Brightland Mortgage, previously known as Advisa Mortgage Services, has consistently ranked among the least competitive mortgage lenders in the U.S., landing in the top 30th percentile of the worst-rated lenders. Over the past two years, their interest rates have been significantly higher than the industry average, making homeownership less affordable for their customers. Borrowers have reported limited flexibility in loan options and a lack of transparency in fees, further cementing their reputation as a lender that prioritizes profit margins over consumer-friendly lending practices.
See today’s mortgage interest rates on TrueRate.
How Brightland Mortgage compares to other lenders
| Headquarters | Houston, Texas |
| Website | brightlandmortgage.com |
| Rate | 0.23% higher than the median rate |
| Lender fees | $1,910 (median) |
| Added cost 1 year, compared to the median interest rate | $381 |
| Added cost after 10 years, compared to the median interest rate | $7,156 |
| Added cost after 1 year (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $2,959 |
| Added cost 10 years (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $18,341 |
For a $400,000 mortgage, Brightland’s higher rates and $1,910 in fees would cost borrowers roughly $381 more in the first year and over $7,000 more across a decade—compared to a typical lender. Against Tomo Mortgage, the difference is even starker: nearly $3,000 more in year one and more than $18,000 over 10 years. For homebuyers planning to stay put, Brightland’s loans may come with a long-term cost few can afford to ignore.
What customers are saying
Looking at reviews from Zillow, Yelp, Consumer Affairs, Google Reviews, and Bankrate, customer experiences with Brightland Mortgage (previously Advisa Mortgage) are mixed. Some praised the initial preapproval process, but others faced significant challenges during underwriting and closing. Common complaints included unexpected changes in loan estimates and poor responsiveness.
Reviews on Google and Yelp highlighted concerns about customer service issues, with unaddressed complaints and inconsistent communication. While Brightland offers competitive initial terms, borrowers should scrutinize agreements and prepare for potential challenges during the mortgage process.
How to compare mortgage lenders
Interest rates. Comparing rates between lenders isn’t always straightforward. Many promote low headline rates that require paying “points” upfront to buy down the interest rate. To make a true comparison, focus on the par rate (0 points) and the APR, which reflects both the interest rate and any lender fees. Even small differences can translate into significant savings over the life of the loan.
Lender fees or loan origination fees. Many lenders charge fees that add thousands to the cost of a loan. It’s important to look at both the rate and the fees together to understand the true cost of borrowing. For a $400,000 mortgage, avoiding even a $1,000 fee could contribute to meaningful savings in the first year and over the long term.
On-time close rate. Most lenders do not publicly share their on-time close rates. However, it’s a critical factor—especially if your home contract has tight deadlines. Asking about their process for meeting close dates, including underwriting and document review timelines, can give you more confidence when choosing a lender.
Pre-approval and offer letters. Some lenders offer fast pre-qualifications that may not be fully underwritten, which can weaken your offer in competitive markets. It’s important to ask whether a lender’s pre-approvals are fully underwritten and how credible their letters are when presented with an offer.
Customer satisfaction. If detailed customer review data isn’t readily available, check third-party review sites or ask the lender for references. It’s important to understand how they handle communication, responsiveness, and issue resolution throughout the loan process.
Employee reviews. Company culture often influences how clients are treated. A lender with strong employee satisfaction typically delivers better service, more organized processing, and a smoother overall experience for borrowers.
To better understand how we compare mortgage rates fairly, see our TrueRate Methodology.
If you’re ready to start your journey to homeownership, get pre-approved with Tomo Mortgage today.