Mortgage Do's And Don'ts

Mortgages can be tricky, and it's easy to make mistakes that can end up costing you dearly. That's why we've put together this list of Mortgage Do's and Do not's to help you navigate the process with ease - and a little bit of humor.

DO: Shop around for the best mortgage rates

DON'T: Assume your bank will give you the best rate just because you have a checking account there. Remember, loyalty is a two-way street.

DO: Have a budget in mind

DON'T: Get in over your head. Just because you can technically afford a million-dollar mansion doesn't mean you should buy one. You don't want to be house-poor and unable to afford groceries.

DO: Get pre-approved before house-hunting
.

DON'T: Assume you'll be approved for a mortgage just because you have good credit. Pre-approval is important because it gives you a better idea of how much house you can afford and shows sellers that you're serious.

DO: Consider your future plans

.
DON'T: Assume you'll live in your new house forever. Life happens, and you may need to sell sooner than you think. Make sure you're not getting into a mortgage that you can't realistically afford if you need to move in a few years.

DO: Get pre-approved before house-hunting
.

DO: Consider your future plans

DO: Read the fine print

DON'T: Sign on the dotted line without reading the terms and conditions. There may be hidden fees or clauses that could come back to haunt you later.

DO: Be prepared for unexpected expenses

DON'T: Assume everything will go smoothly. There may be unforeseen expenses, like a leaky roof or a broken furnace, that can quickly drain your savings. Be sure to budget for these types of surprises.

DO: Read the fine print

DON'T: Sign on the dotted line without reading the terms and conditions. There may be hidden fees or clauses that could come back to haunt you later.

DO: Be prepared for unexpected expenses

DO: Have a good sense of humor

DON'T: Take everything too seriously. Yes, buying a house and getting a mortgage can be stressful, but try to find the humor in the situation. After all, laughter is the best medicine for a stressful day.

By following these Mortgage Do's and Do not's, you'll be well on your way to successfully navigating the mortgage process - with a smile on your face. Good luck, and happy house hunting!

Blogs

The Top 5 Mortgage Mistakes to Avoid

Buying your first home can be both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. With so many things to consider and....

Do not list

Mortgages can be tricky, and it's easy to make mistakes that can end up costing you dearly. That's why we've put together this list....

Let's talk about some ways you can improve your credit score! Your credit score is actually a big deal, and it can affect...

📉➡️📈 Office Isn’t Dead—It’s Selective: A Lender’s View of West Houston Office Deals 🏢

🏢 West Houston Office Market Update: What Lenders Are Actually Financing in 2025 📊

Bill Rapp, Commercial Mortgage Broker

December 13, 2025•3 min read

🏢 West Houston Office Market Update: What Lenders Are Actually Financing in 2025 📊

📉➡️📈 Office Isn’t Dead—It’s Selective: A Lender’s View of West Houston Office Deals 🏢

Office Market in West Houston: A Lender’s Perspective

The West Houston office market—spanning Katy, Energy Corridor, Memorial, and Westchase—is no longer driven by broad-based demand. From a lender’s perspective, office lending in 2025 is highly selective, data-driven, and sponsor-focused.

Office is not unfinanceable. However, the bar is materially higher than it was pre-2020.

At Medallion Funds, we structure office financing based on how lenders are underwriting today, not how borrowers remember it working five years ago.

What Lenders Like in West Houston Office Properties

Despite national headlines, lenders are still active in West Houston office—if the deal checks the right boxes.

Key lender-friendly characteristics include:

Strong in-place occupancy (70–85%+)
Credit tenants or medical / professional users
Suburban locations with parking advantages
Recent leasing momentum or signed LOIs
Reasonable basis (not peak 2019 pricing)

Medical office, owner-user buildings, and well-located suburban campuses near I-10 and Grand Parkway are consistently the most financeable assets.

What Makes Office Deals Difficult to Finance

Lenders remain cautious on properties with structural challenges.

Red flags include:

Large blocks of vacant space with no leasing plan
Commodity Class B office with short-term tenants
Heavy co-working exposure
Sponsors relying on aggressive future rent growth
Floating-rate debt without a clear exit strategy

In these cases, traditional banks often step aside—but that doesn’t mean the deal is dead.

How Office Loans Are Being Structured in 2025

Office financing today looks very different than it did in prior cycles.

Common structures we’re seeing:

Lower loan-to-value ratios (55–65%)
Stronger DSCR requirements
Partial interest-only with amortization kick-ins
Shorter fixed-rate terms
Additional reserves for TI and leasing commissions

For transitional office assets, debt funds, private credit, and hybrid bridge-to-perm structures are often the right solution.

Sponsor Strength Matters More Than Ever

Lenders are underwriting the borrower, not just the building.

They want to see:

Net worth and liquidity support
Prior leasing or repositioning experience
A credible business plan
Realistic exit assumptions

Strong sponsors with realistic expectations are still closing office deals—even in a cautious lending environment.

The Opportunity: Reset Pricing + Flexible Capital

The silver lining for office investors in West Houston is pricing reset.

Well-capitalized buyers can:

Acquire assets below replacement cost
Reposition underutilized space
Negotiate favorable tenant concessions
Use flexible capital to stabilize before refinancing

This is where a mortgage broker with multiple capital sources becomes critical.

Final Thoughts from a Lender’s Seat

The West Houston office market is not frozen—it’s filtered.

Deals are closing, but only when:

The numbers make sense
The sponsor is credible
The capital stack is structured correctly

At Medallion Funds, our role is to match office properties with lenders who actually understand today’s market—and to structure financing that works in the real world.

If you’re evaluating an office acquisition, refinance, or recap in West Houston, the right conversation upfront can save months of wasted effort.

https://www.billrapponline.com/

https://findamortgagebroker.com/Profile/WilliamRappJr28883

https://billrapp.commloan.com/

https://billrapponline.com/financingfuturescre-houston-katy

https://houstoncommercialmortgage.com/

https://author.billrapponline.com

https://doctorvideo.billrapponline.com/

https://veteransvideo.billrapponline.com/

https://mortgageviking.billrapponline.com/

https://fha203h.billrapponline.com/

https://renovationvideo.billrapponline.com

https://medallionfunds.com/bill-rapp/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F32Z5BH2

https://veed.cello.so/FOmzTty6oi9

https://creplaybookseries.billrapponline.com

https://creplaybook.billrapponline.com/

Commercial mortgage brokerKaty Commercial mortgage brokerFulshear Commercial mortgage brokerBrookshire Commercial mortgage brokerRichmond Commercial mortgage brokerHouston Office Real EstateKaty Office Real EstateFulshear Office Real EstateBrookshire Office Real EstateRichmond Office Real EstateOffice investment financingCommercial real estate debtOffice refinance optionsMedallion FundsCommercial office financingoffice mortgage lendersWest Houston office marketOffice Lending 2025Office Lending 2026Office Lending 2027

Bill Rapp - Commercial & Residential Mortgage Broker

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a business owner with ambitious plans, securing the right financing is crucial. At Medallion Funds, we take the guesswork out of mortgages, offering a comprehensive suite of residential and commercial loan options to fit your unique needs. Looking for Your Dream Home? We understand the excitement and challenges of navigating the residential real estate market. Our experienced mortgage brokers will guide you through every step, from pre-qualification to closing. We offer a variety of loan programs to suit your financial situation, including: • Fixed-rate mortgages: Offering stability with predictable monthly payments. • Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs): Providing competitive rates for a set period. • FHA loans: Making homeownership accessible with lower down payments. • VA loans: Rewarding veterans with attractive rates and flexible terms. Investing in Your Business Future? Growth often requires capital, and we can help you unlock the potential of your commercial property. Our brokers specialize in a wide range of commercial loan options, including: • Purchase loans: Financing the acquisition of new buildings or land. • Construction loans: Facilitating the development of your project. • Refinance loans: Restructuring your existing mortgage for better terms. • SBA loans: Providing access to government-backed financing for qualified businesses. The Medallion Funds Difference: We go beyond simply finding a loan. We take the time to understand your goals and develop a personalized strategy. Here's what sets us apart: • Expertise: Our brokers have a deep understanding of both residential and commercial lending. • Competitive Rates: We leverage our strong lender relationships to secure the best possible terms. • Streamlined Process: We handle the paperwork, keeping you informed every step of the way. • Exceptional Service: We're committed to providing you with a positive and stress-free experience. Ready to Take the First Step? Contact Medallion Funds today for a free consultation. Let's discuss your financing needs and help you achieve your dreams!

Back to Blog

10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Buying your first home can be both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. With so many things to consider and....

How To Choose the Right Lender for You

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy

Refinancing youe loan and when to do it

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy

🧮 Renovation ROI Calculator

🛠️ Renovation ROI Calculator 💰

Current Home Value ($):
Estimated Renovation Cost ($):
Expected Value After Renovation ($):

This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply

Corporate | NMLS ID NMLS # 1825831

Corporate Address : 2651 N. Green Valley Pkwy STE. 101 Henderson, NV 89014 https://medallionfunds.com/bill-rapp/

NMLS Consumer Access Portal

281-222-0433