A family-owned company dedicated to home ownership

East Lake Mortgage is a family-owned and operated company, run by Baskal Korkis, his wife, Besne Ceylan; and his branch manager, Chantal Bird, who also has experience as a financial advisor, insurance agent, and administrative intern with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

East Lake Mortgage is a family-owned and operated company, run by Baskal Korkis, his wife, Besne Ceylan; and his branch manager, Chantal Bird, who also has experience as a financial advisor, insurance agent, and administrative intern with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Baskal has more than 15 years of mortgage industry experience. At age 20, he was one of the youngest people doing mortgages at Bank of America. He has been buying properties since he was 18 and owned 23 properties by the time he turned 23 years old. In addition to owning many multi-unit properties of his own, also has a property management company and a construction team. He does short-term and long-term rentals.

Now in his 30s, Baskal has established his own mortgage company to deliver a more refined brand of personal service. He is backed by an experienced office staff, many who have 20 years of their own experience. Together, they help people with residential and commercial mortgages as well as refinances. They always strive to help their clients take advantage of historically low interest rates and secure the best rate possible.

Every home needs a strong foundation.So does every homeowner.

Baskal’s goal is to help people build a strong financial foundation. He helps them consolidate their debt or lower their monthly mortgage payment so they can save overall. Some people right now are taking advantage of purchasing homes because it’s a good time to buy homes, and they have their own place so they’re not renting anymore.

Baskal and his wife, Besne, and their daughter, Lusi, live in East Lake, which includes the communities of Tarpon Springs and Palm Harbor. “It’s a community that is upscale, yet homey, filled with a lot of really great people,” says Baskal. “I enjoy my volunteer work with Big Brothers, Big Sisters and teaching Bible study, as well as supporting the East Lake Little League, East Lake High School, veterans’ organizations and classic car shows.

“I want to make sure that everyone is actually saving money, building up their savings, and growing financially. So when it’s time for them go through major life events such as marriage, childbirth, retirement, that they have enough money and they’re not struggling. There are enough struggles in life, finances doesn’t need to be one of them,”

professional and quality service with a personal touch

I love how they provide professional and quality service with a personal touch. They gave me plenty of options to choose from and recommended what would be best for me and my family.