Austin Home Loans: Local Lender Comparison

Reviewed by Dustin Edwards, Founding Partner / MLO | Last updated October 19, 2026

At a glance

Areas served

Austin and Travis, Williamson, Hays and Bexar counties, including Georgetown, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville and Cedar Park

Programs

Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo and non-QM loans for purchase and refinance

Lenders

more than 50 wholesale lenders

Hours

Mon–Sat, 9 AM–7 PM

Phone

Call or text (512) 593-1336

CapFi Lending at a glance — Austin mortgage broker

CapFi Lending is an independent mortgage broker in Austin, Texas — not a single-bank lender. Founded in 2017, CapFi compares purchase and refinance options across more than 50 wholesale lenders for buyers and homeowners in Austin and Central Texas.

• Founding partner: Dustin Edwards, NMLS 577050, in residential lending since 2004
• Programs shopped: Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, DSCR (investment property loans with as little as 15% down), and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers
• VA: Straight VA guidelines, no minimum FICO, VA jumbo available when the scenario fits
• How it works: Tell us the scenario → we compare fitting wholesale programs → you choose → we manage the file through closing
• Contact: Call or text (512) 593-1336 · Mon–Sat 9 AM–7 PM · or start at /quote/

CapFi does not invent “best broker” rankings. Check NMLS Consumer Access for the company and loan officer, then compare official Loan Estimates.

Looking for the best mortgage broker in Austin? Here’s how to choose

“Best” depends on your situation, so start with things you can check. First, look up the company and the loan officer on NMLS Consumer Access. Next, ask how many lenders they compare and which loan types they handle. Then get an official Loan Estimate and compare it line by line with a quote from your bank or another lender. A good broker will explain each lender’s terms in plain English and tell you who you’ll be talking to through closing.

Broker vs. bank vs. online lender

	Mortgage broker (CapFi Lending)	Bank	Online lender
Lenders shopped	50+ lenders	One: the bank itself	One: the online lender itself
Loan types	Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, refinance, plus non-QM from lenders that offer it	The bank’s own product list	The company’s own product list, often standard programs
Who you work with	One licensed local loan officer from application to closing	A loan officer employed by the bank	Often a call center or app, sometimes with a different rep at each step
NMLS licensing	Company and loan officer licensed in Texas	Loan officers registered with NMLS	Company and loan officers licensed with NMLS

Want the longer version? Read why Austin borrowers use a mortgage broker. Or compare sample Austin mortgage rates with APR.

How CapFi Lending compares to a single bank

	CapFi Lending (mortgage broker)	A single bank
Lenders compared	50+ lenders	That bank’s own products
Loan types	Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, plus DSCR and non-QM options	Limited to the bank’s menu
Down payment assistance	DPA available in every county we serve through approved participating lenders	Depends on the bank’s programs
Who you work with	Partners Dustin Edwards and Clay Wilson, by appointment only	Varies
Lender fees	No lender fees on agency loans (conventional, FHA, VA). Third-party costs may apply.	Varies by bank

Loans are arranged through approved participating lenders. Not all borrowers qualify; program availability depends on lender guidelines.

Areas we serve

We also work with buyers and homeowners in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County and Bexar County.

Nearby

Who we help in Austin

We work with first-time buyers, move-up buyers, veterans, self-employed borrowers and investors across Travis, Williamson, Hays and Bexar counties. We also help homeowners already in a loan: – Austin mortgage rates: see how today’s sample rates are set up and what changes your quote. – Why did my mortgage payment go up? explains escrow shortages in plain English. – Texas homestead exemption for new homeowners covers how to file and why it matters for your escrow. – Refinancing a Texas home equity loan covers the Texas 50(a)(6) and 50(f)(2) rules.

Serving Homebuyers in Austin

We help people buy, refinance, and invest in homes across Austin and the surrounding areas, from the leafy neighborhoods of Travis Heights to the new builds in Easton Park. Our team works with a broad mix of clients—first-time buyers, longtime Austinites moving up or downsizing, self-employed borrowers, and investors looking at two- to four-unit properties. We handle conventional, VA, FHA, jumbo, and portfolio loans for single-family homes, condos, and multi-unit properties. Whether you’re eyeing a classic bungalow in Hyde Park or a downtown condo, we’re here to guide you through the nuances of Austin’s market.

What Buying a Home in Austin Is Really Like

Buying in Austin means navigating a market that moves fast and demands local expertise. Multiple-offer situations are common, especially in established areas like Zilker and Allandale, and it’s not unusual for sellers to expect buyers to show solid pre-approval in hand before even considering their offer. Fast Approval isn’t just helpful here—it’s often the difference between landing a home and missing out.

Condominiums are a major presence, especially in downtown and along South Lamar. Financing a condo in Austin isn’t just about your own credit; the building’s approval status matters, and association documentation can take time to gather. We’re used to reviewing association budgets, master insurance policies, and reserve studies to spot issues before they create delays.

Older homes are the rule in neighborhoods like Clarksville and Rosedale. With those, appraisals often flag condition items—foundation movement, old roofs, or dated electrical. We know to anticipate these, and we’ll talk you through renovation financing options or how to structure a contract if repairs are needed for loan approval.

Some parts of Austin—think Westlake or Tarrytown—regularly require jumbo financing, which comes with stricter guidelines and additional documentation. We’re familiar with what local jumbo lenders expect, and we work to streamline the process so you’re not caught off guard by last-minute requests.

Two- to four-unit properties aren’t as common as single-family homes, but they do come up in areas like North Loop and East Austin. Financing these means factoring in potential rental income, but lenders are careful about what they’ll count. We’ve helped buyers navigate these calculations and prepare the necessary documentation, especially for owner-occupants planning to rent out a unit.

Flood insurance is a consideration in certain pockets near Shoal Creek and Onion Creek. We make sure you know if additional insurance will be required before you get too far down the road.

Seasonal homes and vacation properties aren’t a major factor in Austin itself, but we do see clients purchasing lake homes in the greater Travis County area, where different loan requirements and occupancy rules can come into play. We’ll walk you through what to expect if you’re looking outside the city core.

In short, financing in Austin is shaped by the specific quirks and pace of this market. We know what’s likely to come up, and we’re prepared to help you navigate it with clear, real answers.

Austin client examples

Drawn from situations clients described in their own Google reviews. No names, figures or rates.

1. First-time buyers whose builder contract fell through. A couple buying their first home ran into problems with their builder, and the original contract fell apart. The CapFi team helped them find another home and picked the loan back up where it had left off, and they closed as first-time homeowners.

2. A refinance that took patience. A homeowner started talking to Clay about refinancing in late 2024, when it didn’t make sense yet. Clay sent monthly market updates for about eight months and refinanced them when an option fit their financial profile.

3. Comparing a broker with a big bank. A family that had felt like “just another number” at big banks wanted someone to explain each step. The team walked them through every detail and kept them updated until closing.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the best mortgage broker in Austin?

Check that the company and loan officer are licensed on NMLS Consumer Access (nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Ask how many lenders they shop and whether they handle your loan type. Read recent reviews, and compare official Loan Estimates from more than one source. Choose the broker who explains your options clearly and answers when you call.

Is it better to use a mortgage broker or a bank in Austin?

It depends on your situation. A bank can offer only its own loans, while a broker compares many lenders at once. If your bank’s programs fit you, its quote is worth getting. A broker usually helps more when you want several lenders compared or have self-employed income, an investment property or a jumbo loan.

How many lenders does CapFi Lending shop?

CapFi Lending works with more than 50 wholesale lenders. We compare the ones that fit your loan type, credit and property, then walk you through the options side by side.

How much does a mortgage broker cost?

A broker is paid by either the lender or the borrower on each loan, not both. Federal rules require that compensation to be disclosed on your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure, so you can see it in writing and compare it with any other offer before you commit.

What types of home loans can an Austin mortgage broker help with?

CapFi Lending helps with conventional, FHA, VA and jumbo purchase loans, rate-and-term and cash-out refinances, Texas home equity refinances, and non-QM loans for self-employed borrowers and investors.

Can I get a mortgage in Austin if I’m self-employed?

Yes. Besides standard loans that use tax returns, some lenders offer non-QM programs that qualify you with 12 or 24 months of bank statements, 1099s, a profit-and-loss statement or, for rentals, the property’s rental income (DSCR). Each lender figures self-employed income differently, so a broker comparing several lenders can help.

How long does it take to close a mortgage in Austin?

Many purchase loans close in about 30 to 45 days from contract, and often sooner, depending on the appraisal, the title work and how quickly documents come in. Getting fully pre-approved before you make an offer usually saves time. We’ll give you a timeline for your loan when we start.

Can I visit CapFi Lending’s office?

Yes, by appointment only. We don’t take walk-ins, so call or text (512) 593-1336 or email info@capfilending.com to set a time.

Talk with a local broker

Dustin Edwards has helped borrowers for 22 years. Learn more about Dustin Edwards, or start your application.