Mortgage Lenders in Texas

Looking for a mortgage in Texas? Strategies to help you find the best lenders

By John Fuller

Texas mortgage companies are plentiful, but finding one that offers the best terms and options in the Lone Star State can be a time-consuming undertaking. Texas mortgage brokers can help you save time in your search, whether you’re a first-time buyer of a condo in Dallas or a modern home in Houston, or you’re refinancing your home in Amarillo.

Texas mortgage brokers have the experience and connections to examine thousands of different deals from a number of mortgage companies in Texas. When hiring a Texas mortgage broker, look for a professional who has a keen understanding of your local residential market. The Housing market in Texas can vary drastically, so you need to find a professional who can guide you and has direct knowledge of Texas mortgages.

To find the best mortgage companies Texas has to offer:

Make sure you're working with reputable mortgage companies in Texas. It’s a good idea to check up on lenders’ records with government and better-business groups.
Search online and look at rates and terms on for mortgage brokers and Texas mortgage companies.
Whether it’s your first or second mortgage, Texas lenders and brokers aren’t the only option. National lenders and brokers may offer the best terms on mortgages.

Search local Texas mortgage brokers and lenders associations

Texas mortgage lenders associations and mortgage brokers associations can help you find professionals who understand the local housing market and Texas mortgages.
Try: To secure a mortgage in Texas, consider working with a member of the Texas Association of Mortgage Brokers, where you can search for a broker by region. Or, find Texas mortgage lenders at the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association.

Consider local and regional banks for mortgage loans in Texas

Local and regional banks are some of the most common mortgage lenders in Texas.
Try: Search for local registered banks at the Texas Department of Banking. Or, find local banks that offer mortgage loans in Texas at USCITY.net or LocalLender.info.

Use online sources to search for Texas mortgage companies

Numerous online sources can help you shop for the best mortgage lenders in Texas.
Try: PreferredConsumer.com lets you search for Texas mortgages. At MortgageLoan.com, you can compare brokers and lenders by city.

Work with national mortgage lenders for Texas mortgages

Many national mortgage brokers and mortgage companies in Texas offer mortgage loans that may be right for you.
Try: Texas home finance options include national lenders, such as GMAC Mortgage or Wachovia, or check out Equifax, which offers a nationwide mortgage referral service. Veterans may qualify for a loan through the VA Mortgage Center.com or USAA.com, where you can get pre-approved for mortgage loans in Texas.

Check with legal authorities about mortgage companies in Texas

Make sure the mortgage brokers or mortgage lenders in Texas you're considering working with haven't been reported by borrowers for unethical business practices. A quick check will ensure your lender is trustworthy.
Try: Check with the Better Business Bureau of Central and South Central Texas, the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas, the BBB of East Texas or the BBB of Southeast Texas to make sure the Texas mortgage lender or broker is legit.

Find out what local experts are saying about the Texas mortgage industry

Local real estate experts, including your own real estate agent, can provide insider dope on mortgage companies in Texas and market trends that any househunter needs to know.
Try: The Austin Real Estate Blog and the Fredericksburg Texas blog help you keep up with the latest trends in the rapidly changing Texas market. Also, check out Nancy Sarnoff's Real Estate Column in the Houston Chronicle.

Lenders in Texas should be familiar with state fees and should have a network of local appraisers and title companies to make the process go more smoothly.
Bank mortgages in Texas are negotiable. Shop around for rates from Texas mortgage companies and mortgage brokers before approaching your local bank.
When comparing rates on mortgage loans in Texas, make sure all rate quotes are from the same time. They often change drastically due to market fluctuations.
Tied mortgage brokers don't charge an upfront fee, but work with a limited number of lenders in Texas who pay them a commission should you choose their mortgage.
An independent broker charges an upfront fee but casts a wider net, offering a variety of Texas mortgages from a host of mortgage companies in Texas.