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headshot of Paula Mezzanotte, wearing a black suit with a white blouse

Paula Mezzanotte

Loan Officer
NMLS #165134
5.0 Rating (30 Reviews on Experience.com)

Guilford Branch
2514 Boston Post Rd.
Unit C6
Guilford, CT 06437

CUSTOMERS Come First

Whether you dream about purchasing your first home, or third, we are here to help your homeownership dream become a reality—which is why we’ve made buying a home easier than ever with our leading-edge technology, alleviating piles of traditional paperwork.

When you work with Novus Home Mortgage, you can close on your home simply faster with our digital mortgage application process. 

Why Homebuyers Love Working with NOVUS

Buying or refinancing a home is a big decision. You deserve straight answers. No jargon. No guesswork. You get clear explanations, real guidance, and consistent updates from pre-approval through closing.

Your goals, budget, and timeline are unique, so your mortgage should be too. Whether you are exploring:

• Conventional financing
• FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans
• VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) loans
• USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) loans
• Investment property loans
• Second home loans
• Construction loans
• And more!

We help you compare your options and choose a loan that fits your life.

You should never feel like just another name on a list. With Novus, you get a loan officer who truly listens, cares about your goals, and guides you through every step with clarity and support. We blend personal care with smart technology to make your experience easier long after the closing table.

TEMPORARY RATE BUYDOWN FAQs

Answers to the most common questions about temporary rate buydowns, including costs, qualification, loan eligibility, refinancing, and seller contributions.

Novus Home Mortgage contributes up to the amount shown above. The seller then negotiates their share on top. It can also be funded by a builder, or by the buyer. The seller’s portion is agreed per property and written into the contract — it is not automatic and not a standing offer on every home.

Sometimes a seller lists slightly higher to fund their share, and sometimes they fund it out of the existing price. Either way the buyer sees the price and the credit in the contract. What a buydown avoids is a public price reduction, which is why sellers often prefer it.

No. Discount points permanently reduce the note rate for the life of the loan. A temporary buydown leaves the note rate alone and subsidizes the payment for the first year or two from an escrow account. Points cost more; a temporary buydown buys a bigger visible drop for less money, but it does not last.

The full note rate, not the reduced year-one rate. That’s the part people get wrong. A temporary buydown lowers what you pay in the early years; it does not increase how much you can borrow. A permanent buydown does lower the qualifying rate.

Funds left in the buydown escrow are generally applied to the payoff, so the unused portion is not lost. The exact treatment is set by the buydown agreement on your specific loan — ask before you assume.

Conventional, FHA and VA all permit temporary buydowns, subject to program rules and occupancy restrictions. Contribution limits differ by program and by how much you put down. We confirm what a specific file allows before anything goes into a contract.

A price cut moves the monthly payment surprisingly little. The same money aimed at the rate moves it a lot more — so the home reaches buyers who were shopping below the price. It also avoids a public reduction and the days-on-market story that follows one.

That’s exactly what this is for. Put in the list price and the contribution you think the seller would consider, and it shows the payment story you can take to them. For the full picture — net proceeds, price-cut comparison, contribution limits — call and we’ll build it on the actual property.

Learn how to Buy Your First Home

Buying a home is a big step — and I’m here to make it easier. I’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you find the right loan to fit your life and goals.

Our Services

Younger woman in her new home

Home Purchase Loans

Expert guidance through the home buying process
Young family with children in new home

Refinancing Options

Solutions to lower your interest rate or monthly payments
Younger couple starting out in first home

Personalized Consultations

One-on-one meetings to discuss your financial goals
Family outside just sold new home

Loan Program Guidance

Detailed explanations of different loan programs available

In Our Community

Our work doesn’t stop at helping families buy homes—we’re committed to strengthening the places we live and work. From sponsoring youth programs to supporting local charities, we’re proud to give back to our community.

Younger couple in new home with plants

Proudly Giving Back

We volunteer, sponsor local events, and support programs that strengthen our community.
Older couple walking into new home

Local Food Drives

We partner with local food banks to fight hunger, sponsoring community drives that help families in need.
Couple enjoying move-in day in new home

Youth Sports Sponsorships

We’re proud to support local youth sports programs, helping kids build teamwork, confidence, and lifelong skills both on and off the field.

Estimate your mortgage

See estimated monthly payments based on your loan details. Compare scenarios to find what best fits your budget.

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$1421

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Principal & Interest $1421

Monthly Taxes $1421

Monthly HOA $1421

Monthly Insurance $1421

Monthly PMI $0

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5%

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$1421

Monthly FHA Payment

Principal & Interest $1421

Monthly Taxes $1421

Monthly HOA $1421

Monthly Insurance $1421

Up-Front MIP (1.75%)$0

Monthly Mortgage Insurance $0

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0%

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$1421

Monthly VA Payment

Principal & Interest $1421

Monthly Taxes $1421

Monthly HOA $1421

Monthly Insurance $1421

Purchase Price $1421

VA Funding Fee $1421

Amount Financed $1421

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You can afford up to

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Refinancing could save you

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Lifetime Savings $

Steps to Easy Home Buying with Novus

Buying a home is a major milestone. You deserve a path to homeownership that feels clear and supported at every step. The Novus Path brings together experienced loan officers, innovative technology, and industry-leading knowledge in both traditional and Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM) lending.

Younger woman in her new home

Get Pre-Approved

A Novus pre-approval gives you a clear idea of what you can afford, helps you understand your loan options, and strengthens your offer when it is time to make a move.
Unboxing and move in day

Explore Your Loan Options

From conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans to Non-QM, jumbo financing, and down payment assistance programs, we help you compare options and choose the one that fits your goals.
Younger couple starting out in first home

Find the Right Home

With your pre-approval in hand, you and your real estate agent can focus on homes that match your budget and priorities. Your loan officer stays connected throughout your search to answer questions and offer guidance.
New couple in home during move in day

Apply and Submit Documents

Our technology makes it easy to apply, upload documents, and see what’s next. Your loan officer will walk you through exactly what is needed and help you stay organized to keep your application on track.
First time homebuyer with my new home sign

Processing and Underwriting

Our team reviews your file, verifies your information, and prepares your loan for underwriting. Underwriting is the step where a loan expert reviews your financial details to make sure everything meets the guidelines for your loan. We keep you updated throughout the process and let you know if anything else is needed to keep your loan moving.
Family outside just sold new home

Closing, Getting Your Keys, And Beyond

Once your loan is cleared to close, you’ll sign your final documents and celebrate becoming a homeowner. Your Novus loan officer is here for you long after closing, whether you need answers, updates, or help with future financing.

Real Stories from Real Owners

Paula was the perfect loan officer from beginning to end—professional, timely, knowledgeable, and supportive! She answered all my questions and completely eased my fears and stress. I would highly recommend Paula and her team. Thank you for such a great experience!
Diana R.
Pawcatuck, CT
October 12, 2026
Paula is on top of everything. She gets things done efficiently and does her best to get the best options for her clients.
Ashley H.
KILLINGLY, CT
September 28, 2026
Paula went above and beyond for us during this hectic process, which is a lot to say especially during these stressful times In the housing market. She's on top of everything and is committed to getting clients to the finish line. She is extremely knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile for her clients. I highly recommend Paula and her group, especially if you want the experience to feel personal and individualized!
Yanet R.
Glastonbury, CT
September 18, 2026
I cannot express how easy and calm Paula made this whole process. I am so thrilled with everything. Thank you!
Michelle R.
TOLLAND, CT
September 15, 2026
Knowing that we were getting, but it did stress us out, lol.
Darren Keith W.
Manchester, CT
September 5, 2026
Paula was outstanding , the easiest and smoothest part of the whole transactio!
Joshua Vincent L.
MOOSUP, CT
July 7, 2026
made what we thought was impossible possible. She really worked hard to meet a deadline. I was really impressed. She was professional and wet out of her way to meeting our needs. I have bought two homes in the past and never had someone care so much about us getting into a home of our dreams thank you again I will definitely recommend you for anybody purchasing a new home.
Marc R.
Middletown, CT
July 6, 2026
Good interpersonal relatio was a too top notch.
Linda Kankam D.
Ellington, CT
May 2, 2026
Paula was really transparent and nice to answer questions I will ask
Aseidu O.
Ellington, CT
May 1, 2026
As both a Realtor and a first-time homebuyer, I went into this process with high expectations and Paula exceeded every single one of them. Being in real estate, I understand how important communication, timing, and problem-solving are in getting a deal to the finish line. From start to close, she was absolutely exceptional. Her communication was consistent and proactive, she stayed ahead of every deadline, and handled every detail with a level of professionalism that truly stood out. On a personal level, as a first-time buyer, she made the experience feel comfortable and stress-free. She even took the time to explain everything clearly, answered every question with patience, and made sure I felt confident in every decision I was making. What impressed me most was her ability to navigate challenges seamlessly—something I know firsthand is not always easy in this market. Paula made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and exciting instead. Because of her dedication and expertise, I was able to close on my first home and I can confidently say she is someone I will not only continue to recommend to my clients, but trust with my own transactions time and time again. If you’re looking for a lender who truly knows what they’re doing and genuinely cares about their clients, Paula Mezzanote is the one.
Victoria P.
Enfield, CT
April 1, 2026
Amazing to work with, truly a pleasure and was so helpful every step of the way.
Elizabeth D.
Middlebury, CT
March 11, 2026
Dear Ms. Paula,I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything you did for me and my family during the mortgage application process. Thanks to your professionalism, patience, and immense dedication, I was able to navigate the maze of required formalities without stress or uncertainty. You guided me step by step through every document and every decision, always with sensitivity, calmness, and a smile. You made my dream of owning a home come true – a dream that others considered unrealistic. Where I heard "it won't work," you saw an opportunity. Where others gave up, you fought for the best solution. Thanks to your unwavering determination and belief in my success, today I am opening the doors to a place that will become the center of our family life. This is much more than just a job – it's a real change for the better in our lives. Your perseverance, knowledge, and kindness made the impossible possible. For all of this – for your time, care, professional support, and human understanding – please accept my deepest gratitude. I wish you continued professional success and many more satisfied clients who, like me, you will help fulfill their dreams of owning a home.You are an angel, a woman with a big heart, and I am grateful to know you not only as a professional but also as a friend. I look forward to continuing our friendship beyond this process.With respect and immense gratitude,Anita
Nikola O.
Broad Brook, CT
December 11, 2025
Wow I am so grateful for Paula and my realtor Sean. It has been a stressful process on my end but with their help they made everything so simple and easy. They thoroughly explained everything. I will gladly recommend everyone to Paula!
Cassie W.
Montville, CT
November 21, 2025
There aren’t enough words to express how amazing Paula is! I had a difficult situation to work with and Paula went the distance. She worked for 6 months and with 3-4 different lenders to get me a mortgage. Times I got discouraged she wouldn’t let me give up. She is tireless and fearless!! If you work with Paula, you won’t be disappointed! She is my new go to for any mortgage needs I may have in the future.
Jennifer O
Torrington, CT
October 3, 2025
I’ve tried multiple times with different Brokers about specifics I needed. She was honest and made things happen fast and exactly what she said. I still can’t believe she came through the way she did. I will recommend her to everyone I know. She is now my for ever broker
Jasondjorge
Berlin, CT
September 25, 2025
Paula was super knowledgeable and helpful at all times during this process. I had so many personal milestones going on around the same time purchasing my first home. This was such a wonderful process and I am so thankful Paula was every step of the way! She was so responsive and supportive through and through. I’d recommend her services to anyone looking for a lender representative!
Taylor Mccormack
East Hartford, CT
August 15, 2025