Sue Botelho

Your Trusted Mortgage Expert on the Emerald Coast and Florida Panhandle

For Sue Botelho, there is nothing more rewarding than helping people achieve their dreams — especially when that dream is homeownership. With over two decades in the mortgage industry, Sue has built a reputation as a trusted local mortgage lender on the Emerald Coast and throughout the Florida Panhandle, known for expert guidance, seamless transactions, and creative solutions that turn challenges into success stories. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned real estate investor, or exploring refinance options, Sue is known for making the mortgage process smooth, efficient, and as stress-free as possible.

Sue is the Branch Manager for the Panhandle Region of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation and is a nationally recognized mortgage planning and program guideline expert. Her expertise has been featured twice in The Wall Street Journal, and she has been interviewed on Good Morning America. She has also shared her industry insights as a featured speaker at Mortgage Revolution, a premier national conference for mortgage leaders across the country.

Across Okaloosa County, Walton County, and Bay County, Sue is widely known as “The Condo Queen” of the Emerald Coast, specializing in condominium, condotel, and non-warrantable condo financing. She regularly works with buyers and Realtors in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Shalimar, Mary Esther, Santa Rosa Beach, and Panama City Beach, helping them navigate complex condo guidelines and ever-changing lending requirements. With a sharp eye for detail and a reputation for closing difficult loans on time, Sue is often the lender clients are referred to when other lenders have said “NO”.

Sue’s background in accounting makes her a go-to mortgage expert for self-employed borrowers, ensuring tax returns are analyzed accurately to maximize loan options. She offers a full range of mortgage solutions, including VA loans for active-duty and retired military near Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field, FHA, USDA, and conventional financing, as well as alternative programs such as DSCR loans, bank statement loans, and other non-QM options. She is especially known for finding outside-the-box solutions for buyers who need a lender willing to take the time to structure a loan properly.

Sue’s business is 100% referral-based, reflecting the trust she has earned from past clients, local Realtors, financial advisors, attorneys, and title companies throughout the Emerald Coast, Walton County, and Bay County. Clients are referred to Sue not just for a mortgage, but for long-term guidance, honest communication, and a focus on financial success beyond a single transaction.

Originally from Washington, D.C., Sue attended the University of Alabama before making her way to the Emerald Coast in 1983. When she is not helping clients navigate the mortgage process, she enjoys camping, football, and soaking up the sun in Fort Walton Beach. A proud Florida State Seminoles and Washington Commanders fan, Sue also cherishes time spent with her two children and four granddaughters.

If you are searching for a local mortgage lender near Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, or Panama City Beach who combines deep knowledge, problem-solving expertise, and a personal touch, Sue Botelho is ready to help you make homeownership a reality.

Get in touch with Sue today and take the first step toward your mortgage goals.