Our Team

  • Krystal Stearns

    Branch Manager | Founder of Square One

    Krystal Stearns, a seasoned professional in lending, serves as both Branch Manager and Founder of Square One, a testament to her commitment to excellence and community service.

    With over a decade of experience, Krystal has cultivated a team of dedicated professionals who share her ethos of prioritizing people and community. Through Square One, she channels her passion for lending into meaningful contributions to local charities, embodying her belief in giving back as a cornerstone of her business philosophy.

    Having successfully closed hundreds of loans annually across the nation, Krystal's wealth of experience and expertise ensures that clients receive the best loan options tailored to their needs. Beyond her role in lending, she is also a savvy real estate investor, driven by a passion for empowering others to create generational wealth.

    When she's not immersed in her work, Krystal finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, cherishing moments with her four children in their Colorado home and their retreat in Florida.

  • Kyle Duke

    Loan Officer, Army Veteran

    Kyle Duke embarked on his journey as a Loan Officer in October 2021, driven by his passion for real estate and informed by his firsthand homebuying experiences during his service in the Army and as an investor. Kyle's dedication to serving his clients is evident in his meticulous approach to understanding their needs and offering a diverse range of loan products tailored to each unique buying scenario, ensuring they achieve their objectives with maximum efficiency.

    Having completed his undergraduate studies at the University of South Alabama and further education at the University of Florida, Kyle's military career began in 2010 when he enlisted in the United States Army. Rising through the ranks, he was commissioned as an Army officer in 2015, where he distinguished himself by completing rigorous training, including Army Ranger School, and leading an Infantry Rifle Platoon in the 101st Airborne Division. Kyle's commitment to service led him to deploy to Kabul, Afghanistan, where he conducted combat operations with his platoon and was honored with the Bronze Star for his valor. Following the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in early-2022, Kyle continued to serve with distinction in various leadership roles until transitioning to civilian life.

    In his leisure time, Kyle cherishes moments with his wife, Lauren Duke, and their children, Noah, Leo, and Lilah, in their Florida home. Embracing a slower pace of life, the family enjoys frequent visits to Disney World and Universal Studios, savoring the simple pleasures of family time and culinary adventures. Committed to giving back, Kyle actively participates in veteran and church outreach programs, embodying his ethos of service and community engagement.

  • Bryan Cortez

    Loan Officer

    Bryan is a distinguished Mortgage Loan Officer renowned for his steadfast dedication to helping individuals realize their dreams of homeownership. With a wealth of experience under his belt, he has cemented his reputation as a trusted authority in the industry. Bryan's profound understanding of mortgage products and the nuances of the housing market enables him to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Whether guiding first-time homebuyers, exploring refinancing options, or facilitating investment property financing, Bryan simplifies the process and offers unwavering support every step of the way.

    Outside of his professional endeavors, Bryan finds solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life. An avid sports enthusiast, he not only enjoys watching and playing sports but also finds fulfillment in coaching his son's baseball team. Bryan is drawn to the majestic Colorado mountains, where he indulges in his passion for snowboarding and hiking, finding serenity and adventure amidst nature's splendor.

  • Katy Pace

    Loan Partner

    Katy is a seasoned professional whose journey seamlessly blends her love for languages, literature, and finance. She holds a dual Bachelor of Arts in French & English Literature from Western Washington University, a foundation that led her to teach English in France before embarking on her career in mortgage lending.

    Drawing on her diverse experiences, Katy's expertise in finance, coupled with her background in construction lending, makes her an invaluable asset to her team. Joining as a Loan Partner in the Summer of 2023, she brings a blend of dedication to customer service and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every client receives swift pre-approval and guidance through the home-buying process.

    Residing in Seattle, WA with her fiancé Sam and their cat Norbert, Katy finds joy in various pursuits outside of work. From adventures locally and abroad to culinary explorations in the kitchen, she cherishes moments spent thrifting and nurturing foster kittens. Additionally, Katy is deeply committed to giving back to her community, volunteering as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

  • Kimberly Chinquee

    Loan Processor

    Kim Chinquee serves as a dedicated loan officer assistant within the esteemed team at Valor Home Loans. Her primary focus revolves around facilitating seamless transactions for clients, collaborating closely with real estate agents, title companies, and loan officers to ensure swift and efficient closings.

    Outside of her professional pursuits, Kim’s life is enriched by her role as a military spouse, supporting her husband who serves as an infantryman in the U.S. Army. Currently residing in Clarksville, TN, Kim shares her home with two beloved dogs and two cherished cats. During her leisure time, she finds solace and joy in the company of friends and family, immersing herself in the pages of a good book, and indulging her creativity through the art of crocheting.