San Antonio mortgage broker

Buy smart.
Borrow better.

More lenders.
A mortgage built around you.

Applying takes 10–15 minutes online. I usually pull credit within 24 hours, unless you'd like me to wait.

Not ready yet? Book a free 15-minute call

Free · 15 minutes by phone · No credit pull

Talk with Austin(210) 294-4223

From the closing table

5.0 · 14 Google reviews

“He beat out all the other lenders and gave me a great deal and fast closing.”
Chris E. · First-time homebuyer
“He took the time to answer any question I had and made things so easy and smooth for us!”
April S.
“Knowledgeable, patient, and stayed on top of everything from pre-approval to closing.”
Matthew K. · Homebuyer
“He anticipates potential issues and stays ahead of the details, making the entire process feel seamless.”
Stephanie P. · Realtor

New to buying a home?

Start here.
Six steps from renting to keys.

  1. Check your credit and budget

    Pull your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and run a rough payment estimate so you know your comfortable range.

    Free · about an evening

  2. Get pre-approved

    I review your income, savings and credit, compare lenders, and give you a pre-approval letter with a price range to shop in.

    No cost to talk · 24–48 hours once documents are in

  3. Shop for a home with your agent

    Your real estate agent finds homes, writes offers and negotiates. Your pre-approval letter shows sellers you're ready.

    Weeks to months, your pace

  4. Go under contract

    In Texas you'll usually pay earnest money and a small option fee, then use the option period for a home inspection.

    Earnest money and option fee due soon after signing

  5. Appraisal and underwriting

    The lender checks the home's value and verifies your paperwork. Answering document requests quickly keeps your closing date on track.

    Most purchases close in 21–30 days after the contract

  6. Close and get your keys

    You'll get your Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. Then you sign at the title company and the home is yours.

    Bring your cash to close by wire or cashier's check

Not sure which step you're on? That's what the call is for.

Book a free 15-minute call
Austin Elder, Harbor Financial Mortgage

Personal from the first hello

Meet Austin.

I come from three generations of San Antonio real estate. My grandmother spent more than 10 years in luxury real estate, and my dad has spent more than 30 and still does. I almost became a realtor too, then found lending and never looked back.

Since 2020 I've helped hundreds of families. As a broker at Harbor Financial Mortgage, I shop lenders for you and stay with you through closing. My favorite part is still the first call: answering your questions and building your game plan.

Calls and texts 7 days a week, evenings included. I get back to you the same day, usually within a couple of hours.

Read my story

Loan options in plain English

Which loan fits you?

You don't need to know the names. Find the line that sounds like you, and I'll confirm the best fit after comparing lenders.

Good credit and steady income

Conventional

As little as 3% down for some buyers. Monthly mortgage insurance (PMI) can be removed once you reach 20% equity.

Run the numbers

Rebuilding credit or a smaller down payment

FHA

3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher. More flexible on credit history.

Read the FHA guide

Veterans, service members and eligible spouses

VA

No down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance for eligible buyers.

Read the VA guide

Homes in eligible areas outside the city core

USDA

No down payment for eligible buyers, with household income limits.

Ask me about it

Self-employed buyers

Bank statement

Qualify using your business or personal bank deposits instead of tax returns.

Read a client story

Buying a rental property

Investment and DSCR

Qualify mostly on the rent the property can bring in, rather than only your personal income.

Ask me about it

Building a home

Construction

Financing for building on your lot or with a builder, then turning it into your long-term mortgage.

Ask me about it

Doctors and some medical professionals

Physician

Low down payment options that treat student loans and new contracts differently.

Ask me about it

Calculator links open my free calculator site, HomeBuyingCalc.com. Loan availability and eligibility vary by borrower, property, and program.

Common questions.

Less than most people think. Eligible VA and USDA buyers can put 0% down, some conventional loans allow 3%, and FHA allows 3.5% with a 580 or higher credit score. Plan for closing costs too, not just the down payment.See your down payment and payment by loan type →

FHA allows scores as low as 580 for 3.5% down (500 to 579 with 10% down). Conventional loans typically start at 620. The VA doesn't set a minimum, but most lenders look for about 580 to 620. A higher score usually means a better rate, and if you're not there yet, we can make a plan to get there.

Using my calculators doesn't pull your credit. A pre-approval does include a credit check. The application takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and I usually pull credit within 24 hours unless you'd like me to wait.Want a rough number first? Try my free calculators (no credit pull) →

A bank can only offer its own loans. As a broker, I compare programs and pricing from multiple lenders, so you see more options in one place, and I stay your point of contact from your first question to closing day.

There's no cost to talk to me.

Usually your last 30 days of pay stubs, your last 2 years of W-2s, your last 2 months of bank statements, and a photo ID. If you're self-employed, additional items may be needed. I'll send you an exact list for your situation.

Usually 24 to 48 hours once your documents are in. The sooner I have them, the sooner you have your letter.

Closing costs cover things like lender fees, title insurance and the appraisal, plus prepaid taxes and insurance. The total depends on the price, the loan and the property, and sellers can sometimes help pay them. My closing cost calculator gives you an estimate for your price.Estimate your cash to close →

Getting pre-approved and finding a home happens at your pace. Once you're under contract, most purchases close in 21 to 30 days.

Yes. I offer TSAHC's statewide programs, which can cover up to 5% of your loan as a grant or as a loan forgiven after 3 years, for buyers who meet the income and credit limits. The City of San Antonio and TDHCA run other programs. Rules and funding change, so ask me what fits before you count on one.See San Antonio's down payment help programs →

Let’s talk about your next move.

You don’t need to have it all figured out to get in touch.

Applying takes 10–15 minutes online. I usually pull credit within 24 hours, unless you'd like me to wait.