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UMortgage Earns Second Consecutive Inc. 5000 Ranking for America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies

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Christa Gutierrez

Loan Originator |NMLS 1493048

Meet Christa!

¡Hola! I'm Christa Gutierrez your go-to bilingual mortgage loan officer here in the great state of Texas. When it comes to financing your dream home, you need someone who not only knows the ins and outs of the mortgage industry but also understands your unique needs and aspirations. That's where I come in – your trusted partner on the path to homeownership. With over 12 years of experience in the mortgage industry, I've honed my skills and knowledge to help you navigate the complex world of home loans effortlessly. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner looking to refinance, I have the expertise to guide you through the entire process. Being bilingual isn't just a part of my job; it's a fundamental aspect of my commitment to serving the diverse communities of Texas. I'm fluent in both English and Spanish, which means I can communicate with you in the language you're most comfortable with. No more language barriers – I'll ensure you understand every step of the mortgage journey. I'm not just a mortgage professional; I'm a Texan through and through. I understand the Texas real estate market inside and out. Whether you're looking for a ranch in the Hill Country, a condo in downtown Houston, or a family home in the suburbs of Dallas or San Antonio, I can find the perfect mortgage solution tailored to your unique Texas lifestyle. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all mortgage solutions. Every client is different, and I take the time to get to know you, your financial goals, and your dreams. Together, we'll craft a mortgage plan that suits your needs, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. I'm not just here to help you secure a mortgage; I'm dedicated to making our Texas communities stronger. I actively participate in local initiatives and organizations that aim to improve the quality of life for all Texans. When you work with me, you're not just getting a loan officer; you're getting a partner who cares about the future of our state. Whether you're a Texan by birth or by choice, I'm here to make your homeownership dreams a reality. From the initial consultation to closing day and beyond, I'll be by your side, providing guidance, support, and a friendly smile. Don't let the mortgage process overwhelm you; let me handle the heavy lifting. Together, we'll navigate the path to homeownership in Texas, and I promise you, it'll be one kick-ass journey. Let's get started – contact me today, and let's make your homeownership dreams come true in the Lone Star State! Your Homeownership Journey Starts Here!

Serving Homebuyers In:

  • Texas

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Monthly Payment

Affordability

Refinance

VA Entitlement & Payments

Your Mortgage Questions, Answered!

UMortgage Q3 Snapshot: Families Served, Industry Awards, & New Tech

The third quarter of 2025 was a big one for UMortgage as it continued to create life-changing opportunities through homeownership. Between new industry accolades, first-of-its-kind technology, and thousands of families served, Q3 gave UMortgage plenty of momentum to close out the year strong as mortgage rates continue to drop. UMortgage started the quarter with a reminder of the company’s continued growth when it was named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for the second year in a row. This prestigious award was earned after UMortgage grew its revenue by 716% from 2021 to 2024, helping 21,639 families build generational wealth through homeownership along the way. When mortgage rates dropped in Q3, UMortgage Loan Originators were quick to help homebuyers and homeowners take advantage of newfound affordability and savings. They originated a combined 1,729 mortgages, including 508 VA loans and 410 refinances, in 41 different states across the country. Each of these families received industry-best service throughout their mortgage process as well. UMortgage’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) was 98 out of 100 in Q3. A company’s NPS is earned through single-question surveys sent to clients immediately after closing to gauge their experience when it’s freshest. Positive relationships with borrowers and real estate agents are at the center of UMortgage’s ethos. To help UMortgage Loan Originators track and improve their relationships, UMortgage launched the Referral Partner Relationship Tracker in Q3 on Tempo, its proprietary sales performance tracking app. The Relationship Tracker, launched on August 15, 2025, provides every LO with a simple way to log touchpoints (calls, meetings, texts, and emails), view relationship health at a glance, and receive alerts when they need to reach out, all within Tempo. It’s integrated with ARIVE and Salesforce, so activity is captured automatically, and follow-up never falls through the cracks. The Tempo team is actively working on the Lead Tracker, which provides similar resources to deliver a consistent and excellent experience for individuals seeking a mortgage. The results of these tools within Tempo are more proactive communication with borrowers and agents, stronger referral pipelines, and a better post-closing experience. UMortgage and its Loan Originators are committed to providing prospective homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate with a best-in-class mortgage experience. Ready to learn more? Click here to see the products and services UMortgage offers. If you’re a Loan Originator interested in unlocking the tools available on the UMortgage platform, like Tempo, watch our Loan Originators Powered by UMortgage presentation, and a member of my team will be in touch.

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Housing Market Update | Week of September 29th

Mortgage rates were largely unchanged throughout the week. Friday’s PCE inflation report came in just in line with economists’ expectations. Core PCE, which excludes food & energy and is closely watched by the Fed, rose 0.2% for the month and held steady at 2.9% year-over-year. This ultimately left mortgage rates unchanged between the start of the week and the end. This week is jobs week, with several pivotal labor reports scheduled to be released between Tuesday and Friday. As we’ve maintained throughout the year, the labor market will dictate how many rate cuts we get; for rates to drop, we need to see job growth continue to stall, especially in Friday’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) jobs report. One thing to watch is a potential government shutdown this week, which, if it occurs, would delay the release of Friday’s report. Last Week's Mortgage Rate Recap Rates Were Steady Last week’s biggest piece of market-moving data was Friday’s PCE inflation report. The Fed has a dual mandate to maintain a healthy labor market and keep inflation under control; Friday’s report showed headline inflation rose by 0.3% in August, which was in line with economists’ forecasts. Without any data-driven red flags, the 10-year dropped slightly heading into the weekend, and mortgage rates stayed within the tight range where they started the week. This Week's Mortgage Rate Forecast Rates Could Be Volatile We have a busy week ahead. It’s jobs week, and this batch of labor reports will be pivotal to the Fed’s decision for or against cutting rates during its Fed Meeting in the last week of October. As always, Friday’s BLS employment report will have the most significant impact on mortgage rates and the 10-year Treasury, but the reports we receive between Tuesday and Thursday could also cause some movement. Here’s the schedule for the week ahead: Tuesday: Job Openings, Losses, and Turnover Survey (JOLTS) Wednesday: ADP Employment Report Thursday: Initial Jobless Claims Friday: BLS Jobs Report One potential wrinkle for this week’s labor data will be the potential government shutdown. If an agreement cannot be met by Wednesday’s deadline, the impending government shutdown would prevent the release of Friday’s BLS report. In the past, government shutdowns have sent the 10-year lower, but the longer-term implications depend on the length of the shutdown if one were to happen. All that to say, it’s a big week for mortgage rates! If you have any questions or would like a quick update as the data rolls in, follow this link to connect with a mortgage expert near you!

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Red Flags in Lending: Mortgage Points

Imagine this: you’re shopping for a mortgage and see one lender advertising a rate that looks way better than the others. You’re excited, until you find out the fine print. That “too good to be true” rate often comes with thousands of dollars in extra fees to secure that rate, known as mortgage points, added to your closing costs. Unless you know how to spot them, you might be walking into a loan that costs you far more than you planned. The truth is that mortgage points aren’t always a bad thing; they can be a smart financial tool in the right situation. But when lenders advertise them without explaining the cost, it’s a red flag that can leave buyers with sticker shock at the closing table. So, in this blog, we’ll explain what it means to buy down your rate, how to spot whether you’re being charged points before you commit to your mortgage, and some situations where you might want to buy down your rate. What Does It Mean to Buy Down Your Mortgage Rate? Buy down points, also known as mortgage points or discount points, are prepaid interest fees that allow you to lower your interest rate. Typically: 1 point = 1% of the loan amount Each point lowers your rate by about 0.25% For example, on a $400,000 loan, one point would cost you $4,000 and reduce your rate by about 0.25%. To lower your rate by a full percentage point, you may be looking at an upfront cost of $16,000. This is precisely why it can be dangerous to take the flashy interest rate you were offered without reading the fine print. Check out our guide covering the Basics of Rate Buydowns for a deeper dive. How to Spot Buy Down Points on Your Mortgage’s Loan Estimate If you want to know whether the “advertised rate” includes points, look closely at Page 2 of your Loan Estimate. Under Section A: Origination Charges, look for a line that says “___% of Loan Amount (Points).” The dollar amount listed there tells you exactly how much you’re paying for points. This quick check helps you see through the marketing and compare offers on an apples-to-apples basis. Read this blog for more tips to understand the fine print of your loan estimate. When You Might Want to Buy Down Your Mortgage Rate While mortgage points might seem deceiving at times, they aren’t always a trap. In the right situations, they can actually help you save money over time. Here are a few cases where it might make sense: Permanent buydown (long-term homeowners): If you plan to stay in your home for many years, paying up front to reduce your rate could save you more in the long run. Temporary buydown (short-term relief): A 2-1 or 3-2-1 buydown lowers your payments for the first couple of years. This is helpful if you expect your income to grow or plan to refinance soon. When someone else is paying: If a seller, builder, or even your lender offers concessions or credits, using them for a rate buydown can be a great deal. “Buydowns are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but they can be a great option for several reasons,” says Matt Gouge, a UMortgage Loan Originator. “Especially now, a high-interest-rate environment favors a buy-down. Affordability is an issue in a lot of markets, so buy-downs are a great transition from somebody who’s renting for $2,500 to swallowing the pill of a $3,800 mortgage.” Why You Might Not Want to Buy Down Your Mortgage Rate On the other hand, points aren’t always worth it. Here’s why: High upfront costs: Especially on larger loans, points can add tens of thousands to your closing costs. Short-term homeowners: If you plan to move in a few years, you may not save enough each month to recoup the upfront costs. False advertising: Some lenders use low advertised rates that only exist because of costly points. When you finally see your Loan Estimate, you realize your cash due at closing is way higher than expected. That’s why it’s so important to review your Loan Estimate carefully and work with a lender who explains the whole picture. Advice for Homebuyers: Focus on the Numbers That Matter Mortgage points aren’t inherently good or bad. It’s about whether they make sense for your situation. The key is transparency. A trustworthy Loan Originator will show you not just the rate, but also the cash due at closing and your monthly payment. Those are the two numbers that matter most when deciding on a mortgage. “Not everyone who buys a home is a financial expert,” continued Gougé. “When you look through your loan estimate, I always show my buyers the numbers that affect them the most: the purchase price, the monthly payment, and the cash to close. That’s what matters.” At UMortgage, our Loan Originators guide you through every option so you can decide whether points are worth it, without surprises. Fill out this form to get connected with a Loan Originator near you who will help you achieve your homeownership dreams without burning a hole in your pocket.

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