About Castle Funding Corp.
Castle Funding was founded by Bob Neilson in 1989 and is now led by his daughter, Alyssa Soles. Together, they built a family-run mortgage brokerage centered on patient guidance, clear explanations, and long-term relationships with the Ventura and California families they serve.
We believe mortgage decisions should be explained carefully, that every client’s situation deserves thoughtful attention, and that education and transparency are the foundation of lasting trust.
Many of the families we’ve helped once return years later when it’s time for their next home or refinance — and those long-term relationships remain the heart of Castle Funding today.
Meet the Team
Our team brings decades of mortgage experience and a personal, education-first approach to each client’s unique situation.
Alyssa Soles
Alyssa Soles is the President of Castle Funding Corp. After more than a decade as an educator, she now helps homebuyers and homeowners understand mortgages with the same patient, step-by-step approach. She works closely with first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and homeowners evaluating refinance or home equity options. Many of her clients come through referrals from past clients and local realtors who value her calm style and clear explanations. She lives in the Ventura Keys with her husband and two sons and enjoys spending as much time as possible by the water in the community she serves.
Bob Neilson
Bob is the founder of Castle Funding and the person who set the tone for how the company serves clients to this day. After years in banking, he believed homeowners deserved more options and more thoughtful guidance than large institutions typically provided. Today Bob continues to support clients and the team, bringing perspective gained from thousands of loans and long-term relationships with families throughout California. He lives in the Ventura Keys, where you’ll often find him out surfing most mornings before the day begins.
Paul Cawthorne
Paul brings more than two decades of mortgage expertise, helping borrowers explore options that match their needs. Known for clear communication and detailed guidance, he works with clients across California, including first-time buyers and complex loan scenarios. Paul prioritizes keeping borrowers and realtors informed at every step of the process.
What Clients Experience
We believe a great mortgage experience is built on communication, clarity, and intentional planning. Clients tell us they appreciate:
Clear Answers, Not Guesswork
We walk through loan comparisons, closing costs, and timing step-by-step so you understand exactly what you’re choosing.
Guided Process, Less Stress
From application through funding, we coordinate with lenders, agents, and escrow so you always know what’s happening next.
Experience That Solves Problems
With a family brokerage built over three decades, we’ve seen a wide range of scenarios and know how to work through challenges when they arise.
Long-Term Perspective
Many clients return years later for their next purchase or refinance because we stay available as their plans and the market change.