“A wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.”
— Herbert Simon
Our
Story
The Mortgage Manual was built on the belief that home financing should start with trust, not pressure. In an industry too often driven by sales goals, we set out to create something different—a place where homebuyers can find clear, honest information about the mortgage process without being sold to on every page. A mortgage is one of the largest financial commitments most people will ever make, and it should be approached with understanding, not confusion. That’s why we provide a complete resource to guide you through the financing side of homeownership, from first-time purchases to investment strategies. And when you're ready, we offer the loan origination services to back it up—with the same transparency and professionalism you’ve come to expect from everything we do.
About the Founder
Meet Shelby Standley
Shelby Standley has been immersed in the real estate industry since the age of 19, building his career entirely as a self-employed entrepreneur. His journey began during the height of the 2008 financial crisis, where he successfully acquired and managed multiple cash-flowing investment properties. Shortly after, he relocated to Anchorage, Alaska, where he expanded his portfolio with long-term rentals. Leveraging equity from those properties, Shelby and his business partner successfully flipped eight homes in just two years.
In 2018, Shelby returned to Houston, Texas, and founded a construction and renovation company focused on post–Hurricane Harvey repairs. That venture evolved into Cadeau Carpentry, a boutique custom cabinetry and furniture manufacturing business serving both residential and commercial clients.
On top of the extensive resume in all aspects of the real estate industry, Shelby holds a Bachelor's of Science in Aviation Technology and a minor in Business Administration, completing his degree with a 3.9 GPA. He's a Single-Engine Airplane rated Private Pilot with over 400 flight hours, an Ironman Triathlete, a father to two amazing daughters, and a devoted husband to his loving wife!
Through his years in construction, Shelby saw firsthand a recurring problem: the ability to complete projects often depended entirely on inconsistent and unpredictable funding. Recognizing that without accessible financing, even the best ideas and projects could stall, he transitioned into mortgage origination with a mission—to help people secure financing they can truly afford, not just the maximum a lender will approve.
With decades of hands-on experience in real estate investment, construction, and now lending, Shelby brings a unique perspective that blends practical knowledge, financial insight, and a genuine commitment to helping clients achieve sustainable ownership—whether for a home, an investment property, or a business space.
