Hi, I’m Neal Engler — glad you’re here. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from Fairfax High School in 1979. Fairfax was a pretty special place at the time — some of my classmates went on to become well‑known musicians, actors, and entertainers. It was a creative environment that definitely shaped who I am.

I went on to earn my degree from Cal State Northridge and started my career in the entertainment industry. I worked on television shows like American Top 10, Fame, and Star Search, along with commercials and music videos. It was exciting, fast‑paced, and full of great experiences — but eventually, I felt pulled in a different direction.

That led me to teaching. I spent several years with the Los Angeles Unified School District, teaching Creative Writing and Honors/Gifted English. Helping students find their voice and confidence was incredibly rewarding.

In 1992, my wife Lara and I took a leap of faith and moved to South Africa, where we spent two years helping with training and business development during a time of major change in the country. It was one of the most meaningful chapters of our lives.

When we returned home in 1995, I shifted into the financial world, earning my Series 6 and 63 licenses and working with SunAmerica Securities, helping people better understand their finances and plan for retirement. In 1998, I joined Cal Fed Bank as a floor manager and became deeply involved in home lending. When Cal Fed was acquired by Washington Mutual, I knew mortgage lending was where I wanted to stay.

In 2001, I founded Engler Loans, and in 2003, my family and I moved to Aliso Viejo, where we’ve enjoyed life in the Laguna Beach area ever since. Helping people navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives buying or refinancing a home has been my focus and passion for more than two decades.

I’ve been an Independent Loan Originator and Licensed Real Estate Professional with the California Department of Real Estate since 2003, and I became licensed through the Department of Corporations in 2011.

Today, I’m proud to be partnered with NEXA Mortgage as my Broker