Austin mortgage guidance · Direct from Fred
150+
lenders compared, so your plan is built from the market—not one bank’s shelf.
Your mortgage, fully considered.
Purchase, refinance, VA, investment, and home-equity strategy with one experienced broker who stays personally involved from first numbers to closing.
Today's Mortgage Rates*
Loading live market data*Rates are sourced from Mortgage News Daily and reflect general national market averages (live feed temporarily unavailable), updated daily. They are not a quote or commitment to lend. Your actual rate depends on your credit score, DTI, LTV, loan program, occupancy, and current market pricing.
A mortgage process with fewer handoffs.
Useful numbers first. A personal recommendation second. Clear execution all the way through.
- 1.0
Share the decision.
Tell me what you are buying, changing, or trying to solve. A few useful facts are enough to start.
- 2.0
Compare the real options.
I shop 150+ lenders, model the payment and cash tradeoffs, and narrow the field to plans worth considering.
- 3.0
Move with a clear file.
You get direct guidance, a strong preapproval when needed, and one broker accountable through closing.
Financing shaped around your next move.
Your goals come first. I compare lenders, structure the options, and explain the tradeoffs so you can make a confident decision.
Experience you can feel throughout the process.
I've spent more than a decade helping over 750 families buy, refinance, and invest in real estate. My job is to make a complicated process feel straightforward: give you honest answers, stay easy to reach, and keep the file moving.
As a broker and Branch Manager with West Capital Lending, Inc., I can compare the market instead of forcing your situation into one bank's box. You get a clear recommendation built around your goals, whether you're in Austin, Orange County, or one of the 25 states where I'm licensed.
Meet Fred
Trusted for the moments that matter.
“Fred was awesome to work with! I was working with another lender that had me stuck in a HELOC situation that wasn't going anywhere for 4+ weeks… Fred came in and got me closed and funded in a week!! Definitely recommend Fred!”
“Working with Fred was a great experience! He was very knowledgeable about the process, and walked us through every step. He answered all our questions with accuracy and confidence. Will recommend him to my friends… thank you Fred!!”
“Fred has been very supportive and accommodating with all the queries I had. He puts in a lot of effort in getting us the best quote possible. It has been a great experience working with him. I highly recommend working with Fred Chilton.”
“Fred was quick to respond to any questions we had, and he provided very competitive rates. Very satisfied with the outcome!”
“They were helpful throughout — even on weekends, and when I forgot the time difference.”
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to work with a mortgage broker?
As a broker I'm paid through the loan, not out of your pocket for my time — and because I shop 150+ lenders, the goal is to land you better terms than going to a single bank. I'll always walk you through the full cost breakdown up front.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Less than most people think. VA and USDA can be $0 down, FHA as low as 3.5%, and conventional as low as 3%. Down payment assistance is also available for many buyers — we'll find the right fit.
Will checking my options hurt my credit?
No. The initial review uses a soft credit pull that doesn't affect your score. A hard pull only happens later if you choose to move forward with a full application.
How fast can I close?
Most purchase clients close in about 21–30 days. The digital HELOC can fund in as few as 5 days. The biggest variable is how quickly we get your documents in.
What credit score do I need?
It depends on the program — some options work for scores as low as the 500s. If your credit isn't where you want it, I can map out a plan to get you qualified.
Do you only work in Texas?
No. I'm licensed in 25 states, including Texas and California. Wherever you're buying, let's talk and I'll confirm I can help.
Bring me the decision. I’ll bring the options.
Start with a private mortgage snapshot or call Fred directly. No call-center handoff, no obligation, and no credit pull just to understand the path.