Who am I?

Financial Advisor

I’ve been in housing for over 20 years and have seen the power of real estate to achieve financial freedom. I want to help everyone think like an investor, whether you’re buying your first home or your tenth. (You’ll love my monthly newsletter!)

Creative Technician

Whether you have a dream of owning a home or owning an investment property, the rubber has to meet the road somewhere. That’s where I dig in and help you see what your real opportunities are.

A Really Tall Yoda.

Scary the homebuying process does not have to be. I’m here to guide you through the underwriting swamp.

Not Quite Ready for HGTV

I’m not photogenic enough for TV, but I do buy and renovate houses.

What About When I’m Not Making the Impossible Possible?

You can catch me running or biking around Eugene, walking my dog, playing ultimate frisbee, scouring vintage stores, or watching one of my kids’ sporting events.

What are Clients Saying?

Borrow Smarter

Not Harder

Here’s the deal—borrowing doesn’t have to be a headache! My team and I pride ourselves on being the fun, approachable pros who actually answer your calls and guide you every step of the way (yes, we’re that rare).

With my background as a real estate investor and dual degrees (MBA + M.Arch because nerd), I bring fresh ideas to the table to make your financial dreams a reality.

What sets us apart?
Unconditional service, exceptional execution and financial efficiency. We’re all about making the borrowing process smooth, smart, and as painless as possible. Let’s turn your goals into wins—one smart move at a time!

Client Shout Outs

Testimonials

Chris and his team are great! We wanted to turn a “fixer” into our next home. He was able  to help us easily navigate a funding process that previously felt overwhelming and complicated. His team’s communication went above and beyond to keep us in the loop and engaged. Looking forward to working together again!

~ Billy

Chris was fantastic. He helped us understand our lending options, and educated us on the pros and cons of each option so that we felt confident about our choice. He was very attentive, answering our first-time home buyer questions, regardless if they were simple or complex. All together, we were very pleased with the whole process and the way Chris partnered with us to help us purchase our home!

~ Jonathan

Chris was the lender for some lovely buyers he referred to me! He was so thorough and responsive and had quick turnaround times. Most importantly, he was easy to get in touch with and he kept me up to date on their file the whole way through. I loved his communication and optimism!

~ Ashley

I wouldn't be in my new house if it were not for Chris Watkins and the dedicated, knowledgeable team at BorrowSmart Mortgage. They were flexible and helpful throughout every stage of the process and parted water to adjust my closing date so I could move in early and enjoy my new home. I cannot emphasize enough that I recommend them for your borrowing needs and would use them again in the future.

~ Chris