1 EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements of Hawthorne Financial Corporation on Form S-8 Nos. 33-74800, 333-23587, 333-59879 and 333-59875 of our report dated February 9, 2001 (March 28, 2001 as to Note 17) 2001 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hawthorne Financial Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2000. /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP March 30, 2001 Los Angeles, California