Our Team

Our Team

Meet the Team Behind The Franzese Group — Dedicated to Guiding You Home

At The Franzese Group, our Long Island Mortgage Team believes the mortgage process should be straightforward, transparent, and centered on people. Therefore, we take the time to understand every client’s story, goals, and priorities before recommending a path forward. Moreover, we believe that open communication and clear guidance make the journey toward homeownership less stressful and more rewarding. As a result, our clients feel supported and informed through every stage of the process. Our team works with homeowners, buyers, and investors. Whether it’s purchasing a first home, refinancing to create financial flexibility, or structuring financing for an investment property, we approach each opportunity with care and precision. In addition, our personalized service ensures every borrower receives expert attention and timely solutions.

More Than Mortgages — A Commitment to People

What makes us different is the way we combine professional expertise with genuine service. We value relationships as much as results, which is why we remain closely connected with our clients, real estate partners, and community long after closing day. For us, success isn’t just about completing a transaction; it’s about building long-term trust and being a resource whenever life or markets change.

Backed by Reliability, Driven by Service

As part of Hartford Funding, Ltd. (NMLS #58160), we offer the strength and reliability of a full-service lender with the personal touch of a dedicated team. The Franzese Group reflects that foundation with a commitment to excellence, responsiveness, and an unwavering focus on doing right by our clients.

Dean A. Franzese

VP, Sales | Senior Mortgage Loan Originator

NMLS #1151663

Dean A. Franzese leads The Franzese Group at Hartford Funding Ltd., a family-owned and operated mortgage lender based in New York. His team provides straightforward guidance and innovative lending solutions tailored to each client’s goals, specializing in home purchases, refinances, and investment property financing.

What sets Dean’s team apart is their ability to underwrite, process, and fund most loans in-house, giving clients speed, control, and flexibility. Known for thinking creatively, Dean often delivers financing solutions for borrowers with non-traditional profiles, including self-employed clients and real estate investors, ensuring that unique situations receive the same level of precision and care as conventional deals.

In addition to lending, Dean is the founder of Mindset Media, a consulting company that helps professionals grow their presence through effective social media strategies and original content. By combining his financial expertise with a deep understanding of today’s digital landscape, Dean empowers like-minded professionals to build stronger, more resilient businesses.

Outside of work, Dean values the balance between health, family and personal interests. He stays active, spends meaningful time with his daughter Gianna, and enjoys both the connection of close friendships and the focus that comes with a round of golf. These priorities outside the office mirror the principles he brings into his business: discipline, perspective, and a commitment to what matters most.
Mortgage advisor guiding Long Island home financing solutions

Mike Giacobbe, Jr.

VP, Production

As Vice President of Production, Mike helps lead the team’s day-to-day operations, with a focus on delivering a streamlined, transparent mortgage experience for every client. He is deeply involved in every stage of the loan process, working closely with clients, partners, and team members to ensure smooth, efficient closings.

With a background in economics and a sharp eye for market trends, Mike takes a strategic, data-informed approach to lending. He earned his B.S. in Economics from New York University, which continues to shape his ability to time the market, evaluate risk, and guide the team toward smart, well-informed decisions.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Amanda, along with their dog, Toby, and cat, Samson. He also has over 12 years of experience in real estate investment and property management, which continues to fuel his passion for the housing market from all angles.

Your Path to Smarter, Simpler Financing Starts Here

Apply online in just a few minutes or schedule a call with our team — we’ll walk you through every step with clarity and care.
State License Number Company License Authority
ML-58160
Connecticut Mortgage Lender License
Licensed by the Connecticut Department of Banking
MLD657
Florida Mortgage Lender Servicer License
Licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation
58160
Georgia Mortgage Lender License/Registration
Licensed by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance
58160
Maryland Mortgage Lender License
Licensed by the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation
NMLS ID 58160
New Jersey Residential Mortgage Lender License
Licensed by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
L-148889
North Carolina Mortgage Lender License
Licensed by the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks
32054
Pennsylvania Mortgage Lender License
Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities
67409
Pennsylvania Mortgage Servicer License
Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities
MLS – 58160
South Carolina-BFI Mortgage Lender / Servicer License
Licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions

HARTFORD FUNDING, LTD. 100 Crossways Park Drive West, Suite 302, Woodbury, New York 11797

Toll Free 833-238-2280

Company NMLS ID # 58160 ~ For licensing information, go to http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Hartford is a HUD approved Non-Supervised Lender; Lender ID #34502-09992.

Not for use by New York consumers.

This site is not authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services. No mortgage solicitation activity or loan applications for properties located in the State of New York can be facilitated through this site.

Hartford Funding, Ltd. is a mortgage lender and is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of HUD, VA, FHA, or any agency of the federal government. Such materials are not from HUD or FHA and the document was not approved by HUD/FHA or a Government Agency. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend.

Hartford Funding, Ltd. recognizes the importance of monitoring and evaluating positive and negative consumer feedback concerning the quality of the services provided by the Company, our employees, and third party service providers.  The Company provides several methods by which a consumer can submit complaints concerning the Company, its employees, and/or its third party service providers.  These methods include:

1.   Our Contact Us page.

2.   Call us toll-free at (833) 238-2280.  Consumers are able to speak directly to the Consumer Complaint Manager.

3.   E-mail correspondence.  Consumers are able to submit their questions, concerns and complaints to the Consumer Complaint Manager by sending their e-mail to jmilana@hartfordfunding.com or to the Company’s dedicated email complaint inbox: info@hartfordfunding.com

4.  Written complaint. Consumers are able to submit their questions, concerns and complaints to the Consumer Complaint Manager by mail at 100 Crossways Park Drive West, Suite 302, Woodbury, NY 11797.

Hartford Funding, Ltd. is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender and is committed to treating all applicants and borrowers in a fair and consistent manner and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age (provided the applicant or borrower has legal capacity to enter into a binding contract), sex, marital status, disability, familial status, receipt of public assistance, or the exercise of legal rights under the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 1601 et seq.).

If you reside more than 50 miles from our corporate office, you may call us collect at 516-595-7600.

Important Information About Procedures For Opening a New Account:

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person and/or entity whom opens an account. (e.g., establishes a formal relationship by means of a loan application)

What this means for you: When you apply for a loan, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents.