Melissa Leyva- Loan Officer with First Capital Group

Melissa Leyva- Loan Officer with First Capital Group

Reviews Summary

Melissa is consistently praised as an exceptional loan officer, known for her professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to simplify the home-buying process. Reviewers highlight her patience, clear communication, and willingness to answer questions at any time, making the experience stress-free—especially for first-time buyers. Many appreciate her thoroughness, attention to detail, and going above and beyond to secure approvals quickly. Her bilingual skills and ongoing support even after closing are also noted. Highly recommended for her expertise and warm, approachable demeanor.

About This Listing

Who Can Work with a CPA?

Individuals seeking tax prep, retirement planning, or financial advice
Small business owners needing bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance
Freelancers and contractors with 1099 income or complex returns
Couples planning finances together or managing joint returns
Investors with capital gains or rental property income
Anyone looking for year-round financial guidance and peace of mind

*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*

First-Time Clients

If this is your first time working with a CPA, don’t worry — most professionals offer a free consultation and will walk you through what to expect. You may be asked to complete an intake form, share financial documents, or set clear goals for your session.

What to Know Upfront:

Documentation Bring your most recent tax returns, income details, and any financial concerns
Availability Appointments fill up quickly during tax season — book early if possible

*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*

What to Bring

Government-issued ID for verification
Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, investment summaries, etc.)
Receipts or logs for deductible expenses, donations, or mileage

*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*

Preparing for Your Appointment

Write down any financial goals or questions in advance
Check if your CPA offers virtual sessions or document uploads
Bring a notebook or use a notes app for key takeaways
Know your deadlines for filing, payments, or compliance

*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*

How to Get Started

Use our directory to find highly reviewed CPAs near you. Reach out directly to schedule your consultation.

Other Helpful Info

Many CPAs offer both in-person and remote consultations
Fees may be flat-rate, hourly, or based on service complexity
Some CPAs specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or tech
Check for client reviews and credentials (CPA license, EA, etc.)

*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*

Contact Information

Address

157 S K St Suite 6

Tulare, California 93274

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM-6PM
Tuesday 9AM-6PM
Wednesday 9AM-6PM
Thursday 9AM-6PM
Friday 9AM-6PM
Saturday 9AM-1PM

Customer Reviews

I can't say enough good things about Melissa! She truly is an outstanding loan officer. From the moment we started our first home buying process, she made everything so smooth and stress-free. No matter what questions we had, she was always there with clear answers and support. Her professionalism and warm approach made a difference in our experience, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking to buy a home. We couldn't have done it without her!

Melissa is great at what she does and did everything possible to help me get my first home! She is awesome and very humble! She answered all my questions and made the home buying process easier! I will always be grateful for her help and patience!

she helped me get a house recently, did great on helping us sort out all the documents we needed and kept us updated every step of the way. would really recommend coming to her for your next home purchase!

Melissa went above and beyond to help us in our home buying process. She was there to answer all of our questions and walk us through every step and got us approved for our beautiful home. She is excellent at what she does. We highly recommend her!

We had a fantastic experience working with Melissa as our loan officer during the purchase of our first home. Her expertise and attention to detail made the entire process seamless. Melissa's prompt communication and willingness to go the extra mile truly set her apart. We felt supported and well-informed every step of the way. If you're looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable loan officer, Melissa is an excellent choice.

Thank you Melissa from the bottom of my heart for all of your help to get the loan and for assisting us with all of the paperwork. It has been a pleasure to have worked with you on our home buying journey!! To anyone who is looking to buy especially first time home buyers the process can be stressful and a bit intimidating but Melissa is your go to! She made the process so easy from start to finish for myself & my husband and always made herself available to us for any questions, you can't go wrong with her

We had a great experience with Melissa. She was always available to answer any question we had and always walked us through each step. We are so thankful!!! I would recommend her and her team to anyone!

Melissa is amazing!! She helped us so much with the purchase of our first home! She answered every question we had! Melissa is very professional, I would recommend her to anyone who is looking into purchasing a home. Thank you so much Melissa!!????

I highly recommend Melissa to anyone looking to start the process in purchasing a home. Fantastic loan officer that's willing to answer all questions at anytime of day.

I recommend Melissa to anyone looking to purchase a home. Melissa is very knowledgeable in lending practices. She is very professional, thorough, and a great communicator. Contact Melissa today to get started on your home buying journey, you will not regret it!

I highly recommend Melissa, for any for time buyers or for any one looking to purchase another house. She was awesome! Answered any questions we had. And was super helpful throw the process. She super friendly and does a great job.

Great person to work with when looking to buy a home. She super helpful and had great communication. And best of all, speaks Spanish for those who don't speak English. This was super helpful for my husband. Highly recommend working with Melissa.

I highly recommend Melissa! She's so good at what she does and made our whole process stress free. Any question we had she didn't hesitate to answer them. She was always so professional and attentive. We're thankful we choose her and we will forever be thankful of how hard she worked!!!

I recommend Melissa if you're looking to get approve for a home , Melissa is an awesome loan officer . She's knowledgeable, she's great at explaining things and answering all your questions no matter the time . I honestly never thought I would qualify for a home but Melissa and my real state agent made it happen . Give Melissa a call even if you think you will not qualify for a home and sure she can work with you too. Thank you Melissa ????

Thank you so much Melissa for helping us getting our first own home Melissa is really helpful when you have questions she ready to answer them when she busy in meeting or helping some other homeowners she will respond back !!! I really recommend her one of the best loan officer she went above and beyond with us thank you Melissa again ????

Thank you Melissa so much for making my first home buying experience a pleasant one. I appreciate the way you were able to guide me through the process. I will be happy to refer my friends and family to you.

Melissa was very professional and responsive and answered every question I had through the process (I had a lot constantly ????) and I could not have asked for a more stress free experience. She was quick and helpful and we got approved for our loan and closed on our home in less than a months time! ?? couldn't of asked for a better team for our first time buying a home.

Melissa came to the rescue. She guided us through the entire process and explained everything in detail. She checked in continuously during the process and even after. I'm so grateful she is our person and can't thank her enough.

Highly recommend reaching out to Melissa. A pleasure to work with, crystal clear communication throughout. Knowledgeable, dependable and very professional. Will work with Melissa again. She's the real deal.

I highly recommend Melissa. She is supportive and helpful throughout the entire process. Add buying my first home possible

Melissa was super helpful with my home buying approval process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I look for in a CPA?

Look for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which ensures they’ve passed rigorous exams and meet state requirements. Check for relevant experience in your industry, additional certifications like CFA or CMA, and membership in professional organizations like the AICPA. Verify their credentials through state licensing boards.

How do I find a CPA in my area?

Use online directories like the AICPA, CPAverify, or state CPA societies. Search platforms like Yelp or Google for local CPAs with reviews. Ask for referrals from business associates, friends, or financial advisors. Local chambers of commerce can also provide recommendations.

What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the CPA exam and met state requirements for education and experience. An accountant may lack this certification and could have varying levels of expertise. For complex tasks like tax audits or financial reporting, a CPA is typically more qualified.

How do I know if a CPA specializes in my needs?

Ask about their experience with your specific financial needs, such as tax preparation, small business accounting, or estate planning. Review their website or LinkedIn for case studies or client testimonials. Inquire about their client base to ensure they handle similar financial situations.

Should I check a CPA’s reviews before hiring?

Yes, reviews provide insight into a CPA’s reliability, communication, and performance. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau for client feedback. Look for patterns in reviews, but verify their authenticity, as some may be biased or outdated.

How can I verify a CPA’s license?

Visit your state’s Board of Accountancy website or use CPAverify.org to check a CPA’s license status. Confirm their license is active and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints. This ensures they’re in good standing and meet professional standards.

What questions should I ask during a CPA consultation?

Ask about their experience with your financial needs, fee structure, availability, and communication style. Inquire how they handle tax filings, audits, or financial planning. Ask for references or examples of similar work to assess their expertise and fit.

How much should I expect to pay for a CPA’s services?

Fees vary based on location, services, and complexity. Basic tax preparation may cost $150-$500, while business accounting or audits can range from $1,000 to $10,000+. Request a detailed fee structure upfront and compare quotes from multiple CPAs.

Can I work with a CPA remotely?

Yes, many CPAs offer remote services through secure online platforms for document sharing and virtual consultations. Ensure they use encrypted tools for data security. Remote CPAs can be effective if they understand your local tax laws or business regulations.

How do I assess a CPA’s communication skills?

During consultations, evaluate their ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Ask sample questions about taxes or financial strategies and note their responsiveness and clarity. Good communication ensures you understand their advice and fosters a productive relationship.

What red flags should I watch for when screening a CPA?

Beware of CPAs who guarantee specific tax refunds, lack a valid license, or have disciplinary actions on record. Avoid those with poor communication, vague fee structures, or negative reviews highlighting unethical behavior. Always verify their credentials independently.

Should I choose a CPA from a large firm or a solo practitioner?

Large firms offer more resources and specialized teams but may charge higher fees. Solo practitioners often provide personalized service and lower costs but may have limited availability. Choose based on your needs, budget, and preference for personalized attention.

How often should I meet with my CPA?

For individuals, annual meetings for tax preparation may suffice. Businesses may need quarterly or monthly check-ins for bookkeeping, tax planning, or financial reporting. Discuss your needs upfront to establish a meeting schedule that aligns with your financial goals.

Can a CPA help with both personal and business finances?

Yes, many CPAs handle both, but confirm their expertise in both areas. Ask about their experience managing personal taxes and business accounting simultaneously. Ensure they can balance both without compromising attention to your specific financial needs.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my CPA?

Discuss concerns directly with your CPA to resolve issues. If unresolved, check your contract for termination terms. Seek a new CPA by researching reviews, credentials, and referrals. Request your financial records to ensure a smooth transition to a new professional.

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