ABOUT US

A trust deed broker with 45+ years of California experience.

Diversified Loan Services has brokered and serviced trust deed investments secured by California real estate since 1980.

45+

YEARS

OUR STORY

Founded in 1980. Still here.

Diversified Loan Services has brokered and serviced trust deed investments secured by California real estate since 1980. For more than four decades, we've connected real estate investors seeking secure, higher-yield returns with borrowers who need flexible, reliable financing outside traditional bank channels.

Our business is built on three principles:

conservative underwriting that protects investor capital, transparent communication at every stage, an

long-term relationships with investors, borrowers, and brokers who return to us deal after deal.

TRACK RECORD

45+ years. Measured in loans funded, not promises made.

Every loan we've underwritten was secured by California real estate and serviced in-house from origination through payoff. Our track record reflects four and a half decades of disciplined lending through multiple real estate cycles.

1980

YEAR FOUNDED

45+

YEARS IN BUSINESS

8–12%

TYPICAL ANNUAL RETURNS

≤65%

MAXIMUM LTV

OUR APPROACH

Three principles. Forty-five years of consistency.

Conservative Underwriting

We lend against collateral value and borrower strength, with LTV limits that prioritize investor capital preservation over deal volume. We say no to deals that don't meet our standards — and we've been saying no since 1980.

In-House Loan Servicing

Every loan is serviced by our internal team, from payment processing to investor reporting. Investors work with the same people who underwrote the loan, not an outsourced servicer.

Long-Term Relationships

Most of our investor and broker relationships span decades. We've built the business on repeat clients who know what to expect from us, deal after deal.

The people who underwrite your loan are the people who answer the phone.

DLS · SINCE 1980

LEADERSHIP

The team behind every loan.

DLS is led by two principals and a small, hands-on team. The people who underwrite your loan are the people who answer the phone.

Joe Soares

PRESIDENT & FOUNDER

President and founder of DLS, Joe established the firm's underwriting standards in 1980 and personally invests in the same trust deeds offered to clients. He oversees loan servicing, regulatory compliance, and fund administration. Joe has held a California Real Estate License since 1977 and holds a National Multistate Lending License.

Chuck Breeden

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

EVP and co-owner since 2007, Chuck oversees loan origination, underwriting, and investor relations from the firm's El Dorado Hills office. With 30 years in mortgage lending, he closes loans in as few as 5 business days across Northern California. He holds a bachelor's in business management from San Jose State University.

Sondra Breeden

CLIENT ENGAGEMENT & OPERATIONS

Sondra brings two decades of HR and organizational leadership from Intel, Blue Shield of California, and Dignity Health. At DLS she strengthens client engagement and team performance — ensuring every investor, broker, and borrower interaction reflects the transparency and trust DLS has been known for since 1980.

GET STARTED

Want to learn more

about our approach?

We're happy to walk through our underwriting process, our track record, or any specific questions you have about working with DLS. Schedule a call with our team — no obligation.

Schedule a Consultation

Browse FAQs