1 EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 33-74800, 333-23587, 333-59879 and 33-59875 of Hawthorne Financial Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated February 26, 1999 (March 30, 1999 as to Note N) appearing in this annual report on Form 10-K of Hawthorne Financial Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1998. /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP March 30, 1999 Los Angeles, California