In an industry where understanding the fine print is everything, too many Americans are left behind. But one mortgage broker is working to change that. Martin De La Garza of Motto Mortgage Best Life is leading a movement to make the mortgage process more inclusive—especially for Deaf and Latino homebuyers, two communities often overlooked by traditional lenders.
Reimagining the Mortgage Experience Through Language Accessibility
Buying a home is complicated, even for fluent English speakers. For those who rely on Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL), the process can feel nearly impossible. De La Garza, who is fluent in Spanish and proficient in ASL, is filling that gap with a hands-on, culturally aware approach that goes beyond simple document translation.
“Language barriers play a major role in who gets access to homeownership,” De La Garza explains. “I’ve seen clients sign mortgage documents without fully understanding them because there was no one to walk them through the details. That’s unacceptable in an industry handling people’s largest financial decision.”
Serving the Deaf Community with More Than Just English Documents
Living near the Oklahoma School for the Deaf, De La Garza developed a strong connection with the local Deaf community. That connection inspired him to learn ASL and use it to help more people understand their mortgage options clearly and confidently.
“ASL isn’t just English in sign form—it’s a distinct language,” he notes. “Handing a Deaf client an English document isn’t enough. I make sure they fully grasp the mortgage process in ASL, from start to finish. No one should be left to guess what they’re agreeing to when buying a home.”
He supports clients with visual learning tools and customized consultations, ensuring that Deaf and hard-of-hearing homebuyers receive the same clarity and respect as anyone else in the process.
Helping Latino Homebuyers Navigate the Mortgage Maze
The challenges are equally significant for Spanish-speaking buyers. Many encounter documents that are either untranslated or poorly translated, with financial jargon that’s hard to follow. De La Garza takes pride in providing accurate, understandable guidance in Spanish.
“I’ve had clients try using Google Translate just to make sense of their mortgage documents. That’s not a solution.” he says. “I walk them through every detail, in their native language, so they can make informed decisions with full confidence.”
His outreach extends beyond one-on-one consultations. De La Garza also creates mortgage education content in Spanish and ASL, spreading awareness about home loans, grants, and ownership programs across digital platforms. His content helps thousands of people who might never have had access to this information otherwise.
Redefining Mortgage Accessibility—One Client at a Time
The mortgage industry has long operated with a one-size-fits-all mindset, but De La Garza is proving that inclusion isn’t just possible—it’s necessary. He urges lenders and brokers to make real changes: hiring bilingual staff, investing in ASL resources, and simplifying communication across the board.
“We can’t keep expecting homebuyers to adapt to our systems,” he insists. “It’s our responsibility to meet them where they are. Buying a home should feel empowering, not alienating.”
The Future of Mortgage Lending Is Inclusive
By focusing on accessibility and empathy, Martin De La Garza is helping to break down the walls that have kept too many from achieving homeownership. His mission is simple but powerful: no one should feel excluded from the mortgage process because of a language barrier or hearing difference.
“Everyone deserves a fair shot at owning a home,” he says. “My job is to make sure they not only get that shot but that they feel fully supported every step of the way.”