Mike Baker · The Rate Shop
Your mortgage guide.
On both sides of the state line.
I'm Mike Baker, a Kansas City Mortgage Loan Originator serving Kansas and Missouri. I help homebuyers and homeowners understand their options, compare the real costs, and make a plan they feel comfortable with.
Buying your first home, making your next move, or considering a refinance? You don't have to figure it all out before we talk.
NMLS #259076
Why I started The Rate Shop
A personal approach to a big financial decision.
My experience in retail mortgage lending shaped what I wanted to do differently. I wanted a leaner business, more direct conversations, and room to focus on the person behind the application.
That's why I started The Rate Shop. My goal is straightforward: help you compare financing options, understand what you're paying for, and know what comes next.
A rate matters. So do the fees, monthly payment, cash needed at closing, and how long you expect to keep the loan. We'll look at those pieces together—not just one attractive number.
What working with me looks like
Clear answers. A practical plan.
A person you can call.
Start with your life
We talk about your goals, timing, and comfortable payment—not just the maximum amount you might qualify for.
See the mortgage roadmap →Compare the whole picture
I explain the tradeoffs between loan options, upfront costs, and monthly payments so you can make an informed choice.
Explore loan options →Know the next step
From preparing documents to understanding closing costs, I help you make sense of the process and the questions along the way.
Find a clear answer →A client's perspective
“He was patient, covered all my questions and was very responsive. The entire process was very simple and the closing was super quick and easy.”
Ginger Barnett Elliott · Excerpt from a Google review
Read more client stories →Kansas City roots. Kansas & Missouri lending.
Local context belongs in your mortgage plan.
I work with homebuyers and homeowners across Kansas and Missouri, including both sides of the Kansas City metro.
Your property taxes, insurance, association dues, and moving timeline all belong in the conversation. My role is to help you plan the financing—not to act as your real estate agent.
Explore our Kansas City community guides →Your next step doesn't have to be a big leap
Let's start with your questions.
Tell me what you want your next mortgage to do. We'll work through the options together.
Mike Baker · Mortgage Loan Originator · NMLS #259076
MLB Financial LLC dba The Rate Shop · Company NMLS #2554765
Loan availability and terms depend on borrower, property, program, and lender requirements.