Bringing Personality to Colorado Home Purchases and Refinances

We’re committed to supporting each client in their home loan journey with integrity, flexibility and the right level of time-sensitive urgency often required.

Internal Resources Get the Job Done

We handle the loan approval process in-house.

Providing Guidance Throughout the Mortgage Process

Get an introduction to the home loan programs available today.

Serving Colorado Borrowers with Integrity, Flexibility and Transparency

Learn more about the finance professionals at the Boulder branch.

Bringing Personality to Colorado Home Purchases and Refinances

Request a Free Consultation

When it comes to Colorado home purchases and refinances, everyone on the Planet Home Lending Boulder Team works tirelessly to secure financing for their clients. This team is anchored by four industry veterans — Blue Hessner, Brian Weinberg, Dirk Walker and Todd Adelman — who have been together as Colorado mortgage lenders since 2015. They boast more than a half-century of combined local lending expertise and have received numerous awards for their superior customer service. 

Planet Boulder’s mission is to provide a comprehensive and diverse selection of home financing options at competitive mortgage rates, while offering expert advice based on each client’s unique circumstances.

“Every decision and recommendation is made with our borrower’s best interest in mind. Our reputation is built upon serving the community with integrity, flexibility, transparency, and the level of agility and urgency required to excel in the competitive climate of Colorado real estate.

Whether you are a first-time buyer, an experienced homeowner, a seasoned investor, or a real estate professional, we look forward to putting our expertise to work for you and doing it with a smile.”

Request a Free Consultation

Meet The Team


BLUE HESSNER

BRANCH MANAGER / SENIOR LOAN CONSULTANT

NMLS #297439
Cell:  (303) 748-0565
Email Blue

Full disclosure: I am not your typical suit-wearing mortgage broker. In fact, I like to think of myself as down-to-earth and approachable, a real person with real solutions to every mortgage problem. Prior to starting my career in mortgage loan origination, I was one of the world’s...
Read More on Blue

BRIAN WEINBERG

BRANCH MANAGER / SENIOR LOAN CONSULTANT

NMLS #502102
Cell:  (303) 916-6982
Email Brian

When I reflect on these past 15 years in the mortgage industry, my ability to counsel clients through complicated financial decisions sets me apart. My patience, knowledge, and dedication to each client’s specific needs have allowed me to secure loans for over 1,000+ borrowers. I specialize in helping first-time homebuyers...
Read More on Brian

DIRK WALKER

BRANCH MANAGER/SENIOR LOAN CONSULTANT

NMLS #276166
Cell:  (720) 205-8847
Email Dirk

At the age of 14, I asked my mom to teach me how stocks and the stock market worked. She showed me what my college savings were invested in and from that point on I looked up Texaco, US Gypsum, Tesoro, and few others in the Boulder Daily Camera every day (yes, I’m a Boulder native and... 
Read More on Dirk 

TODD ADELMAN

BRANCH MANAGER/SENIOR LOAN CONSULTANT

NMLS #300605
Cell:  (303) 931-1188
Email Todd

I am a 21-year veteran of the mortgage business.  My distinct personalized approach stems from my diverse background and interests as a recording musician (with six records to my credit), as an environmental and social activist, as the founder… 
Read More on Todd 

Alicia Alpenfels Senior Mortgage Consultant at Planet Home Lending in Boulder

ALICIA ALPENFELS

SENIOR LOAN CONSULTANT

NMLS #296651
Cell:  (303) 710-5992
Email Alicia

Born and raised in Boulder (go Panthers!), I have a zest for traveling the world, studying cultures, and understanding how people live. Eighteen years ago, I entered the mortgage industry with the desire to help home buyers easily navigate the complex lending system. I had been a homeowner for a few years…
Read More on Alicia 

JOHN KURTZ

SENIOR LOAN CONSULTANT

NMLS #275592
Cell: (303) 594-9695
Email John

I have more than 20 years of experience in mortgage banking providing trusted professional solutions to my clients. My honesty and integrity combined with a calm, steady approach have helped me navigate clients through the mortgage process with confidence, at the same time building long-term relationships with borrowers…
Read More on John 

MEGAN LAMERATO

SENIOR MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR

NMLS #743350
Cell: 586-604-8883
Email Megan

Being one of five sisters, I learned early how to stand out. So when I jumped from teaching to banking 12 years ago, I became a top 20% producer in my first year. My wealth management experience working with high-net-worth individuals familiarized me with real estate investments and customized... Read More on Megan 

Planet Boulder LO

JESSICA SHANAHAN

SENIOR MORTAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR

NMLS #1127723
Cell:  (970) 270-2479
Email Jessica

A Colorado native, I entered the mortgage business in my teens. With a unique understanding of the many home loan complexities and an innate ability to craft successful loan packages, I know how to take clients across the finish line. Formerly a Loan Processor...
Read More on Jessica

Alicia Alpenfels Senior Mortgage Consultant at Planet Home Lending in Boulder

JULIE DALE

PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD

NMLS #2027997
Cell:  (720) 320-3382
Email Julie

Fulfilling dreams of home ownership has been at the center of my career. I started 25 years ago working for my Dad’s mortgage business and then specialized in loans helping people avoid foreclosures. Upon venturing into real estate investing, I was able to fix-and-flip homes with affordable price tags, while...
Read More on Julie 

KAREN RIZZO

MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR

NMLS #1959074
Cell: 845-625-8235
Email Karen

A few years ago, my husband and I were able to realize our dream of building a Florida home. The stress of managing the building process while still residing in New York was at times overwhelming. We found our mortgage consultant to be the most helpful in guiding us through the process. After we finally moved into our new home, I decided…
Read More on Karen 

ADAM LEEGER

PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD

NMLS #1296702
Cell:  (303) 619-8671
Email Adam

I believe in putting homeowners first, making the home loan experience personal and transparent, and doing the right thing for my customers. My focus at Planet Home Lending is helping Front Range folks build wealth through homeownership and real estate investment. While I grew up in Michigan, Nederland is where I’m most at home…
Read More on Adam 

Alicia Alpenfels Senior Mortgage Consultant at Planet Home Lending in Boulder

JULIE DALE

PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD

NMLS #2027997
Cell:  (720) 320-3382
Email Julie

Fulfilling dreams of home ownership has been at the center of my career. I started 25 years ago working for my Dad’s mortgage business and then specialized in loans helping people avoid foreclosures. Upon venturing into real estate investing, I was able to fix-and-flip homes with affordable price tags, while educating…
Read More on Julie 

Blog / News

Pay Cash Today, Finance Later

When you find the perfect home to buy, timing is everything. Quick action with a cash offer may be required, based on our low-inventory real estate market. You may be hesitant to tie up your cash, but it's the only way to make a winning bid. Fortunately, with delayed...

How Strong Is Our Current Housing Market?

The 2022 housing market started as a strong seller’s market but weakened as rates increased over the spring and summer. Enter into 2023, when homes are staying on the market longer, seller concessions have increased, and home values have decreased slightly. We have...

Home Insurance Coverage a Year After the Marshall Fire

Rebuilding Efforts in Superior, one year after the Marshall Fire On December 30, 2021, the Marshall Fire devastatingly swept through residential parts of Boulder County. The incident was a grave reminder of what homeowner’s insurance policies covered and what steps...

Media Hype on Mortgage Rates

There is a typhoon of information focused on the housing sector and mortgage rate environment circling the airwaves these days. The press generally sells sensationalism through headlines and often misses the reality of what is really happening. While no one has the...

Is Money Better Spent on Extra Mortgage Payments or Recasting?

In the current rising interest rate environment, our clients are asking about the benefits of paying more each month on their mortgage as well as what it means to “recast” the loan. Will your overall financial picture be improved by reducing your mortgage principal or...

MORTGAGE 101


Should I “lock” my interest rate?

A rate lock means that you’re guaranteed that specific day’s mortgage interest rate for some predetermined period, typically 30 to 60 days. If interest rates have been trending upward, it’s generally a good idea to lock in your rate. While the prevailing mortgage rate doesn’t usually make a significant move over a month or two, it’s certainly possible.

What is a Prequalification?

A pre-qualification is a basic review of your finances to determine if you’d qualify for a mortgage. In general, a pre-qualification is based on unverified information you provide and does not include a credit check or any documentation, and is therefore not a firm guarantee of a loan.

What is a Preapproval?

Unlike a pre-qualification, a pre-approval can be a valuable tool in the home-buying process. As part of a pre-approval, a lender will check your credit, verify your income and employment, and commit to lending a certain amount of money. A pre-approval shows sellers that you’re serious about buying a home, and that you’re likely to be able to follow through on a bid, and close on their property.

What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?

PMI protects a lender against loss if a borrower defaults. PMI is required from most homebuyers who obtain loans that are more than 80 percent of their home’s value. PMI premium payments may be cancelled under certain conditions when the amount owed on the loan is less than 80% of the value of the home. Ask us for our conditions and procedures to request cancellation of PMI premium payments.

What are closing costs, and what can I expect them to be?

The term “closing costs” refer to all of the charges you’ll need to pay before your loan is completed. This can include origination fees, title insurance, prepaid escrows, and more. Closing costs can vary significantly, and your Planet Home Lending Loan Consultant will provide more details during the loan process.

What is an ARM?

An Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a mortgage for which the interest rate is not fixed but changes during the life of the loan, according to movements in an index rate.

Homebot

Homebot puts accurate, realtime home valuation info at every homeowners’ fingertips.
Find out why we love using Homebot — and why we know you will, too!

 Testimonials


We value our seller’s feedback of our service and technology. Here are a couple of our valued seller’s letting us know about their experience with Planet Home Lending

Connect With Us


Planet With A Purpose


Planet is a proud supporter of the National Forest Foundation.
Through this tree-planting partnership in 2019, we will:

  • Plant 3 trees for every loan closed
  • Contribute 30,000 trees
  • Help restore our national forests

Every Planet customer, business partner, and employee can feel good about giving back.