Choosing a Mortgage Lender in Austin: How I Help Buyers Connect and Stay on Track
You found the house, or you're about to start looking. And then somebody says the word that stops a lot of buyers in their tracks: "lender." Who do you call? How does it work? What if you start with the wrong one?
I'm Felix, a Texas Realtor here in Austin. Before you reach the end of this page, I'll tell you two things: the one question I ask every buyer before they sit down with a lender, and the thing I keep checking after that so your file doesn't drift. Stay with me. First, a plain word about what this page is not.
What this page is not
Rates and loan programs change daily, and they come from the lender, not from me. I'm a Realtor, not a lender or a loan originator. So you won't find a rate, a payment promise or loan advice on this page. The only place a real number comes from is a licensed lender, in writing, for your situation.
Who is this page for?
Home buyers in Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Georgetown and the surrounding area who haven't picked a lender yet, or who've started that conversation and want someone watching the calendar with them.
What do I actually do?
- I listen first. Where you're looking, when you'd like the keys and where you are with a lender.
- I can point you to lenders I've closed deals with, or to rate-shopping sites. Prefer to use someone you already know? Bring them. It's your call.
- I keep your file on track. With your okay, I stay in touch with your lender so the dates in your contract and the lender's to-do list line up.
- I tell you what I see. If something about the home or the contract could affect your timeline, you hear it from me early.
- I'm at your closing. I attend every closing, and I'm there at the table with you.
It's your choice
You are free to choose any lender, insurer or warranty company you like. Nothing on this page requires you to use anyone I mention, and nothing here is an endorsement of any company. It's your decision, every time. I have no referral, marketing or affiliate arrangement with any lender, insurer or warranty company. I encourage you to shop around for the best rates and terms.
My services are fiduciary in nature, so I can only work for clients. When you open a file, I work for you, and I go over my fee with you in writing before we tour anything.
The one question I ask before you talk to a lender
Here's the first thing I promised you.
Before you sit down with any lender, I ask: When do you want the keys, and what's already on your calendar between now and then?
Because every date in a purchase works backward from that one. When I know your date, I know what needs to happen and in what order, and I can make sure your lender knows it too. It's a simple question, and it changes how the whole file gets built.
Lender and rate-shopping options
You're free to choose any lender. To give you a starting point, here are some options. They are options only, not recommendations, and I'm not saying anything about anyone's rates or quality.
Lenders I've closed multiple deals with: David Hernandez (The Mortgage Loan Expert) and Damian Squires (MyMorgo / SNMC).
Sites where you can shop rates online: ownup.com and credible.com.
I have no referral, marketing or affiliate arrangement with any of them. Talk to as many as you like, and shop around for the best rates and terms. Rates and loan programs change daily and come from the lender.
What goes in your file?
Open a file and tell me the basics. Just enough that I know how to help:
- Where you're looking
- When you'd like the keys
- Whether you've talked with a lender yet
- The best way to reach you
Please don't send your Social Security number, income documents or account numbers through the form. Those go to your lender through their secure process, never through me or this page.
How does it work after that?
- You open a file. I text you and send my agreement today.
- We talk by phone. Your timeline, your questions and where you are with lenders.
- You choose. I can point you to lenders I've closed deals with, or you can bring your own or shop around on your own. Either way, the decision is yours.
- The lender does the lender's work. Rates, programs and approvals come from the lender, in writing. I don't quote them and I don't guess.
- I keep the file on track. I check your contract dates against what your lender needs next, and you hear from me about anything that could move a date before it moves.
- Closing. I'm there, at the table with you.
And here's the second thing I promised. The thing I keep checking is simple: does the date in your contract still match the date on your lender's list? Dates slip quietly. Somebody should be watching those two side by side, and that somebody is me.
Questions I get from buyers
Are you a lender?
No. I'm a Texas Realtor. I don't lend, I don't originate loans, and I don't quote rates. I can point you to lenders I've closed deals with if you'd like, and I keep your file on track.
Can you tell me what rate I'll get?
No. Rates and loan programs change daily and come from the lender. Only a licensed lender can give you a real number, in writing, for your situation.
Do I have to use a lender you mention?
No. You are free to choose any lender, insurer or warranty company you like. I can point you to lenders I've closed deals with if you'd like, or you can bring your own.
Do you get paid for sending me to a lender?
I have no referral, marketing or affiliate arrangement with any lender, insurer or warranty company. I encourage you to shop around for the best rates and terms.
Which lenders have you worked with?
I've closed multiple deals with David Hernandez (The Mortgage Loan Expert) and Damian Squires (MyMorgo / SNMC). They're options only, not recommendations. You can also shop rates on sites like ownup.com and credible.com, and you're free to choose any lender.
Can you tell me which loan to get?
No. Loan advice comes from a licensed lender. My part is the calendar: I make sure your contract dates and your lender's timeline line up.
What should I send when I open a file?
The basics: where you're looking, when you'd like the keys, whether you've talked with a lender and the best way to reach you. Please don't send your Social Security number, income documents or account numbers through the form.
Will you be at my closing?
Yes. I attend every closing, and I'm there at the table with you.
Who do you work for?
My clients. My services are fiduciary in nature, so I can only work for clients. I go over my fee with you in writing when you open a file.
Why now
The earlier your file is open, the earlier someone is watching your calendar. Open a file today, and I'll text you and send the agreement today. Then we talk about your timeline.
Important: I'm a Texas Realtor, not a lender or a loan originator. Rates and loan programs change daily and come from the lender. Nothing on this page is a rate quote, an offer or commitment to lend, or an advertisement for credit. You are free to choose any lender, insurer or warranty company you like. I have no referral, marketing or affiliate arrangement with any lender, insurer or warranty company.
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