• THE TEXAS MORTGAGE LOAN GUIDE

    Whether you're comparing conventional, FHA, VA, or jumbo loans, we offer a full range of traditional home loan options to meet your needs. For buyers with unique income sources or credit situations, we also specialize in non-traditional and niche loan products — including solutions for self-employed borrowers, investors, and those with complex financial profiles. No matter your goals, we’re here to guide you through the process with smart advice and mortgage strategies tailored to you.

  • Your Complete Overview of Home Loan Options in Texas with Stephanie Donnell — @BestAustinLender

    Buying a home in Texas comes with a lot of decisions, but the most important one you’ll make before you ever write an offer is choosing the right mortgage strategy. And yes — it’s a strategy, not “just a loan.”

    As a Certified Mortgage Advisor serving Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, and buyers across all of Texas, my goal is to help you clearly understand your options so you can pick the loan that actually fits your goals… not the one Google randomly served up.
    This guide breaks down the most common home loan programs in Texas, what makes each one unique, and who they’re best for. Every section below includes a link to a deeper loan page if you want to explore further.

    Let’s make this simple.

  • ⭐ CONVENTIONAL LOANS

    The most popular loan option for well-qualified buyers

    Conventional loans are the “classic” mortgage most people think of. They reward stronger credit scores and give you flexibility with down
    payment, mortgage insurance, and property type.

    You may want to choose a conventional loan if you:

    • Have good credit (620+, ideally 700+)
    • Want the option to remove PMI later
    • Prefer a low monthly payment
    • Are buying a primary home, second home, or investment property
    • Learn more:
      👉Conventional Loans in Texas

    ⭐ FHA LOANS

    A great option for first-time buyers or anyone building credit

    FHA loans offer lower credit score requirements and a low down payment option, which is why many first-time homebuyers use them —
    especially in competitive markets like Austin and Dallas.

    You may want FHA if you:

    • Have a lower credit score
    • Want as little as 3.5% down
    • Want easier approval guidelines
    • Learn more:
      👉FHA Loans in Texas

    ⭐ VA LOANS

    The best loan available — if you’re eligible

    If you're a Veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse, VA loans offer unmatched benefits with zero down, no PMI,
    flexible credit requirements, and incredible long-term value.

    You may want VA if you:

    • Are eligible and want 0% down
    • Want no monthly mortgage insurance
    • Want access to some of the best loan terms in the U.S.
      Learn more:
      👉VA Loans in Texas

    ⭐ USDA LOANS

    Zero-down financing for eligible rural areas

    USDA loans are one of the most underrated mortgage options in Texas. Perfect for buyers open to living a bit outside the city, USDA loans
    offer 100% financing and competitive rates.

    You may want USDA if you:

    • Want 0% down
    • Are buying in a USDA-eligible area
    • Want lower-than-average interest rates
    • Great for buyers in Liberty Hill, Taylor, Bastrop, Burnet,Jarrell, and other surrounding areas.

    Learn more:
    👉USDA Loans in Texas

    ⭐ JUMBO LOANS

    For higher-priced homes in Austin and across Texas

    Jumbo loans cover loan amounts above the conforming limit and are common in Austin’s luxury and growing suburban markets.

    You may want a jumbo loan if you:

    • Are buying a higher-priced home
    • Have strong credit, income, and reserves
    • Want competitive pricing without loan limits
      Learn more:
      👉Jumbo Loans in Texas

    ⭐ BANK STATEMENT LOANS

    Perfect for self-employed buyers — qualify using deposits, not tax returns

    If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, realtor, contractor, or 1099 earner, this loan is for you. Instead of tax returns, lenders use your 12–24months of bank deposits to calculate income.

    You may want a bank statement loan if you:

    ⭐ DSCR LOANS

    Qualify using rental income — not your personal income

    Investors love DSCR loans because they allow you to qualify based on the property’s cash flow. Your personal income doesn’t matter — the
    deal qualifies based on rents.

    You may want DSCR if you:

    • Are buying investment property
    • Want approval based on cash flow
    • Prefer simple documentation
    • Want scalable, investor-friendly financing
      Learn more:
      👉 DSCR Loans in Texas

    ⭐ INVESTOR HELOC LOANS

    Tap equity from a rental property without refinancing

    Investor HELOCs let you access equity from a rental property to use for down payments, renovations, or future acquisitions — without
    disturbing your first mortgage.

    You may want an Investor HELOC if you:

    ⭐ NON-QM LOANS

    Flexible financing for unique income or credit situations

    Non-QM loans help buyers who don’t fit traditional lending guidelines. They include options like interest-only, asset depletion,
    P&L-only, and specialty programs for entrepreneurs.

    You may want Non-QM if you:

    • Are newly self-employed
    • Need alternative income documentation
    • Want interest-only or 40-year options
    • Had a recent credit event
      Learn more:
      👉Non-QM Loans in Texas
  • WHICH LOAN IS BEST FOR YOU?
    Choosing a mortgage is more than picking a rate — it’s choosing the strategy that helps you win in today’s Texas market.
    As a Certified Mortgage Advisor, my job is to:
    Show you ALL your options
    Run the numbers
    Explain everything clearly
    Help you feel confident and prepared
    You’re not supposed to know all of this — that’s why you have me.
    Ready to see which loan is right for you?
    Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or planning your next move, I’m here to help.
    👉 Schedule a call
    👉Apply online
    👉Or text me anytime with questions

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  • LOANPROGRAMS

    Conventional Loans

    With as little as 3% down, conventional loans are perfect for buyers with solid credit and steady income. We’ll help you choose between fixed or adjustable rates and find the loan structure that aligns with your goals — short or long term.

    FHA Loans

    Ideal for buyers with limited credit or lower down payments, FHA loans offer more flexible guidelines and competitive rates. Great for first-time homebuyers or anyone who needs a little extra wiggle room in qualifying.

    VA Loans

    If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or eligible surviving spouse, you may qualify for a zero-down VA loan with no monthly mortgage insurance. It’s one of the best benefits of military service — and we’re honored to help you use it.

    USDA Loans

    Looking to buy outside the city? USDA loans offer zero down payment options for homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. Income limits apply, but if you qualify, it’s one of the most affordable ways to buy a home.

    Jumbo Loans

    Purchasing a home above the standard loan limits? Jumbo loans are designed for higher-value properties and require stronger credit and assets — but we’ll guide you through the process with strategy and clarity.

    Bank Statement Loans

    Tax returns don’t always tell the full story — especially if you’re self-employed. We use 12–24 months of bank deposits to qualify income, helping entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners qualify with confidence.

    DSCR Loans

    Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans use rental income — not your personal income — to qualify. Perfect for investors looking to scale without W-2 headaches. We’ll run the numbers and help you strategize like a pro.

    Investor HELOCs

    Need capital to expand your real estate portfolio? Investor Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) give you access to funds from your rental properties — without refinancing or selling. Ideal for fix-and-flips, down payments, or emergency reserves.

    Non-QM Loans

    Self-employed? Large assets but low reportable income? Just sold crypto or received irregular income? Non-QM loans are designed for borrowers who fall outside the traditional lending box. We offer programs like asset depletion, P&L-only, 1099-only, and even crypto-asset backed qualification strategies.

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