Leaman Team  |  LoanPeople

We refinanced our 6.5% mortgage to a 3.625% mortgage.

03/12/2013 by John K.
Location: Frisco, Texas

From first contact on 1/18 to the closing on 3/1 and funding of the mortgage on 3/6, the process was smooth, painless, and had none of the usual ‘surprises’.

We tried to refinance in mid 2010 shooting for a rate around 4.875%. We worked with one of Dave Brennan’s recommended firms, but found the required PMI costs would rise to $160/mo from our current $61 on a 6.5% mortgage. That plus closing costs of over $5000, not counting escrow deposits, reduced the savings too much, so we did nothing.
late Jan 2013, with rates now in the 3.5 – 3.625% range, we decided to try again. I provided this to each of four candidate lenders: Home value based on realtor’s comp study, mortgage balance, credit score for wife and myself, w-2 and 1099 incomes, debts, annual real estate tax and insurance costs. I told each I wanted to get written ballpark quotes – cost per month, escrow requirements, estimated closing costs; then I would pick one or two to proceed with formal refinance application.
Costco: I found out Costco was contracting with banks and with an Executive Costco Membership, their handling fees would be maxed at about $500. As soon as I requested a quote and submitted basic facts, I received a call from Bank of the Internet within minutes. They were able to provide verbal rough quotes on monthly costs, stated I needed $100/mo PMI, and mortgage amount needed, but could not or would not provide detail closing costs, which looked like $4K based on other numbers. But after that first call, I could never talk to the rep in person and exchanged emails and voice mails and played phone tag. They were quoting 3.625%
A 2nd bank recommended by Costco also called almost immediately, and gave me rough verbal estimates. This one also said I needed PMI for about $100/mo. Quote was 3.625%. Quoted closing costs were vague.
Navy Federal Credit Union – my main bank – I called in, gave enough facts over the phone to submit a rough quote request, and received an emailed detailed quote the next day. But it included exhorbitant max numbers such as a $2000 survey charge, $500 appraisal, too many months of escrow, etc., which totally turned me off. No one ever followed up by phone or email, ever. Quote was 6.25%. I know they were quoting on the high end, but this was ridiculous.
Then I found Max Leaman, and submitted quote request about noon, Friday 1/18. I received a reply soon, and a call from Jori Stern. I discussed my desires and facts with her, and had numbers from her that afternoon. I had given her the comp analysis from my realtor friend and she assured me that PMI was not needed. I received answers on Sat, and by Monday was given a written quote with closing costs in the range of $3100, not counting escrow. By Tuesday, 1/20, I was emailing past tax returns, pay stubs, etc. Jori was always prompt in her replies, and gave me sound advice on whether I should buy down the rate with points (not worth it) and on other issues. We were shooting for a 3/1 closing date. With their low closing costs and the absence of PMI, our mortgage cost per month, including escrow for tax and insurance will be about 29% lower and the savings will pay for the cost of refinancing in about 9 months. By 2/5, Jori had confirmed a target close date of 3/1/2013.
Over the next week Jori promptly emailed answers to any questions I had and kept me informed of the status of our mortgage
In Mid Feb Jori told me my Loan Processor. promptly contacted me, and asked for a few more documents.
Then I was contacted by Bryan Adair of Patten Law, which was handling the Title, letting me know when the notary public man would conveniently visit us in our home at a time of our choosing to sign the paperwork. We did not have to go to a title company office. Paperwork was signed in about 30 minutes on 3/1. On 3/7 Jori let me know the mortgage had been funded. The notary handed us a DVD with all of the documents on 3/1, and on 3/4 Bryan Adair emailed us copies of the 140 pages of signed documents

Throughout this process, everyone we dealt with – Jori Stern, Patten Law, and the notary public – were professional, knowledgeable,courteous, and efficient. Overall, I probably spent no more than 3 hours on this, primarily gathering,scanning, and emailing the initial set of income, tax return, employment and other documentation. I really felt like a customer in the hands of professionals.

After starting the loan process with another lender, his fees were way higher than originally quoted (by a lot)…in a panic…

04/20/2012 by Michelle B.
Location: Austin, TX

I read the great reviews on yelp for Max, and gave him a call as I had only 30 days to close. I felt at ease the minute I talked to him, he stayed late and answered all my questions. Max got our loan closed and time, and was smooth sailing to closing. Being in the real estate industry in another state, coming here and not knowing who to trust….I am glad we went with Max. I can’t give him enough accolades…look no further…call Max Leaman.

Amanda and Janey were professional and were able to answer all my questions.

08/23/2019 by A.B.
Location: Round Rock

They worked hard to get me the best rate and terms possible. I appreciated all of their hard work to put us into a home

We would recommend Max to any and every Austinite looking to buy. He is a class act!

08/09/2023 by Taylor G.
Location: Austin, TX

Max is a gem. He was so friendly and always made time to explain the complicated process of entering into a mortgage, no matter how many phone calls it took. The best part about using Max was that he was able to close in an unheard-of 13 DAYS, which almost certainly helped us win our dream house over another offer in a multiple-offer situation. His staff is organized and professional.

Max Leaman and his team did an amazing job guiding us through the loan process.

07/18/2016 by James J.
Location: Austin, Texas

My wife and I were being relocated for our jobs and Max and his superb staff made everything easy and convenient for us. The Austin housing market moves at a fast pace, and Max Leaman at Lending had the fastest response time to any and all our questions and concerns. They quickly got us pre-approved and ready to offer on a house. We would like to thank Max and his team for everything they did. The entire staff was great and we appreciate the kind service.

I worked with Max Leaman’s team

08/07/2013 by Chris G.
Location: Austin, TX

helped me lock in an extremely competitive rate on my mortgage, and their low fees helped make everything even more affordable. I highly recommend Max Leaman’s team if you are looking for a home loan.

Max and his team were very prompt and helpful with all of their communications.

08/07/2015 by Jess H.
Location: Austin, TX

They gave us a great deal on a loan and continue to support us even after our deal has been completed with any questions we have. I would recommend to anyone to at the very least consider working with them on any home loan.

Max was amazing. We were having issues with another mortgage lender that was going to effect my ability to purchase the home.

03/23/2017 by Jess A.
Location: Austin

Max came in literally 1-2 days before the deadline and smoothed everything out and the seller chose our offer because they spoke to Max via phone and had great confidence after doing so. It was tremendous. I am writing this review in my new home thanks to Max. 5 stars. The whole process was smooth and he was very available throughout, he gained my trust. Definitely purchasing a home is stressful, this was my first venture, it is good to have someone level-headed, trustworthy, and experienced like Max on your side!

I called today to get a 3rd party to review my mortgage documents on a house that I am currently under contract with.

11/17/2015 by Andrew K.
Location: Austin, Texas

I was expecting to pay a few hundred in fees along with a lengthy delay in feedback. Not the case at all!
I spoke with a professional and very friendly person named Amanda. She took my information and called me back within the hour. She kindly explained the break down of my mortgage docs and explained a few terms for me.
Amanda, thank you again very much! You truly make the mortgage process that much easier and your good cheer will most welcome!

Shopped our loan around, discussed with us ways to improve our loan amount we were approved for.

09/30/2013 by J.G.
Location: San Antonio, Texas

Explained what types of loans would best suit our needs they were very thorough. Would definitely reccomend.

We ultimately chose to hold off on buying to improve our loan amount and pay down a credit card we have first, even though we got the interest rates we wanted we decided a custom built home was best path for us. And didnt get the loan amount we were hoping for. With some tips Jori provided I think we will be ready by next year to move forward.