Austin’s real estate market is one of the most competitive in the country. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving up, or investing, having the right mortgage broker makes a real difference — someone who can find you the best rate, get you pre-approved fast, and make sure you close on time.
I’m Russell Stout, an independent mortgage broker and consultant based in Austin, TX. I’ve closed thousands of loans across the Austin market since 2002, and I work with 40+ wholesale lenders to make sure you’re getting the best deal available — not just whatever one bank happens to be offering. And I charge $0 lender fees.
Why Austin Buyers Work With an Independent Mortgage Broker
When you apply for a mortgage at a bank, they can only offer their own products. As an independent broker, I’m not tied to any one lender. I shop the market on your behalf, compare rates and terms across 40+ lenders, and bring you the best option for your situation.
That access, combined with $0 lender fees, is what I bring to the table. Lender fees are their own itemized line on your Loan Estimate: origination, processing, underwriting. Mine are zero, on every loan, regardless of size.
Independent brokers work through wholesale lenders instead of a single retail menu. What that buys you is choice: more programs, more sets of underwriting guidelines, and a better chance that one of them fits your situation as it actually is. Your pricing depends on your credit, your down payment, the property, and the program, so the honest answer is that it takes a look at your file, not a promise up front.
$0 Lender Fees — What That Means for You
Lender fees — origination, processing, and underwriting — are the line items that show up on your Loan Estimate at closing.
At Texas Mortgage Consultants, I charge $0 of those fees. No origination fee. No processing fee. No underwriting fee. That’s real savings — not marketing language.
You’ll still pay standard third-party closing costs (title, appraisal, prepaid taxes and insurance), but nothing goes to me as the lender. That keeps more money in your pocket at closing.
Austin Home Loans — Every Situation Covered
Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth investment property, there’s a loan program built for your situation:
Conventional Loans — Ideal for buyers with solid credit and 3–20% down. Lower long-term cost than FHA once you hit 20% equity.
FHA Loans — Government-backed with scores as low as 580 and down payments starting at 3.5%. A strong option for first-time Austin buyers.
VA Loans — No down payment, no mortgage insurance, competitive rates. Available to veterans, active duty military, and surviving spouses.
USDA Loans — Zero down payment for eligible properties in qualifying Texas communities.
Jumbo Loans — For Austin home prices above the conventional loan limit. Flexible qualifying for higher-value properties.
DSCR Investor Loans — Qualify based on rental property income, not personal income. Ideal for Texas real estate investors growing their portfolio.
Refinancing — Lower your rate, shorten your term, or access equity. I’ll run the numbers and show you the break-even point before you decide.
How the Austin Mortgage Process Works
Getting a mortgage doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what to expect when you work with me:
- Talk through your situation — A quick call to understand your goals, timeline, and financial picture. No pressure, no obligation.
- Gather your documents — W-2s, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements. I send you a simple checklist.
- Compare your options — I shop 40+ lenders and show you the best options side by side: rate, fees, monthly payment, total cost. You decide.
- Pre-approval in 24–48 hours — Most pre-approvals are complete within one to two business days.
- Close on your new home — I coordinate with your title company and realtor through closing day.
I stay involved from start to finish. I’ve been doing this long enough to spot problems early, keep transactions on track, and solve issues before they become delays.
Why Austin Homebuyers Choose Russell Stout
More than 20 years in the Austin mortgage market. Thousands of loans closed. And I still answer my own phone.
As a solo broker, I’m personally involved in every loan from application to closing. You’re not handed off to a processor or assistant halfway through. I’m also a real estate investor myself — when I explain your options, it comes from genuine experience, not a sales script.
★★★★★ Rated 5.0 on Google | NMLS #220896 | Licensed by the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending | Company NMLS #1843758
Serving All of Austin and Texas
I work with buyers throughout the Austin metro — from South Congress and Mueller to the Domain, Barton Hills, Westlake, and every neighborhood in between. I also serve the surrounding communities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander, Kyle, Buda, Lakeway, Bee Cave, and Dripping Springs.
Licensed throughout Texas, I also help buyers in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, and El Paso.
Get Pre-Approved Today
Pre-approval is fast — in most cases I can have a letter ready within 24–48 hours. Reach out and let’s talk about what you’re looking for.
Start your pre-approval → | First-time buyer? Start here →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a mortgage broker do differently than a bank?
A bank can only offer its own mortgage products. As an independent broker, I work with 40+ lenders and shop the entire market to find your best rate and loan structure. I manage the process from application to closing — you deal with one person, not a rotating team.
Are there really no lender fees at Texas Mortgage Consultants?
Yes — $0 origination fee, $0 processing fee, $0 underwriting fee. You’ll still have standard third-party closing costs (title, appraisal, prepaid taxes and insurance), but nothing goes to the lender.
How fast can I get pre-approved for a mortgage in Austin?
Most pre-approvals are complete within 24–48 hours once I have your documents. If you’re in a competitive multiple-offer situation, call me directly — I’ll prioritize it.
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Austin?
Conventional loans typically require 620+, FHA loans start at 580, and VA loans have flexible requirements. I review your full picture and match you with the best available program.
Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Austin?
Absolutely. I’ll walk you through every step — what you can afford, which loan type fits best, how to read a Loan Estimate, and what to expect at closing. No jargon, no rushing.
Can you help real estate investors in Austin?
Yes. I specialize in DSCR loans for investors who want to qualify based on rental income rather than personal income — ideal for building a portfolio without affecting your personal debt-to-income ratio.
About Texas Mortgage Consultants
Texas Mortgage Consultants, PLLC is an independent mortgage brokerage headquartered in Austin, Texas, licensed statewide by the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending (Company NMLS #1843758). Founded and operated by Russell Stout (NMLS #220896) since 2002, the company serves homebuyers and real estate investors across Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, and all of Texas. As a wholesale mortgage broker with access to 40+ wholesale lenders, Texas Mortgage Consultants offers Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, DSCR, and refinance loan programs. The company charges $0 in lender fees — no origination fee, no processing fee, no underwriting fee. Mortgage pre-approvals are typically issued within 24–48 hours. Phone: (512) 423-4663 | rstout@texasmortgageconsultants.com | texasmortgageconsultants.com
Texas Mortgage Consultants, PLLC | NMLS #220896 | Company NMLS #1843758
(512) 423-4663 | 8805 Lemens Spice Trail, Austin, TX 78750
Serving Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and all of Central Texas
