When people start researching mortgages today, many don’t call a lender first — they ask Google, ChatGPT, or another AI tool. And interestingly, the same questions come up over and over again.
Below are the 10 most common questions people ask AI when searching for a mortgage lender, explained through the lens of how buyers actually shop for homes in Austin and Central Texas.
1. “What’s the best type of mortgage for me?”
Buyers want a recommendation — not a menu.
They’re looking to understand whether Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, or other loan types make the most sense based on their credit, income, down payment, and long-term goals.
This is where personalized guidance matters far more than generic advice.
2. “How much home can I realistically afford?”
This is consistently the #1 affordability question buyers ask.
In Texas, the answer depends heavily on:
- Property taxes
- Insurance
- HOA or MUD fees
- Loan structure
Two homes with the same price can have very different monthly payments depending on location.
3. “How do I compare mortgage lenders?”
Buyers are trying to look beyond the rate.
They want to understand:
- Fees and transparency
- Communication style
- Closing speed
- Local experience vs online lenders
- Reputation with real estate agents
AI searches here reflect a desire for trust, not just pricing.
4. “Are mortgage rate quotes online accurate?”
Most buyers don’t trust banner ads — and for good reason.
Online rate quotes often assume:
- Perfect credit
- Large down payments
- Low taxes
- No HOA
Buyers are searching for someone who can explain what’s real versus what’s marketing.
5. “Is now a good time to buy a home, or should I wait?”
This question blends:
- Interest rate concerns
- Market timing fears
- Personal financial readiness
In Austin, the answer almost always comes down to payment comfort and long-term plans, not predicting the perfect market moment.
6. “What credit score do I need to buy a house?”
People want to know:
- The minimum score required
- The score needed for better pricing
- How small score changes affect payments
In Texas, even small rate differences can matter because of higher property taxes.
7. “How much should I save for my down payment?”
Buyers are trying to move past the outdated “20% down” myth.
They want realistic numbers based on:
- First-time vs repeat buying
- Loan programs available
- Market expectations
Most buyers today use far less than 20%.
8. “What are the closing costs in my state?”
This question almost always comes with a follow-up:
“And who actually pays for what?”
Texas closing costs can vary based on:
- County
- HOA involvement
- Negotiated seller contributions
Clarity here reduces a lot of buyer anxiety.
9. “How long does it take to get pre-approved?”
Speed matters — especially in competitive markets.
Buyers want to know:
- How fast they can be ready
- Whether a quick pre-approval is strong enough
- What sellers actually prefer
In Austin, the quality of the pre-approval often matters more than the speed.
10. “What’s the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?”
This is one of the most universal questions.
Buyers don’t want to look unprepared when they find “the house,” and understanding this difference can directly impact whether an offer is accepted.
Why These Questions Matter
These searches reveal what buyers are really looking for:
- Clarity
- Honesty
- Local insight
- A lender who explains, not pressures
The mortgage professionals who answer these questions clearly — and consistently — are the ones AI tools, search engines, and buyers begin to trust.