SMPL Mortgage - D.B.A. C2 Financial Pasadena - Generational Lending Experts

SMPL Mortgage - D.B.A. C2 Financial Pasadena - Generational Lending Experts

Reviews Summary

The reviews consistently praise the team for their exceptional professionalism, responsiveness, and expertise in mortgages, reverse mortgages, and refinancing. Clients highlight their patience, clear communication, and ability to simplify complex processes, often going above and beyond to secure favorable terms. Many emphasize the team's reliability, personalized service, and dedication to client needs, making stressful transactions smooth and transparent. Highly recommended for first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, and those seeking competitive rates. The overall sentiment reflects trust, gratitude, and strong satisfaction with their outstanding support.

About This Listing

Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Real Estate

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.*

Features

Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Real Estate

Contact Information

Address

99 S Lake Ave Ste 207

Pasadena, California 91101

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM-5PM
Tuesday 9AM-5PM
Wednesday 9AM-5PM
Thursday 9AM-5PM
Friday 9AM-5PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

John Thompson at SMPL Mortgage is simply the best there is in the mortgage industry. I have been in the mortgage industry for the past 23 years, and I have never met a Mortgage Advisor like John. John is a true professional who always puts his clients' needs first.

John and his team are amazing at helping people with reverse mortgages! I have known John for over a decade and I know he will take great care of you.

John & Kal are true mortgage professionals! If you are looking to finance, refinance or obtain a reverse mortgage, they will take good care of you!

John Thompson, David Thompson and the whole team gave me rates for a new purchase of a triplex. The rates were better than the two other companies I was looking at. I thought I could beat the system and work an owner occupied situation that would've saved me $200 per month. John told me he couldn't pull it off and I didn't like that answer so I decided to go with another company. Big mistake. The other firm promised they could pull it off and match any quote. In the end they couldn't but the worst thing is

We were recommended by our good friends and had high expectations from the get go! The team that John Thompson has created are all AWESOME! They were patient, thoughtful, efficient, professional, knowledgable and reliable. When we first discussed our options the bank we chose, we were told would be most challenging. They were indeed correct, John has tremendous experience in the market place and will guide you and what best suits your needs. The entire team are fabulous to work with. John will video tape

John and his team were absolutely amazing! The communication was just outstanding, the best I've experienced ever.. and we've refinanced quite a few times in 20 years with three different properties. I highly recommend them! do not go anywhere else! tell your family, your friends, your neighbors, John and his team will help you with ease thru what can be stressful anywhere else! Thank you!!

SMPL Mortgage came highly recommended by a super solid financial planner. I put all my trust into this firm. They were smart, efficient and got me a very good rate on my re-fi. It took me almost a year to turn around my financial situation and Mr. Thompson was right there to assist me again. Getting me to handle the details on my end is like herding cats and they gently guided me in the right direction and would not let my fear of forms muck things up. The SMPL Mortgage team provided high touch communicatio

I have referred John to some of my clients and they have had success with his company when others failed. I have used John and found them to be professional, very attentive to my situation and needs and quite knowledgeable. Highly recommend John Thompson and his team.

John, David, and Kal were the absolute best team with which to buy our first home. They taught and explained to us the many twists and turns of home buying, language and tricks of the trade. They worked within hours of us finding a home that we liked to search out a loan with the exact limits we wanted that would please the sellers during a bidding-war type of environment. After many disappointments, they were the ones who did everything that they could with credits and help to make us the strong buyers and

Buying home during the pandemic was hard enough, getting the great loan we secured seemed exceptionally easy and we always felt they had our best interest at the top of their priorities. John's team really made this part of the home buying experience care free and trusting so we could focus on the home and other many thing associated with buying a home. I don't see us moving again, but, if we do and/or plan a re-fi, we'll definitely be back with them. Thanks John, and especially Kal!

The team at SMPL Mortgage was great; I would definitely recommend them. They were very responsive and patient in understanding my needs and walking me through the refinance process. I definitely felt comfortable and informed throughout the process. Thank you!

As a Realtor, it is truly a pleasure to work with Kal and John. They have gone above and beyond in servicing our clients from start to finish. Not only were they able to close loans on or ahead of schedule, but have gotten loans when others could not. Their communication throughout the process is wonderful. I highly recommend Kal & John.

OMG!!!! Kal Antoun is FANTASTIC!!!! And her team is superb!!! My clients love Kal and regularly recommend her!!! She is helpful, communicative, supportive, and a great partner to work with in supporting our clients make one of the biggest financial decisions of their life. I don't know what I would do without Kal to call and ask questions of and to check in with when myself or my clients need information and feedback on mortgages and reverse mortgages. She is the BEST!!!

Kal, John and David were incredible in their total commitment to succeed in getting me approved for a reverse mortgage and spent interminable amount of time until they succeeded. I am deeply grateful to them for life! At the age of seventy I am safe and secure in the home I love and was very close to having to sell. Their level of humanism and concern is beyond unique and anyone who has the good luck of working with them is in the best possible hands. I could not possibly give them a higher recommendation.

My wife and I went through the process of selling our Condo and purchasing a new home. We were concerned that it was a complicated process and that the path would be laden with complications. Kal and the team at SMPL Mortgage made the entire process a Dream! Smooth and No problems along the way. I was amazed! I would use them again in a heartbeat and would Highly recommend them. Thanks Guys!!

In what can be a confusing and stressful situation, John and his crew are truly awesome. They're always available by phone and take the time to answer both good and stupid questions with professionalism, friendliness, and patience. You can't do better than having this team on your side.

My son and his wife want to buy a home. They are first time buyers. John is a teacher and gives people time. He helped them understand how a mortgage works, what they can afford and laid out a strategy to go forward. He makes a complex process simple. Thank you for being there for my family.

My experience with Kal Antoun was nothing but top rate! She was very professional, helpful, accommodating and was extremely responsive to every phone call and email inquiry that I had. We did a loan refinance with her and it closed it just a couple of short weeks. Her rates were very competitive overall, I am saving a bunch of money monthly as our interest rate dropped drastically. I would highly recommend Kal Antoun for all of your mortgage needs!

Kal, John and their SMPL mortgage team are excellent. They are responsive, they keep you informed, they are accessible when you need answers and most importantly they get things done. I highly recommend them.

The entire team is amazing. The refi process can be challenging, however, they kept us in the loop throughout the entire process. The right person was always readily available to help us with any questions. I highly recommend them for any of your mortgage needs.

We had a great experience with SMPL Mortgage. They were able to assist us in figuring out our financial needs and help us attain our goals. Professional and kind service.

This team goes above and beyond and is highly professional. They were very responsive and walked us through every step with ease. They are experienced and reliable. I highly recommend them!

Thank you so much Kal, John, Sophia and Erin for going the extra mile for my refi over the busy holidays. What a pleasure to work with the team. Professional and responsive!! Thank you!!

5 star service all the way. Not only do I plan to use them in the future, but I wouldn't consider anyone else. Highly recommend.

John and his crew were top notch! Would recommend them to everyone!

John and team will "work smarter, not harder" with your best interest in mind!

Excellent support in obtaining a mortgage for someone who is self-employed.

Very good experience!! Excellent team!

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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