The Preferred Lender of Whiskey Barrel Homes
Your Hill Country Home Starts With The Right Lender
Get pre-approved with the hometown mortgage broker Whiskey Barrel trusts with their buyers.
It takes about 10 minutes. No cost, no obligation.
Building A Custom Home Should Be Exciting, Not Stressful
You've found the builder. Maybe you've even found the homesite. But the financing side can feel like a maze…
- You're not sure what budget to design your home around
- You don't know if you need a construction loan, a land loan, or both
- Big banks only offer their own products and treat you like a number
- You're worried about delays between your lender and your builder
You Don't Need Another Bank, You Need A Local Partner
Whiskey Barrel Homes is all about custom home building "without the guesswork." That starts with knowing exactly what you can comfortably afford before you fall in love with a floor plan. That's why Whiskey Barrel chose Upward Lending Hill Country as their preferred lender.
Plan With Real Numbers
Get pre-approved before you pick a plan or homesite, so every design decision is a confident one.
One Team, On The Same Page
Brandi works directly with the Whiskey Barrel team, so your timeline and closing stay aligned from groundbreaking to move-in.
[Confirm builder-lender coordination process]
More Options, Better Rates
As an independent mortgage broker, Brandi shops multiple lenders for you instead of offering one bank's products.
It's Free To Get Pre-Approved
1. Apply Online In Minutes
Answer a few quick questions through Brandi's secure application.
2. Review Your Options
Brandi reviews your file, shops lenders for you, and calls you with a clear plan and real numbers.
Typically within one business day.
3. Build With Confidence
Take your pre-approval to Whiskey Barrel Homes and choose your plan and homesite knowing exactly where you stand.
Have these handy to speed things up
1
Recent Pay Stubs
2
Last two years of W-2s or tax returns
3
Recent Bank Statements
Meet Your Lender: Brandi Richerson
"I've called Texas home for over 30 years, and the Hill Country is where my family put down roots.
I started Upward Lending Hill Country because finding the right mortgage shouldn't feel overwhelming or frustrating. As an independent broker, I don't work for one bank. I shop multiple lenders to find the loan that fits you, then walk you through every step in plain English.
And I'm here when you need me, not just 9 to 5. When I'm not working, you'll find me on the river with my husband Scott and our big family, or serving the foster community we care so much about.
Building a home is personal. Your lender should be too."
Brandi Richerson, Mortgage Broker | NMLS #[2627560 — verify] | Upward Lending Hill Country NMLS #2454926
Financing Built Around Your Build
Whether you're buying a Whiskey Barrel homesite package or building on land you already own, Brandi will match you with the right loan.
Conventional Loans Flexible terms and competitive rates for well-qualified buyers.
Jumbo Loans For larger custom homes above conforming loan limits.
VA Loans For veterans and service members, often with no down payment.
FHA & USDA Loans Lower down payment options. USDA can fit rural Hill Country properties.
Programs subject to credit approval and eligibility. Not all applicants will qualify.
Hill Country Families Trust Brandi
Serving New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, San Marcos, Texas Hill Country, and the greater New Braunfels area
Questions? Brandi Has Answers.
Do I have to use Upward Lending to build with Whiskey Barrel Homes?
No. You're always free to choose your own lender. We're the preferred lender because we know Whiskey Barrel's process and can help keep your build on schedule.
Why get pre-approved before choosing a plan or homesite?
It tells you your real budget up front, so you can design with confidence and avoid surprises later.
Will applying hurt my credit?
[Soft pull: "No. The initial review won't affect your score." Hard pull: "A single inquiry has a small, temporary effect, and multiple mortgage inquiries in a short window typically count as one."]
What's the difference between a broker and a bank?
A bank can only offer its own loans. As a broker, Brandi compares options from multiple lenders to find the best fit and rate for you.
I already own land. Can you help?
[Yes. If you're building on your own lot, Brandi can walk you through construction financing and how your land equity may count toward your down payment.]
How long does pre-approval take?
The online application takes about 10 minutes. Brandi typically follows up within [one business day].
Your Hill Country Home Starts Here
Get pre-approved today and walk into your Whiskey Barrel Homes consultation knowing exactly what you can build.