About – Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc.

About Lyons Mortgage Services

Lyons Mortgage is more than a mortgage company - we are your partners in achieving the dream of homeownership.

With a legacy rooted in integrity, transparency, and unwavering commitment, we’ve become a trusted lender for homebuyers and real estate professionals across the nation since 1996.

We make the mortgage process easy to understand for the first-time homebuyer, while understanding the needs of the seasoned investor.

Our Story

Founded in Astoria, NY, in 1996, Lyons Mortgage Services was born from the collaborative vision of Edith O’Donnell, George Sophocleous, and Nicos Tziazas. Driven by a desire to serve the diverse communities of the New York area, they set out to redefine what it means to navigate the mortgage process.

Today, Lyons maintains its commitment to not only serve, but also to give back to their communities. Edith O’Donnell, Lyons CEO, was elected to two 5-year terms on the Glen Cove School Board, serving as President for the last 2 years of her term. She was also honored with a Long Island Power Women in Business Award. George Sophocleous, Lyons Chairman, served on the Board of Trustees of MIMA Music, an international organization that trains and manages musicians to lead community impact initiatives around the world. Nicos Tziazas, Lyons President, has been the President and coach of a community youth soccer club for over two decades.

Over the last two-and-a-half decades, Lyons Mortgage Services has helped many thousands of families achieve their homeownership goals and build for the future.

History of Lyons Mortgage

Lyons Mortgage is founded in Astoria, New York

Lyons Mortgage is licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut

Lyons Mortgage expands to the state of Pennsylvania

Lyons Mortgage expands to the state of California

Lyons Mortgage expands to the state of Virginia

Our Values

Transparency

Expect open and honest communication from our team, ensuring that all of our clients understand their options and feel confident in their decisions.
Going the Extra Mile

We aren't satisfied with just meeting expectations; we aim to exceed them.
Loyalty

Our dedication to our clients does not end when the transaction is complete. As your mortgage advisors, we are there for you throughout every phase of your real estate journey.
Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards in every interaction.
Education

At Lyons, we're not just mortgage experts - we believe it to be our duty to pass on what we know so that we can empower our clients and real estate professionals to achieve more with real estate.

Leadership Team

Edith O’Donnell

CEO / Corporate Secretary / Co-Founder

Edith O’Donnell serves as CEO & Corporate Secretary and is one of the Founders of Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc.

She has over 30 years experience in the real estate / mortgage industry.

Prior to working in the Mortgage Industry, Edith was an instructor of English at C.W. Post College of Long Island University.

She is also very active in her church, including serving as Steering Committee Member for the new church building as well as Youth Group Advisor and Parish Council Member.

Edith was also elected to two 5 year terms on the Glen Cove School Board, serving as President for the last 2 years of her term. She was also a member of the Board of the NYS Association of Small City School Districts. Edith continues her commitment to Education and the community. She was recently honored with a Long Island Power Women in Business Award. Edith received her Masters of Arts Degree from New York University and her Bachelor of Arts Degree from C.W. Post College.

Nicos Tziazas

President / Co-Founder

Nicos is very active in the up-and-coming Real Estate communities of the NYC area, helping investors develop a variety of Construction and Housing Projects.

Nicos also served as President for Eleftheria-Pancyprians, a community youth soccer club in Astoria, NY. In 2005, he was elected President of the Panpaphian Association of America where he served for 2 years.

He was recently nominated for the King of Queens Award for his meaningful contributions to the area as a community leader.

Nicos graduated from St. Francis College with a degree in Business Management and Finance.

George Sophocleous

Chairman / Co-Founder

George Sophocleous is the Chairman and one of the Founders of Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc.

He has over 30 Years experience in the real estate / mortgage industry.

George also served on the Fannie Mae Secondary Marketing Advisory Council where he worked closely with other national lenders.

He has been on the Board of Trustees of MIMA Music, an Intercultural, international organization with American 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization which trains and manages musicians to lead community impact initiatives around the world.

George has a B.S. in Finance and Accounting.

Stephen Casil

Vice President / Secondary Marketing Manager

Stephen has been the Secondary Marketing Manager for Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. for the past 16 years.

Stephen is an active participant & volunteer in his church and his local community, and is an avid NY Mets, NY Giants, and Liverpool FC fan.

He is a proud member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society, which recognizes business excellence.

Stephen received his M.B.A. in Finance and Real Estate from Baruch College and his B.A. in Economics from Fordham University.

FAQ

What does my mortgage payment include?

Your mortgage payment typically consists of the following components, often referred to as PITI:

Principal: This is the portion of your payment that goes towards reducing the original loan amount.
Interest: This is the cost of borrowing money, calculated as a percentage of the remaining loan balance.
Taxes: Property taxes that are paid to your local government. These are often collected by your lender and held in an escrow account.
Insurance: Homeowners insurance, which protects your property from various risks, such as fire or theft. This is also often included in your escrow account.

How do I know which type of mortgage is best for me?

Choosing the right mortgage depends on your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. Fixed-rate mortgages offer consistent payments over time, making budgeting easier. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) might start with lower rates but can adjust over time. To determine the best fit, consider your long-term plans, how long you intend to stay in the home, and your comfort level with potential rate changes.

What is the difference between a fixed-rate loan and an adjustable-rate loan?

A fixed-rate loan maintains the same interest rate and monthly payment throughout the life of the loan. This offers stability but might have a higher initial rate. An adjustable-rate loan starts with a fixed rate for a set period, then adjusts periodically based on an index. Initial rates are often lower, but future adjustments can lead to rate increases.