| For | Real estate agents and brokerages |
| Residential footprint | GA, AL, TN, FL, NC and SC; eligibility and availability vary |
| Start with | Your role, property state and financing question |
A mortgage referral partner helps a real estate agent connect a buyer or homeowner with a financing review. At Stonehaven Lending, start with the client’s permission, property state, intended occupancy, financing goal and timeline. Residential inquiries are available in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, subject to program requirements.
Stonehaven Lending arranges financing through third-party lenders. Agents can contact us to discuss residential, home-equity, rental-property and commercial scenarios. Start with the question you need answered, rather than sending a full client file or presenting a preliminary conversation as approval.
Match the introduction to the financing question
For a home purchase, explain the property state, intended occupancy, approximate price and contract timeline. For a refinance, identify the borrower’s goal. A homeowner seeking a lower payment has a different question from someone trying to access equity while keeping an existing first mortgage.
For a HELOC review, the three useful starting estimates are the home’s value, the balance left on the mortgage and the amount the homeowner wants to request. These estimates help frame the conversation; they do not establish available equity, value or approval. The borrower can enter them directly through the HELOC inquiry form.
An investor buying a rental may need a DSCR loan discussion, while a business owner buying premises may need commercial or SBA financing. Describe how the property will actually be used. A product label should follow the facts, not replace them.
What to include in the first conversation
Introduce yourself with your name, brokerage, role and the states you serve. With the prospect’s permission, share the property type, general location, financing goal and timing. Explain the specific question, such as whether rental income can be considered or how a new mortgage would interact with an existing one.
Let the borrower provide applications, credit information and supporting documents through the appropriate loan process. Avoid putting Social Security numbers, bank statements or tax returns into a public contact form. Agree with the borrower about what updates may be shared with you.
What a referral relationship should clarify
Before a time-sensitive transaction, discuss who will communicate with the borrower, which information is still needed and how you will coordinate around contract milestones. Ask which steps remain subject to lender review. An initial scenario discussion, prequalification and final underwriting decision are different stages.
Does referring a buyer create a referral fee?
No fee is offered or promised by this invitation. Payments for referrals on covered residential mortgages are restricted by RESPA section 8 and Regulation X. A real estate license alone does not authorize a mortgage referral payment. Any proposed business arrangement requires separate review.
Start with one scenario
Use our contact page to introduce your practice and the financing questions you encounter. If you already have a property in mind, share a non-sensitive summary and the borrower’s preferred next step. Residential availability depends on state authorization and lender program requirements.
Work primarily with rentals? Read our guide for property managers and investor agents. For larger property or operating-business questions, see our CPA and attorney referral guide.