Meet Russell

Why I Do This

After more than 20 years in the mortgage business, I've worked in a lot of different environments — big banks, large lenders, management roles. But my favorite is exactly where I am now: an independent mortgage broker, working directly with clients, one loan at a time.

When I was managing teams, I spent more time in spreadsheets and conference rooms than I did actually helping people. I missed the work. I missed the clients. I came back to brokering because I'm genuinely passionate about helping people navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives — and doing it in a way that's clear, honest, and maybe even a little fun.

A Little About Me

I'm a proud Austin native and a University of Texas graduate (Melissa, my wife, is a UT alum too — we still make it to Longhorn football, basketball, and baseball games whenever we can). We've built our life here and genuinely love this city.

When I'm not working, you'll probably find me out on Lake Austin — I e-foil a few days a week, and when the family's around we take the boat out and wake surf. We love to travel. We have a beautiful King Charles Cavalier who goes pretty much everywhere with us.

My kids are out of the house now, which has given me more time to give back to a community that's been incredibly good to me. I'm active in the Austin recovery community. I volunteer at Tailgate Tuesdays, where we serve free hamburgers to UT students during the semester. And I run a weekly truck route for Mobile Loaves & Fishes, a local organization doing meaningful work for people experiencing homelessness. It's a real honor to be part of it.

How I Work

Here's the honest truth about mortgages: most deals that blow up at closing didn't go wrong at closing. They went wrong in week one — somebody didn't ask the right question, didn't read the file closely, or didn't know which lender could actually handle the situation. Then the problem sits there, quiet, until underwriting finds it the week you're supposed to get your keys.

I've been doing this since 2002, and my whole approach is built around not letting that happen to you.

I find the problems before they find you

When you apply with me, I send you a complete needs list upfront and I review your documents the day they come in — not whenever the file works its way up a pile. Self-employed income with write-offs? A credit score that needs a specific program? Retirement savings you want to count as reserves? I flag it in week one, while there's still time to solve it.

I get answers from underwriting before we apply

This is the part most loan officers skip. If I see anything in your file that could raise a question, I take it to underwriting first and get written guidance on how to handle it. By the time your application is formally submitted, the hard questions have already been answered. That's why my closings don't come with surprises.

I match you to the right lender — that's what the 40+ lenders are for

I work with more than 40 wholesale lenders, and the reason isn't endless rate-shopping. It's that every lender has different rules, and I know which lender solves which problem. One goes down to lower credit scores. One handles bank-statement income for self-employed borrowers. One allows 401k funds as reserves without a hardship clause. When you're matched to the right program from day one, you close on time — and you almost always end up with a better rate, because you're in the program that actually fits your situation.

You work with me — start to finish

No handoffs, no call centers, no wondering who has your file this week. You get my cell, you get straight answers, and you always know exactly where your loan stands and what's needed next. That's the whole point of working with an independent broker instead of a big bank: a direct relationship with the person who's actually doing the work.

The short version: I solve mortgage problems before they become delays. Direct relationship. On-time closing. Better rate.

Credentials

• 20+ years in the mortgage industry
• NMLS# 220896
• Texas SML License# 220896
• Texas Mortgage Consultants, PLLC — Company NMLS# 1843758
• Independent broker — access to 40+ wholesale lenders
• Specialties: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, DSCR
• First-time buyers, move-up buyers, investors, refinancers

Ready to Get Started?

If you're buying a home, refinancing, or just want to know where you stand, I'd love to talk. Give me a call, send an email, or click below to start your pre-approval — it takes about 10 minutes and there's no obligation.

Get Pre-Approved   Call (512) 423-4663

Prefer to talk it through first? Book a free 15-minute call and I’ll give you a ring — no pressure, no obligation.

Texas Mortgage Consultants, PLLC | NMLS# 1843758 | Russell Stout NMLS# 220896 | Equal Housing Lender | 8805 Lemens Spice Trail, Austin, TX 78750