meet our team

David Barnes began his mortgage career in Frederick MD when a college friend suggested that he join a bank that was training new mortgage loan officers. David earned his MBA during nights and weekends and upon graduation moved to Winchester VA.  In 2004 David and his family relocated to Wilmington NC where three of his four grown children still live. David never forgot the chance he was given to get into the mortgage business and has trained new mortgage loan officers ever since.  His specialty is helping mortgage loan officers thrive and succeed, new and experienced.

David has lead sales and operations teams at Wells Fargo as well as a Regional Bank and two Independent Mortgage Banking companies and is experienced in all aspects of mortgage sales, operations and administration. It is his customer-centric approach and a commitment to his sales team that make him a uniquely qualified person to listen and serve customers and our mortgage team members.

David has brought his experience and talent to The Fortress Group to serve customers and to create an amazing atmosphere for team members to thrive and succeed.  When not working David enjoys the beach, mountains, fishing and the company of friends and family.

Leveraging decades of experience, The Fortress Group Total Home Finance, LLC is strategically designed to serve the broadest possible range of consumers with maximum product optionality, deliver a best in class customer experience through our select, top industry professionals who are powered by a comprehensive technology stack, and equipped to provide highly aggressive pricing made possible by our powerful while exceedingly efficient infrastructure model.

If you are a consumer exploring home mortgage options, we want to earn your confidence and business, and become your trusted “single source” for all things home finance. Please reach out Today! If you are a high quality mortgage professional currently producing self-sourced volume and would like to learn about potential career opportunities, we look forward to hearing from you!

Licensed In: NC, SC & VA

Absolutely exceptional customer service and care, treated me and my family as if we were his without even having to meet us. I don't think I could ever recommend using a different lender. Whenever I'm ready to buy another home I'll use him and never anyone else!!
-Forest M.

David was a great communicator. He understood that I appreciate details and whenever I had questions, he would answer in great detail. He was also great at keeping me posted throughout the process with any good news or hiccups. He worked to find me the best rate on my loan which made such a difference in my mortgage monthly payment. Everything about my loan process was exceptional and I would highly recommend David for others in the future.
-Christina A.

I cannot say enough good things about David. He went above and beyond for my clients. He explained everything in detail with complete transparency and took the time to answer any additional questions or concerns that myself or my clients had. David was amazing to work with, I cannot recommend him enough!
-Christine P.

David was very knowledgeable and caring. He took great care of us and I would definitely use him again!
-Ashlyn M.