Welcome to my corner of the mortgage industry! Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and now proudly calling Colorado home since 1995, I’m a seasoned Mortgage Loan Originator and co-owner of Uptown Mortgage alongside my mother, Lana Jern.

Education and Experience:

A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Computer Science, I have dedicated over two decades to the mortgage industry. I’ve had the privilege of assisting countless clients in achieving their homeownership dreams.

Passion for Clients and Advocacy:

My commitment to clients extends beyond day-to-day operations. As a professional deeply invested in the trajectory of mortgage industry regulation, I have actively participated in advocacy initiatives at both local and national levels. Serving as the President of the Colorado Association of Mortgage Professionals (CoAMP) in 2015 and 2016, and spending five years on the Board of Directors, has allowed me to contribute to shaping industry standards.

Balancing Professionalism with Personal Life:

Outside of the mortgage realm, I find joy in spending quality time with my wife, Amber, and our children. When not at home, you can usually find me fishing on one of Colorado’s many great trout streams while tossing around one of my homemade flies.

Expertise in Mortgage Solutions:

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, I bring the skills and dedication needed to guide you through your mortgage journey. I take pride in my in-depth understanding of Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, and VA financing options. My experience allows me to create unique solutions for the spectrum of unique situations I encounter with my borrowers. In addition to the more common loan options, we have access to non-QM programs and reverse mortgage products that fill a niche for less common situations.

Commitment to Seamless Transactions:

My ultimate goal is to craft transactions that are not only successful but also smooth and stress-free. I want my clients to remember the experience positively and consider Uptown Mortgage for their future mortgage needs. The trust my clients place in me is something I value deeply, and I am dedicated to exceeding expectations in every transaction.

Thank you for considering Uptown Mortgage for your home financing needs. I look forward to the privilege of guiding you through a seamless mortgage journey.

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 in 2011, 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 tennis and running along one of the many trails found here in Colorado.

Barb Van Horn

Licensed Mortgage Broker TN, 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 MN

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.

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.