LendFriend Mortgage was built on a commitment to precise loan structuring, responsive communication, and dependable execution. We work closely with our clients to ensure each mortgage is aligned with their goals, timelines, and financial profile. Our team is known for moving efficiently when deadlines are tight and for explaining complex options in a way that allows borrowers to make informed decisions without confusion or unnecessary stress. By combining disciplined pricing strategies with a hands-on service model, we have earned the trust of clients across the residential lending space, reflected in hundreds of five-star reviews from homeowners, buyers, and real estate investors.
Operating out of Austin, LendFriend Mortgage supports borrowers in 14 states, including Texas, California, Florida, Colorado, New Jersey, and Virginia. The company was founded by brothers Eric Bernstein and Michael Bernstein and has successfully originated over $1.5 billion in residential loans. Our offerings include conventional, FHA, VA, VA IRRRL, jumbo, and non-QM mortgage programs. Our non-QM experience covers bank statement loans designed for self-employed borrowers, asset depletion loans for high-net-worth clients, and DSCR financing for investment properties. Clients frequently engage us for scenarios that require advanced lending knowledge, adaptable loan structures, and a higher level of execution than standard lenders can deliver.
Operating out of Austin, LendFriend Mortgage supports borrowers in 14 states, including Texas, California, Florida, Colorado, New Jersey, and Virginia. The company was founded by brothers Eric Bernstein and Michael Bernstein and has successfully originated over $1.5 billion in residential loans. Our offerings include conventional, FHA, VA, VA IRRRL, jumbo, and non-QM mortgage programs. Our non-QM experience covers bank statement loans designed for self-employed borrowers, asset depletion loans for high-net-worth clients, and DSCR financing for investment properties. Clients frequently engage us for scenarios that require advanced lending knowledge, adaptable loan structures, and a higher level of execution than standard lenders can deliver.
Served areas
- Texas, Florida, California, New Jersey, North Carolina, Connecticut, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, New Hampshire, Ohio, Michigan, Virginia
Details
- Year established: 2018
- Licensed
Highlights and features
- Simplifying complex mortgages with expert guidance and modern technology
- Specialists in Non-QM, self-employed, and asset-based loans
- Transparent mortgage process with zero hidden fees
- Fast closings with competitive rates and personalized support
- Trusted mortgage broker with hundreds of five-star reviews
Services
Our VA IRRRL service provides a simplified way for veterans to refinance an existing VA-backed mortgage. The streamline structure allows qualified borrowers to secure better terms with limited underwriting requirements. We manage the refinance from start to finish with efficiency. The goal is immediate payment relief and long-term stability.
We design jumbo loan solutions around your financial goals, whether you prefer a fixed-rate structure, an adjustable-rate option, or a flexible non-QM program. Our team provides access to competitive pricing and a wide range of lender programs. We carefully evaluate your profile to align loan terms, down payment options, and qualification strategy. The result is a streamlined approval process built for higher-value transactions.
Conventional Mortgage Loans
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Our asset depletion mortgage programs allow us to help qualified borrowers use their existing assets to meet lending requirements. We focus on asset value rather than employment income, enabling approval without tax returns or pay stubs. This approach supports large loan sizes, streamlined underwriting, and the ability to purchase homes without liquidating investment portfolios.
People
Eric Bernstein
President And Co-founder
Eric has helped thousands of people buy homes, build wealth, and feel confident about one of lifes biggest financial decisions. Since entering the mortgage industry in 2015, hes closed over $1 billion in home loans and earned a reputation for solving complex financing scenarios with clarity, speed, and care. He also has extensive experience helping veterans use VA IRRRLs to reduce their monthly payments quickly with minimal documentation.
Erics approach is deeply shaped by the customer service philosophy in Raving Fans by Ken Blancharda book he credits as a major influence in his career. He believes every client deserves more than a smooth transactionthey deserve a standout experience thats personal, consistent, and always better than expected. That mindset drives everything he does at LendFriend, from how his team communicates to how they show up when things get complicated.
While Eric works with a wide range of homebuyers and homeowners, he has deep expertise in helping clients who fall outside the traditional lending boxself-employed borrowers, real estate investors, crypto holders, and others with unique financial profiles. He specializes in VA, Conventional, and Jumbo loans, as well as Non-QM solutions like bank statement, DSCR, and asset depletion programs.
Whether you're buying your first home or financing your fifth, Eric brings the same thoughtful, personalized approach to every deal. He leads the LendFriend team with a focus on transparency, creativity, and making sure every client walks away feeling like they had someone in their corner from day one.
Erics approach is deeply shaped by the customer service philosophy in Raving Fans by Ken Blancharda book he credits as a major influence in his career. He believes every client deserves more than a smooth transactionthey deserve a standout experience thats personal, consistent, and always better than expected. That mindset drives everything he does at LendFriend, from how his team communicates to how they show up when things get complicated.
While Eric works with a wide range of homebuyers and homeowners, he has deep expertise in helping clients who fall outside the traditional lending boxself-employed borrowers, real estate investors, crypto holders, and others with unique financial profiles. He specializes in VA, Conventional, and Jumbo loans, as well as Non-QM solutions like bank statement, DSCR, and asset depletion programs.
Whether you're buying your first home or financing your fifth, Eric brings the same thoughtful, personalized approach to every deal. He leads the LendFriend team with a focus on transparency, creativity, and making sure every client walks away feeling like they had someone in their corner from day one.
Michael Bernstein
Co-Founder
Michael believes that everyone deserves the chance to own a homeand hes made it his mission to help more people get there. As part of the family behind LendFriend, he brings heart, hustle, and a deep sense of responsibility to every client he serves. Whether youre a first-time buyer, a crypto investor, or someone whos been told no by a traditional lender, Michael is the kind of person who will roll up his sleeves and find a way forward.
With a strong background in technology and a passion for decentralized finance, Michael specializes in modern lending strategies like crypto-backed mortgages, Buy Before You Sell programs, and flexible Conventional loan options. He believes the mortgage process should feel empoweringnot invasiveand uses smart tools and streamlined systems to keep things efficient, transparent, and stress-free. That same efficiency-driven approach also applies to VA IRRRL refinances, where speed, simplicity, and minimal documentation matter most.
Above all else, Michael is a people person. Hes known for being compassionate, responsive, and genuinely invested in each borrowers success. Whether hes working with a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, his goal is always the same: to make the experience feel clear, personal, and built around your goalsnot the banks.
At LendFriend, Michael is proud to carry on the familys mission of doing mortgage lending differentlyby putting relationships first and helping more people win the keys to a home they love.
With a strong background in technology and a passion for decentralized finance, Michael specializes in modern lending strategies like crypto-backed mortgages, Buy Before You Sell programs, and flexible Conventional loan options. He believes the mortgage process should feel empoweringnot invasiveand uses smart tools and streamlined systems to keep things efficient, transparent, and stress-free. That same efficiency-driven approach also applies to VA IRRRL refinances, where speed, simplicity, and minimal documentation matter most.
Above all else, Michael is a people person. Hes known for being compassionate, responsive, and genuinely invested in each borrowers success. Whether hes working with a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, his goal is always the same: to make the experience feel clear, personal, and built around your goalsnot the banks.
At LendFriend, Michael is proud to carry on the familys mission of doing mortgage lending differentlyby putting relationships first and helping more people win the keys to a home they love.
Reviews (20)
Pc Willowrun
Jan 26, 2026
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Amazing lender for self employed borrowers.I spoke to a few lenders that were recommended to me by friends and family and LendFriend was by far the best. Eric was able to help me use my business bank statements to get qualified for the loan amount I needed. The entire process was very smooth and I was able to go under contract and close without any headaches. If you're a business owner trying to buy a home, Eric Bernstein at LendFriend is the guy for you.
Andrew Depies
Jan 01, 2026
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My wife and I chose LendFriend when financing our first home purchase and we could not be happier with the process. The entire team was so knowledgeable, helpful, and communicative from the initial consultation through closing. We absolutely recommend LendFriend to anyone looking to buy or refinance their home!
Suzanne Peterson
Dec 30, 2025
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I have nothing but great things to say about Eric Bernstein and his team at LendFriend! Truly white-glove service from beginning to end, making my home buying journey so much easier than ever before. Eric took the time to ensure I understood my options upfront and acted VERY quickly when I was asking for updates on the fly! I am so pleased with my experience overall and new loan, especially in this era of home buying. I feel as though I got a solid rate and understand how to take advantage of lower rates in the future, with their help of course! It was an absolute pleasure working with Eric and his all-star team - from the first phone call to closing day, I trusted the team to ensure everything went off without a hitch (which it did!). It was as seamless of a process as it could be and I always felt like I was a priority. Their communication is outstanding and dedication to delighting their clients is untouched. I highly recommend working with this group - you will be in wonderful hands too!!
Andrew Stein
Dec 27, 2025
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I'm originally from Florida and had very little familiarity with Austin or who I should be working with when I decided to buy a second home here. A buddy recommended Eric at LendFriend, and it turned out to be an excellent call.
Eric made the entire process very straightforward and easy to understand. He took the time to educate me on the Austin market, walked me through every step, and connected me with a great realtor, which made everything run smoothly. He also locked in a great rate that bigger banks couldn't match.
What really stood out was how genuine and helpful he was throughout the process. It never felt transactional. He's become a good friend, and now whenever I'm in town on business we hang out as friends while he makes sure I try every 'best of' restaurant in Austin. Great guy, great mortgage broker. I highly recommend Eric and the LendFriend team.
Eric made the entire process very straightforward and easy to understand. He took the time to educate me on the Austin market, walked me through every step, and connected me with a great realtor, which made everything run smoothly. He also locked in a great rate that bigger banks couldn't match.
What really stood out was how genuine and helpful he was throughout the process. It never felt transactional. He's become a good friend, and now whenever I'm in town on business we hang out as friends while he makes sure I try every 'best of' restaurant in Austin. Great guy, great mortgage broker. I highly recommend Eric and the LendFriend team.
Alex Green
Dec 20, 2025
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I recently used LendFriend for my home purchase, and they were fantastic! The team was professional, responsive, and truly caring. They explained everything clearly, answered all my questions, and made the process smooth and stress-free.
What really sets them apart is their forward-thinking approachthey accept cryptocurrency holdings as proof of income/assets, which was a game-changer for me and made qualifying so much easier. Communication was excellent, they secured a great rate, closed on time with no hidden fees, and their online portal was super easy to use.
If you want a modern lender that puts you first, embraces crypto, and delivers results, choose LendFriend. I'll recommend them to everyonethank you for making my dream home possible!
What really sets them apart is their forward-thinking approachthey accept cryptocurrency holdings as proof of income/assets, which was a game-changer for me and made qualifying so much easier. Communication was excellent, they secured a great rate, closed on time with no hidden fees, and their online portal was super easy to use.
If you want a modern lender that puts you first, embraces crypto, and delivers results, choose LendFriend. I'll recommend them to everyonethank you for making my dream home possible!
Skylar Eberhard
Nov 14, 2025
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Kaitlyn Graziose
Oct 17, 2025
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The team at LendFriend made buying our home in Florida so easy. We had an expiring lease and LendFriend was able to move very quickly to get us closed in under 30 days before the lease ended. They also got us a great rate on a jumbo loan and were available day and night to answer all of our questions. If youre looking for a mortgage broker that makes the process stress-free while still getting you a great rate, you have to call LendFriend.
James Hardee
Sep 23, 2025
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The team at LendFriend was outstanding! They made the entire home-buying and closing process so much easier to navigate. Even with all the paperwork and details involved, they were always available to answer questions and kept everything moving smoothly. Thanks to their support, we were able to close on our dream home with confidence.
Taniya Perera
Sep 22, 2025
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As first-time homebuyers, we couldnt have asked for a better experience. The team was absolutely wonderful to work with incredibly patient, respectful, and always willing to take the time to answer our endless questions. Buying a home for the first time can feel overwhelming, but they made the entire journey so smooth and stress-free.
What stood out most was how responsive and clear they were at every step of the process. They explained everything in detail, never made us feel rushed, and truly went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and confident in our decisions.
We are so grateful for their guidance and professionalism. Thanks to them, what could have been a stressful process turned into a very positive experience. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a lender especially first-time buyers who want a supportive and knowledgeable team by their side.
What stood out most was how responsive and clear they were at every step of the process. They explained everything in detail, never made us feel rushed, and truly went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and confident in our decisions.
We are so grateful for their guidance and professionalism. Thanks to them, what could have been a stressful process turned into a very positive experience. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a lender especially first-time buyers who want a supportive and knowledgeable team by their side.
Kerstin Johansson
Sep 17, 2025
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Thank you to our Lend friend team! They came up with the best closing offer of all of our quotes. They were quick efficient and very communicative during the entire process. They met us outside of regular business hours to accommodate our work schedules. They helped us close on time smoothly and saved so much money in closing costs! I definitely recommend them.
Adam Mangen
Sep 15, 2025
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Eric and his team were amazing to work with. They helped us through every step of the home buying process and were always available to answer our questions when needed. This was our second home, and having Eric and LendFriend on our team made everything much much easier than the first time around. Can't recommend them enough.
Matthew Gross
Sep 04, 2025
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Buying our first home in NJ seemed overwhelming, but LendFriend made getting a mortgage with them a smooth experience. Eric and Crystal handled everything. They were able to use my RSUs to qualify us for the loan amount we wanted and were always available- even on holiday weekends. Thank you LendFriend!
Katia
Aug 27, 2025
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I had an exceptional experience with LendFriend Mortgage! From start to finish, the team made the process smooth, transparent, and stress-free. They took the time to explain every detail, answered all my questions promptly, and ensured I felt confident every step of the way. The customer service was outstandingfriendly, professional, and genuinely focused on helping me get the best possible rate. My closing was quick and seamless, and I couldnt be happier with the outcome. I highly recommend LendFriend Mortgage, Eric, and Chelsey to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy lender!
Rebekah Anthony
Aug 25, 2025
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Working with LendFriend was fantastic from end to end. During our home buying process, we vetted six different lenders. Eric and his team rose to the top because of how responsive they were; it really felt like they were working hard in our best interest. They were willing to run the numbers for every scenario in order to get us the best deal. In a volatile market, I found Eric's knowledge (and newsletter) reassuring and it helped me make sense of the current mortgage landscape. As a busy professional and parent, I really appreciated how convenient they made the process. Even after we closed, Eric and his team continued to be communicative about when we'd be able to establish our account online to make our first payment. Homebuying is stressful enough and working with LendFriend actually made the lending aspect the smoothest part of our entire process!
Teresa
Jun 28, 2025
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LendFriend was absolutely amazing beginning to end. They were recommended to us and did not disappoint. As first time home buyers we had lost of questions and, before we'd even committed to working with LendFriend, Michael was readily available to answer all of our many questions about the process. We *wanted* to work with them but we were still committed to working with the lender/broker that would give us the best financial deal. So we got quotes from LendFriend and from a couple of other places. LendFriend was by far the best option financially. So not only was their customer service on point, but the lender they found for us was fantastic and we got a great deal. We worked most closely with Crystal during the process of purchasing our home and she was also quick to respond and answer our questions. Michael, Crystal, Morgan, and the entire LendFriend team was fantastic. They were focused, detailed, and excited for us to purchase our first home. I couldn't recommend them more.
Jawon Smith
Mar 23, 2025
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This is my first time working with LendFriend, and I am completely satisfied with their service. They ended up being a back-up option when my builder's preferred lender was unable to fulfill the terms for my mortgage. LendFriend immediately step in and came in nearly $15k less than what the preferred lender quoted me. The team is extremely professional, and I would definitely work with them again in the future.
Dan S.
Mar 04, 2025
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Can't thank Eric and the entire team over at LendFriend enough. They pulled off the impossible when it seemed like my home purchase was not going to work out due to an appraiser issue. They worked tirelessly to find solutions and were able to pull It off. I recommend LendFriend to anyone who needs a knowledgeable experienced team. Thank you guys so much.
Sheila Boutros
Feb 26, 2025
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Were impressed once again by the exceptional service from LendFriend Mortgage! This is our second time using their services and, as expected, they've delivered on their promises. Purchasing our home in NC went smoothly thanks to their exceptional services.
We appreciate that theyre available in several states, providing us with the usual great service and familiar staff wherever we move to.
The process was just as smooth and efficient as the first time around, and the customer support team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance.
Five stars again, and I look forward to working with them in the future!
We appreciate that theyre available in several states, providing us with the usual great service and familiar staff wherever we move to.
The process was just as smooth and efficient as the first time around, and the customer support team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance.
Five stars again, and I look forward to working with them in the future!
Jay
Jan 17, 2025
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We recently had the pleasure of working with Eric Bernstein and his team at LendFriend, and the experience was outstanding. Their communication was clear and consistent throughout the entire process, making everything smooth and hassle-free. The team was friendly and easy-going, creating a comfortable environment that put us at ease. They offered a competitive interest rate, even matching or outperforming other lenders we considered. Eric and his team streamlined the process, ensuring there were no unnecessary delays or complications. We highly recommend LendFriend for their exceptional service and professionalism. Working with them was a truly positive experience.
Annie Momin
Oct 20, 2024
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I am so grateful for Micheal and his team at LendFriend. As a first time homebuyer with multiple businesses, I was very nervous about the loan process. Anyone whos self employed knows loan processes for us are more extensive but LendFriend made it an ease. From getting a great rate to closing, they made clear communication and were extremely helpful in making sure I had everything I needed to ensure we got the final approval well in advance of closing date. They are truly amazing people to have on your team. Thank you Micheal, Morgan and Crystal for your encouraging words and optimism throughout this process.