When Steve Vaught and Terence Woods launched Alpha Lending in 2004, they weren’t newcomers testing the waters of commercial lending—they were seasoned private‑money specialists who had already spent a decade structuring complex, non‑conforming loans that traditional banks wouldn’t touch.
After earning a Finance degree (with a side passion for mathematics) from Boise State University, Steve cut his teeth at Northwest Financial and The Money Store—the nation’s largest sub‑prime real‑estate lender at the time.
By the late ’90s he was brokering private‑money deals for Hopkins Financial, evaluating everything from subdivision development to agricultural tracts.
That experience honed the “equity‑first” underwriting philosophy that still guides Alpha Lending today.
Terence paired an eye for design (BA in Art & Industrial Architecture studies) with the numbers game of private lending. Managing Northwest Financial branches and field‑underwriting sub‑prime mortgages gave him a ground‑level view of borrower pain points.
At Hopkins Financial he joined Steve in analyzing—and often rescuing—commercial projects that required speed and creativity.
Within Alpha Lending’s first decade, the duo financed projects that re‑shaped regional skylines and local economies:
Boise Tower – A 25‑story mixed‑use high‑rise that signaled downtown Boise’s vertical future.
Maracaibo Class‑A Office – 15,000 sq ft of premium workspace in Eagle, Idaho.
Old Town Market Acquisition – Enabled an inexperienced operator to secure a prime McCall, Idaho C‑store, proving Alpha’s willingness to bet on people as much as properties.
Dozens of Subdivision & Ag Loans – From raw‑land entitlements to large‑scale rangeland mortgages, Steve and Terence bridged the capital gap for developers and farmers alike.
Their track record cemented Alpha Lending as the go‑to private‑money source in the Mountain West—a firm willing to move quickly, underwrite creatively, and keep deals alive when conventional lenders bowed out.
From those early days, our reputation for speedy approvals and practical loan products spread quickly. As the commercial investment world demanded more robust funding solutions, we broadened our offerings—spanning bridge loans, DSCR programs, and tailored fix-and-flip financing.
In 2025, visionary real estate entrepreneur Jeff Cichocki acquired Alpha Lending, bringing in fresh capital and cutting-edge technology. Under Jeff’s leadership, we’ve embarked on a modernization journey:
Streamlined Processes: Updated underwriting systems for even quicker responses and fewer touchpoints.
Expanded Programs: Enhanced short-term and long-term financing solutions to meet the demands of today’s investors.
Innovative Technology: Introducing new digital tools and improved web resources—making it simple to apply, track progress, and close in lightning-fast windows.
Our core values, however, remain unchanged: personal attention, reliability, and a genuine interest in each client’s success.
“Stable Funding for Multi-Family and Office Properties.”
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Speed & Efficiency
“Close on your timeline—days, not weeks or months. Our lean process ensures minimal red tape.”
Expert Guidance
“Our advisors understand real estate investing inside and out, providing solutions for even the trickiest deals.”
Flexible Terms
“From short-term bridging to longer-term mortgages, we tailor each loan to meet your goals.”
Nationwide Reach
“We proudly serve investors across numerous states, supporting every step from offer to final closing.”
Under Jeff’s guidance, Alpha Lending is committed to constant improvement—adapting to market shifts, introducing new products, and listening closely to the evolving needs of real estate investors. Our purpose is—and always has been—to empower you to seize opportunities quickly, with confidence in our funding behind you.
Our dedicated underwriters, loan officers, and support staff bring years of commercial real estate experience to each loan. Many come from investing backgrounds themselves, so they speak your language and understand your timelines.
With Jeff, Steve, and Terrance at the helm, and more than 50 combined years in the business, you can rest assured knowing your project will be properly funded, and your process won't become stalled, or default due to improper planning.
Our dedicated underwriters, loan officers, and support staff bring years of commercial real estate experience to each loan. Many come from investing backgrounds themselves, so they speak your language and understand your timelines.
With Jeff, Steve, and Terrance at the helm, and more than 50 combined years in the business, you can rest assured knowing your project will be properly funded, and your process won't become stalled, or default due to improper planning.
208-854-1122
3379 N Lakeharbor Ln, Boise, ID
83703, United States
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