A mortgage company
you'll actually like.
We're a small, friendly team. We answer our own phones, give you rates in writing, and close on time. That's really the whole pitch.

- Top 10 Mortgage Company
- 8 consecutive years
- #8 Top Producer
- Top Mortgage Producers list
- #52 Top Producer
- Top Mortgage Producers list
- 5,000+
- and counting
- $1B+
- in total volume
Why we're
different.
We pick up the phone.
Same loan officer every time. No phone trees, no ticket numbers.
No surprise fees.
Everything in writing up front. The number at closing matches the one on day one.
We close on time.
Over 98% on-time close rate. Your agent and the seller count on it, so do we.
The right loan for every situation.
From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, Non-QM, and more. Not sure which fits? Call us, five minutes and we'll point you in the right direction.
Conventional
Fixed or adjustable financing with down payments as low as 3%.
FHA
Flexible credit and low down-payment loans backed by the FHA.
VA
Zero-down, no-PMI financing for veterans and active service members.
USDA
USDA Rural Development loans, no down payment in qualifying areas.
Jumbo
High-balance loans up to $3.5M for higher-end properties.
All Agency
Construction-to-perm, down payment assistance, renovation, buydowns, and more.
Non-QM
Bank statements, asset utilization, DSCR, 1099, ITIN, foreign national, and more.
Doctor & Professional
As little as 0% down, no PMI, and student-loan-friendly underwriting.
Unusual Property Types
Manufactured, condotel, barndominiums, vacant land, and non-warrantable condos.
Other Features
Lock & shop, HELOC, bridge financing, fix & flip, 40-year interest-only, and more.
Run the numbers.
A quick estimate of your monthly principal and interest. When you're ready for a real quote, with taxes, insurance, and your actual credit factored in, give us a call.
Estimate only. Principal & interest, excludes taxes, insurance, HOA, and mortgage insurance. Actual rates depend on credit, property, and program.
Meet the people you'll work with.
Russ Laing
Originally from Africa, Russ has over 23 years of experience in the mortgage industry and is recognized as a Top 1% Mortgage Originator nationally, consistently ranked among the top 10 lenders in Austin.
Sonya Valia
With over 24 years in the mortgage industry, Sonya brings deep experience and a hands-on approach to every loan, with a special talent for first-time buyers and complex self-employed scenarios.
What clients say.
"Sonya and her team are the best lender we've worked with. Exceptional service, follow-up, and follow-through start to finish."
"Russ was exceptional throughout our purchase. Personable, competent, clear, explained things in a way that helped us make better decisions."
"Outstanding communication the entire way. They kept us informed on every step and made a stressful process feel manageable."
"We interviewed four lenders before landing with Vista. The difference was night and day, real expertise, real follow-up, and a rate that beat the bigger names."
"Russ made our VA loan feel effortless. He explained our benefits in plain English and caught savings nobody else had mentioned."
"Second closing with this team. That alone should tell you something."
The stuff people ask first.
How long does it take to get pre-approved for a mortgage?
Most pre-approvals take 1โ3 business days after we have your documentation. For time-sensitive offers in competitive markets, we can often turn it around the same day. We offer fully-underwritten pre-approvals that strengthen offers against higher bids with weaker financing letters.
What mortgage programs does Vista Lending offer?
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo (up to $3.5M), Non-QM (bank statement, DSCR, ITIN, foreign national), Doctor & Professional loans, construction and renovation, HELOC, bridge financing, and fix-and-flip. All originated through Network Funding, LP (NMLS #2297).
What documents do I need to start a pre-approval?
Generally: two years of W-2s or 1099s, your last 30 days of pay stubs, two months of bank and asset statements, and a photo ID. Self-employed borrowers need two years of personal and business tax returns. We send a custom checklist after the first conversation.
What credit score do I need for a home loan?
It depends on the program. FHA, VA, and USDA loans accept scores down to 580. Conventional loans start at 600 (LTV above 80%) with no minimum below 80% LTV. Jumbo loans require 660+. We also offer no-FICO options and manual underwriting for borrowers with compensating factors.
Where is Vista Lending licensed?
Not only do we lend in the entire state of Texas, but we are also licensed in Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee, Washington, Arizona, and Florida. Our office is in Austin at 1211 Baylor St., but most of our work happens by phone and secure document portal, so location is never a constraint.
Let's get you home.
Start a pre-approval, or just call. No pressure, no weird follow-up emails.

