We're a 29-year independent Texas broker, not a bank. We shop your loan across dozens of wholesale lenders and hand you the winner — conventional, FHA, VA, or jumbo. No games. No gimmicks. No nonsense.
Drag the slider to see how paying discount points at closing lowers your rate and payment.
These are today's actual priced options from our lender network for the sample scenario shown in the rate board above; the slider snaps to real rate-and-points combinations when available. Buying points is a trade: cash now for a lower rate for as long as you keep the loan. Exact point pricing comes with your quote, and we'll tell you straight whether it's worth it for your timeline.
Banks and big online lenders quote one VA rate: theirs. As a broker, we send your file to multiple VA-approved lenders and take the best price. Same VA benefit, lower rate, and a loan officer who answers the phone.
PCS orders, first VA purchase, or a refinance on a home you already own. We know the local markets around every major installation.
Share your basics and we'll tell you how much you can borrow and at what rate. No credit impact to start.
Find a home in your budget and complete the application online in about 15 minutes.
We shop your file, you pick the best offer, and we lock it so market moves can't hurt you.
The lender verifies your details and orders the appraisal. We chase every document so you don't have to.
The underwriter reviews and approves your loan. You get an update at every stage.
Sign, fund, and get your keys. Our average is 16 days from application to closing.
Live pricing from our lender network, updated throughout the day.
Rates shown are for a sample scenario (single-family, owner-occupied primary residence, $400,000 purchase price, 740 credit score, 30-day lock) and are subject to change without notice. Your actual rate, APR, and payment will depend on your credit history, loan amount, loan-to-value ratio, property type, and other factors. VA loans require a VA funding fee unless exempt. This is not a commitment to lend. Nichols Home Lending, NMLS #1660690. Equal Housing Lender.
The online lenders advertise low rates. We usually beat them, because we're not limited to one company's money.
| Your bank | Big online lender | Nichols Home Lending | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lenders competing for your loan | 1 | 1 | Dozens |
| Junk fees (origination, processing, admin) | Common | Common | None — underwriting fee only |
| Rate quote without a credit pull | Rarely | Yes | Yes, in 60 seconds |
| Talk to the same person start to finish | Usually not | Call center | Yes, your own loan officer |
| Texas VA and Texas Vet (VLB) expertise | Limited | Limited | Our specialty |
| Average closing time | 30–45 days | 25–35 days | 16 days |
Every stage from saving for the down payment to getting the keys, in plain English, with the Texas and VA details other guides skip.
Read the guide →Short, practical answers: how much to put down, when to lock, what kills deals in underwriting, and how to win in a bidding war.
Browse the tips →“[Nichols Home Lending] is my go to when referring clients to a lender. [They have] the lowest rates and close quicker than anyone I know. I have been a Realtor for 24 years and no one works as hard as [they do]!”
“[Nichols Home Lending] provided the most competitive rates in the market, was very responsive, and explained options throughout the process.”
“[The Nichols Home Lending team] were an absolute breath of fresh air to work with.”
Tell us your current rate and loan type. When the market moves enough to save you real money, you'll get a text from us, not a marketing blast.
Takes 30 seconds. We'll only reach out when a drop actually saves you money.
Notify me of rate dropsNo credit pull, no documents, no obligation. Just a real number from a real Texas broker.