First Continental Mortgage offers mortgage rates that are slightly above average, but not dramatically so—ranking near the middle of the pack in terms of pricing competitiveness. While their fees and rates result in modest added costs compared to the median lender, some borrowers have reported inconsistent experiences with service quality. Issues like outdated technology, processing delays, and communication gaps have affected the overall experience for some, even as others praised specific loan officers for hands-on support and guidance.
See today’s mortgage interest rates on TrueRate.
How First Continental Mortgage compares to other lenders
| Headquarters | Houston, Texas |
| Website | firstcontinentalmtg.com |
| Rate | 0.02% higher than the median rate |
| Lender fees | $1,620 (median on First Continental Mortgage loans) |
| Savings after 1 year, compared to the median interest rate | $296 |
| Added cost after 10 years, compared to the median interest rate | $386 |
| Added cost after 1 year (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $2,282 |
| Added cost 10 years (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $11,571 |
For a $400,000 mortgage, First Continental Mortgage’s rates—pretty much at par, at 0.02%higher than the market median—and $1,620 in lender fees would result in estimated savings of approximately $296 in the first year and tacks on small cost of $386 over 10 years compared to the median lender. Exploring fee free and lower than market loan options may pass on even greater savings.
What customers are saying
Customer reviews of First Continental Mortgage’s mortgage services, as seen on platforms like Yelp, BBB, and Experience.com, reveal mixed experiences.
Borrowers praised specific loan officers for their excellent communication and responsiveness throughout the mortgage process. Customers appreciated being guided step-by-step, with loan officers answering questions promptly and providing clear explanations. First Continental Mortgage offers a variety of loan programs, including options for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit, which some customers found helpful.
Complaints frequently mention inefficiencies in loan processing and servicing. Borrowers reported disorganized application processes, delays in closing, and issues with loan servicing after approval. Problems such as outdated technology for online payments and miscommunication during critical stages of the mortgage process were highlighted. Some reviewers expressed frustration with unexpected changes in loan terms or difficulty setting up payments due to website changes or account holds.
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.