NFM Lending Enters Rhode Island's Hot Housing Market with New Branch

WARWICK, RI – January 14, 2026 – National mortgage firm NFM Lending has officially planted its flag in Rhode Island, announcing the grand opening of a new branch in Warwick. The move signals a strategic push into the competitive Northeast housing market and is helmed by newly appointed Branch Manager Peter Nastasi, a respected industry veteran with over two decades of experience.

This expansion brings a major national player into one of the state's most challenging real estate environments, promising to increase options for homebuyers while intensifying competition among local lenders.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

NFM Lending’s entry comes at a time when the Rhode Island housing market is defined by fierce competition and strained affordability. Warwick, in particular, is an exceptionally competitive arena, with homes frequently receiving multiple offers and selling in an average of just 28 days. The median home sale price in the city has climbed to $425,000, a 7.6% increase over the previous year, reflecting a statewide trend of rising costs.

Fueling this intense environment is a persistent and severe shortage of housing inventory. With only about a 1.4 to 2-month supply of homes on the market—a fraction of the six months considered balanced—Rhode Island remains a staunch seller's market. This scarcity has led to more than half of all homes in the state selling for above their asking price. Compounding the issue for prospective buyers are mortgage rates hovering above 6%, which have significantly driven up the cost of homeownership and pushed affordability to a critical point for many families.

It is into this high-stakes environment that NFM Lending is launching its new operation, betting that its model of personalized service and robust technological support can carve out a significant market share.

A Strategy of Local Expertise and National Power

The company’s strategy hinges on combining deep local leadership with the power of a national lending platform. Leading the charge is Peter Nastasi, whose 24-year career has been built on guiding clients through complex home financing. In his new role, Nastasi will oversee operations and serve clients not only in Rhode Island but also in Massachusetts and Florida.

“With almost 25 years of leadership in the mortgage industry behind me, joining NFM Lending was an easy decision thanks to their reputation for innovation and genuine support for their employees,” said Nastasi. “The company’s core values of service, innovation, teamwork, and excellence resonate deeply with how I’ve built my career. I’m thrilled to be part of this top-rated lender and look forward to growing alongside a team that’s truly invested in success.”

Nastasi's local expertise is backed by NFM's formidable national infrastructure. The company has earned a strong reputation for client satisfaction, boasting consistently high ratings across major review platforms. It holds a 4.96-star rating on Zillow from thousands of reviews and a 4.9-star rating on Experience.com from over 78,000 customers. Furthermore, the company maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. This high praise is often attributed to the lender's investment in customer-centric technology, which includes a largely paperless loan process, secure online portals for document management, and tools that provide real-time updates to real estate partners.

A Pattern of Calculated Growth

The Warwick branch is not an isolated venture but rather a key piece of NFM Lending's broader national expansion strategy. Founded in Baltimore in 1998, the company has grown into a lending powerhouse licensed in 49 states. This latest opening in Rhode Island coincides with another new branch launch in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, indicating a deliberate and concurrent push into key regional markets across the country.

Company leadership views this expansion as a way to leverage its established infrastructure for sustainable growth. “Peter comes to NFM as a seasoned mortgage professional," commented Rick Roque, Vice President of Growth at NFM. "Having lead teams for 20+ years, he brings a strong reputation for growth, profitability and sales leadership".

By appointing proven leaders like Nastasi, the company aims to replicate its success in new territories, combining its national brand recognition and technological prowess with managers who possess a deep understanding of their local communities and markets.

Local Impact and New Opportunities

The arrival of NFM Lending in Warwick is poised to have a tangible impact on the local economy and real estate industry. The new branch will introduce fresh competition for established area lenders, including Guild Mortgage, Province Mortgage Associates, and Washington Trust. For consumers, this could mean more diverse loan products and a greater emphasis on service as lenders vie for their business.

More immediately, the branch opening creates new employment opportunities in the region's financial sector. Nastasi is actively recruiting qualified Mortgage Loan Originators for both full-time and part-time positions to build out his team. This hiring initiative promises to attract and retain financial talent within the local community.

Backed by NFM’s full suite of mortgage products and services, the Warwick branch is now open and positioned to assist homebuyers and homeowners navigating the complexities of the current housing market. The blend of a seasoned local manager and the resources of a highly-rated national lender offers a new and compelling option for residents throughout the region.