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Straight Talk on Mortgages

No jargon, no clickbait. Just real information to help you make better decisions about your home loan.

Learn May 14, 2026

How Much House Can I Afford? The Real Math Behind Your Budget

By Ben Eddy

Pre-qualification shows the max a lender will approve, not what you should spend. Here's how to calculate what you can actually afford in Texas.

Colt Lending branding with homeowner reviewing equity charts on a laptop; Texas cash-out refinance and Section 50(a)(6) topic.

Learn May 14, 2026

Cash-Out Refinance in Texas: What Section 50(a)(6) Means for You

By Ben Eddy

Texas has the strictest cash-out refinance laws in the country. Here's how Section 50(a)(6) works, what you can borrow, and what alternatives exist.

Learn May 13, 2026

Buying a Home in Leander, Texas: Your 2026 Market Guide

By Ben Eddy

Leander's market is balanced to slightly buyer-friendly in 2026, with commuter rail access to Austin and strong schools. Your guide to buying in Leander.

Tips & Advice May 13, 2026

VA Loan Myths That Are Still Hurting Texas Veterans in 2026

By Ben Eddy

The VA loan is the best mortgage in America — and myths about it are still costing Texas veterans homes. Here are 10 that need to die, from a broker who closes VA loans every week.

Tips & Advice May 13, 2026

Conventional Loans: The Most Popular Mortgage in America (And What Most People Get Wrong)

By Ben Eddy

Conventional loans fund over half of all U.S. mortgages, but most buyers get the basics wrong. You don't need 20% down, 740 credit, or perfect finances. Here's the real breakdown for Texas homebuyers.

Learn May 12, 2026

Buying a Home in Georgetown, Texas: Your 2026 Market Guide

By Ben Eddy

Georgetown has over six months of housing supply and buyers have real negotiating power. Your complete guide to buying in Georgetown in 2026.

Tips & Advice May 12, 2026

10 FHA Loan Myths That Are Costing Texas Homebuyers Money

By Ben Eddy

FHA loans have been around for 92 years and people are still getting the basics wrong. Here are 10 myths that cost Texas homebuyers money — plus the state-specific rules most loan officers don't know.

Tips & Advice May 12, 2026

The All-In-One Loan: How High-Income Earners Pay Off Their Mortgage in Half the Time

By Ben Eddy

The all-in-one loan combines your mortgage and checking account into one instrument. Your cash flow reduces your balance daily, cutting years and thousands in interest off your mortgage. Here's how it works.

Tips & Advice May 12, 2026

What Is the Max VA Loan Amount in Texas? (There Isn't One)

By Ben Eddy

Every article says $832,750. That's the conforming loan limit — not a VA loan cap. With full entitlement, there is no maximum VA loan amount in Texas. Here's the real breakdown.

Tips & Advice May 11, 2026

Finding Mortgage Loans Near You in Texas: What to Look For (And What to Avoid)

By Ben Eddy

When you search "mortgage loans near me," you want someone local, responsive, and working in your best interest. Here's what to look for, what to avoid, and how a Texas mortgage broker can shop 100+ lenders on your behalf.

Pre-qualification versus pre-approval comparison image with buyer consultation and approval letter.

Tips & Advice May 11, 2026

Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval: Why the Name on the Letter Doesn't Matter

By Ben Eddy

A bank's pre-approval can be a five-minute stamp. A broker pre-qualification can be backed by deep lender analysis. The label matters less than the work behind it.

VA home loans in Texas graphic with US flag, home, and keys.

Tips & Advice May 8, 2026

VA Home Loans in Texas: The Best Mortgage Benefit You Earned (Use It)

By Ben Eddy

Zero down. No PMI. The lowest rates available. VA home loans exist because you earned them - here's how to use the benefit in Texas.

Keys being handed over in front of a Texas home with text: FHA Loans in Texas Explained.

Tips & Advice May 7, 2026

FHA Loans in Texas: The Full Breakdown (No Gatekeeping)

By Ben Eddy

FHA loans let Texas homebuyers purchase with as little as 3.5% down and a 580 credit score. Here's the full breakdown - requirements, mortgage insurance, loan limits, and whether FHA is right for you.

Split-screen comparison of mortgage broker workspace versus retail bank branch lobby.

Tips & Advice May 7, 2026

Mortgage Broker vs. Bank: Why Your Bank Doesn't Deserve Your Loyalty

By Ben Eddy

Your bank's loyalty program doesn't extend to mortgage rates. Here's why mortgage brokers often save borrowers thousands compared to going directly to a bank - and when it matters most.

Tips & Advice May 7, 2026

How to Buy Your First Home in Texas (Without Getting Burned)

By Ben Eddy

A no-nonsense guide for first-time homebuyers in Texas covering loan options, down payment assistance programs, credit requirements, and the real process from pre-qualification to closing.

Split comparison: warm home office with laptop showing mortgage rates (broker) versus cold empty bank lobby with teller windows (bank). Headline: Mortgage Broker vs. Bank — One shops for you. The other shops you.

Personal May 3, 2026

Why I Built Colt Lending (And What It Means for Your Mortgage)

By Ben Eddy

I didn't start Colt Lending because I wanted a brand. I started it because the way most people get a mortgage is broken, and I got tired of being part of the problem.

VA loan vs conventional loan comparison for Texas veterans and military homebuyers

Tips & Advice May 2, 2026

VA Loan vs Conventional Loan in Texas: Which One Actually Saves You More?

By Ben Eddy

Your bank says conventional. Your buddy says VA. Here's how to actually compare the two and pick the one that saves you the most money on a Texas home.

Short explainers, market commentary, and behind-the-scenes mortgage breakdowns live on YouTube and Instagram. More organized video hubs can plug in here later.

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Tools and guides you can use right away. For the full library, visit the resources page.

Tools

Homebuyer Readiness Quiz

Not sure if you're ready to buy? Take this quick quiz to see where you stand on credit, savings, income, and readiness.

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Tools

Detailed Mortgage Estimate (DME)

Build Conventional, FHA, and VA estimates with closing costs, prepaids, monthly payment, and cash to close—aligned with your worksheet workflow. Save scenarios, share a link, or export PDF.

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Guides

Loan Program Guide

Compare every loan type side by side: conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, Non-QM, renovation, construction, and hard money / fix-and-flip.

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Guides

How the Mortgage Process Works

A step-by-step walkthrough of the entire home loan process, from pre-approval to closing day.

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Guides

FAQ

Common questions about where we lend, brokers vs banks, pre-approval, credit, fees, and refinancing.

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External Tools

USDA Eligibility Map

Check if your address qualifies for USDA zero-down financing using the official USDA eligibility lookup.

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