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headshot of Jake Schoemann, wearing a black Novus sweatsuit

Jake Schoemann

Loan Officer
NMLS #403002
5.0 Rating (71 Reviews on Experience.com)

Waukesha Branch
21075 Swenson Drive
Suite 250
Waukesha, WI 53186

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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Monthly Taxes $1421

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Monthly PMI $0

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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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$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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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

Efficient and helpful during the whole process.
Piper L P.
FOX POINT, WI
October 10, 2026
These ratings relate specifically to Megan and Billy as I did not work directly wirh Jake
Patrick B M.
FOX POINT, WI
October 4, 2026
The entire process was seemless. Very appreciative to have a lower rate berfore all the raising rate environment. Everyone was a great communicator and follow through was excellent. Appreciated all the members of your team. Thank you.
Marcia D B.
PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL
October 2, 2026
The team was communicative and great to work with. Very friendly!
Jamie W.
HARTFORD, WI
September 6, 2026
I honestly cannot say enough about my experience with this company. As a single mom, making financial decisions that affect my family and our future carries a lot of weight. This was my second time working with this company for a refinance, and I came back to them because of the trust and confidence they had already earned from me. This most recent refinance meant so much more than simply changing a loan. It was about creating stability, breathing room, and a healthier financial future for my family during a time when we needed it most. They were also able to beat a competitor’s offer, which made the decision to work with them again an easy one. Throughout the process, I felt like I was treated as a person and not just another loan number. The communication, patience, professionalism, and genuine effort to find the best possible outcome made an incredibly stressful situation feel manageable. I always felt that my best interests and my family’s future were being considered. As a single mother, having someone help you navigate such a major financial decision with honesty and care is something I don’t take for granted. This refinance gave me something that is difficult to put a price on: peace of mind. It gave me the ability to move forward with more confidence and create greater financial stability for my family. I am incredibly grateful that I chose to come back to this company for a second time. They didn’t just help me refinance my home — they helped me take an important step toward a more secure and healthy future for my family. Some experiences are simply transactions. This was not one of them. This experience genuinely made an impact on my life, and I would recommend this company to anyone looking for a lender who truly listens, works for their clients, and goes the extra mile when it matters most.
Celine D.
GERMANTOWN, WI
August 31, 2026
Quick and effective
Aaron D.
BROOKFIELD, WI
August 24, 2026
The process was transparent and easy. I appreciate the emails and updates to know exactly where we were at in the process and what steps were coming next. Would certainly work Jake and his team again!
Carrie H.
BROWN DEER, WI
August 17, 2026
My fiancé and I would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Megan and the entire Schoemann Team at Novus Home Mortgage for making our dream of homeownership a reality. As first-time homebuyers, we knew the process could be overwhelming, but Megan made every step incredibly smooth and stress-free. From our very first conversation through closing day, she consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, knowledge, patience, and genuine care. She always took the time to answer our questions, explain each step of the process, and ensure we felt comfortable and confident in every decision we made. Megan's communication was outstanding, and her attention to detail gave us complete confidence that everything was being handled correctly. It was clear that she truly cared about helping us achieve our goal, and she treated us with kindness and respect throughout the entire experience. Because of Megan and the Schoemann Team, purchasing our first home was an exciting and enjoyable experience rather than a stressful one. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had Megan as our loan officer and cannot thank her enough for everything she did for us.
Stephen K.
June 26, 2026
Fantastic experience. The team has now helped us with two loans and each time it couldn't have went smoother. Highly recommend using their services. Super responsive and knowledgeable across the board.
Dallas R.
June 22, 2026
I have now worked with the Schoemann team twice, first time since they are under Novus. Jake, Megan, and Billy are absolutely fantastic. Their communication is top tier, service is excellent, and they made the entire process understandable for us. I will be working with them again.
Ethan G.
June 22, 2026
Jake and the team were so communicative and straightforward throughout the entire process. They always responded promptly and were more than willing to answer any questions we had. They made what could have been a very overwhelming experience feel much less confusing and never made us feel like we were going through it alone. We truly appreciated their support and guidance every step of the way.
Christine H.
MENOMONEE FALLS, WI
June 19, 2026
Overall a fantastic experience. This is the second time taking a loan out with them and we couldn't be happier. This team is fantastic to work with!
Dallas R.
FORT ATKINSON, WI
June 14, 2026
Got house no problem.
Christopher G.
MENOMONEE FALLS, WI
June 12, 2026
As first-time homebuyers, we were nervous about the process, but Megan made everything much easier. She was patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to respond whenever we had questions. She guided us through every step, kept us informed, and worked hard to help us reach closing successfully. We truly appreciated her support, professionalism, and dedication. Having her there with us on closing day made the experience even more special. We highly recommend Megan and her team to anyone looking to buy a home. Thank you for helping us achieve this important milestone!
Ramesh P.
June 9, 2026
The team was very kind and available to answer all of my questions!
Karla J.
OCONOMOWOC, WI
May 13, 2026
I have now worked with Jake and the team three times, and every time they have been efficient, educational, and professional. More than that though, they have made what can be a stressful process feel simple and easy. I can’t recommend them enough! Awesome people, awesome service, awesome experience every time!
Bradley P.
April 19, 2026