With more than 30 years of mortgage lending experience, Stephen Thaggard has built his career around a simple philosophy: every homebuyer has a different story, and the right mortgage should be designed around their individual goals.

Stephen joined Embrace Home Loans in 2010 and serves as Producing Sales Manager in the Viera, Florida office. Together with his wife and longtime business partner, Karen, Team Thaggard helps homebuyers, homeowners, REALTORS® and builders throughout Brevard County and Florida navigate the mortgage process with experience, communication and trusted guidance.

Stephen specializes in VA home loans, new construction and builder financing, Conventional loans, FHA financing, Jumbo loans and first-time homebuyer programs. Rather than simply presenting a loan and an interest rate, Stephen takes the time to compare financing strategies and explain the advantages and tradeoffs of each option. His goal is to help clients make a confident, well-informed decision that fits both their immediate needs and long-term financial goals.

Over his three decades in mortgage lending, Stephen's experience has ranged from working directly with homebuyers as a Loan Officer to owning and operating BeechTree Mortgage, Inc. in Cocoa Beach, Florida. That experience provides a valuable perspective when helping clients navigate everything from a first home purchase to VA financing, new construction, complex financing situations and higher-value homes.

Since joining Embrace, Stephen has been recognized as a member of the company's President's Club since 2014. He is also a member of the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals (FAMP) and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

For Stephen and Karen, mortgage lending is ultimately about relationships. They believe buyers deserve straightforward answers, responsive communication and a team they can trust throughout one of life's biggest financial decisions. Many of those relationships continue well beyond closing, with past clients and REALTORS® partners returning to Team Thaggard for guidance, future financing needs and referrals of family and friends.

Stephen is a Florida native, born in Jacksonville and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Outside of the office, family remains at the center of his life. Stephen and Karen enjoy spending time with their children and family, along with the Florida lifestyle — whether that's swimming, surfing, boating, spending time at the beach or getting everyone together for game night.

Team Thaggard at Embrace Home Loans - 30+ years of experience. Local knowledge. Strategic mortgage solutions. A team you can trust.