Knowledge Center
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions we hear most. For anything about your own loan, a loan officer can give you a straight answer.
About Crystal Clear Mortgage
Where is Crystal Clear Mortgage located?
Our office is at 18001 Hwy 105 West, Suite 205, Montgomery, Texas 77356. You can call (936) 447-5626, fax (936) 588-5002, or email info@crystalclearmortgage.com.
How long have you been in business?
Crystal Clear Mortgage was founded in 2008 by Adam Simmons, who has worked in the home finance industry since 2003 and has lived in Montgomery since 2006.
What is your NMLS number?
The company NMLS number is 270528. Owner Adam Simmons is NMLS # 311686. Each loan officer’s NMLS number is printed on their own profile page.
Who will I work with?
You work with one of our licensed loan officers. Our request forms let you pick a loan officer by name, or choose “No preference.”
Loans and applying
What kinds of home loans can you help with?
We help with home purchase loans, home refinance loans, cash-out refinance loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and VA home loans. Which one fits depends on your goals, your budget and your credit history.
How do I apply?
Use the Apply Now button on any page. It takes you to our application page, where you can start an online application. If you would rather talk first, call (936) 447-5626.
Will a form on this website ask for my Social Security number?
No. None of the forms on this website ask for your Social Security number or date of birth. When your loan needs them, you provide them through the online application or to your loan officer by phone.
How does the HELOC request work?
The HELOC form asks for your property address, how you use the home, whether it is listed for sale, your income, your employment type and the amount you would like. Adam Simmons reviews it and contacts you about the remaining details. We never ask for your Social Security number or date of birth on this website.
What documents will I need for a loan application?
Every situation is different, but most applications start with your pay stubs for the most recent 30 days, your W-2 forms for the past two years, the names and addresses of your employers for the past two years, and, if you are buying, a copy of the signed sales contract. Self-employed borrowers are usually asked for two years of full tax returns and a year-to-date profit and loss statement. Your loan officer will tell you exactly what your file needs.
Refinancing
What is the Refinance Opportunity Notification?
WHAT IT IS: A program that allows us to set a target mortgage rate where you might benefit from a potential refinance, allowing us to call you once your desired rate is available. WHAT IT IS NOT: This program is not a commitment to lend. Prospective borrowers must qualify for any potential loan. Not a commitment from prospective borrowers to go through with a potential refinance loan. This is NOT a rate lock. You must tell us to proceed with the loan estimate we present prior to rate lock.
What is the difference between a refinance and a cash-out refinance?
A refinance replaces the loan you have with a new one, usually to change the rate or the length of the loan. A cash-out refinance replaces it with a larger loan and pays you the difference in cash. Our Knowledge Center has an article on each.
Mortgage terms, in plain words
What are points?
A point is a fee equal to one percent of the loan amount. Discount points are paid up front to lower the interest rate on a loan. Whether they make sense usually depends on how long you plan to keep the loan.
What does it mean to lock the interest rate?
Mortgage rates can change between the day you apply and the day you close. A rate lock holds an interest rate for a set period of time, sometimes for a fee. Your loan officer explains the lock options before anything is locked.
What is the difference between a fixed-rate and an adjustable-rate mortgage?
With a fixed-rate mortgage, the principal and interest payment never changes during the life of the loan. An adjustable-rate mortgage usually starts with a fixed rate for a set period, then adjusts with market conditions.
Everything else
Can I estimate my numbers before I call?
Yes. Our mortgage calculators let you try different home prices and loan amounts. The results are estimates for planning only, not a loan offer.
Where can I read reviews?
Our clients’ Google reviews are on our reviews page, quoted word for word, along with a link to leave one of your own.
How do I file a complaint with the state of Texas?
Texas residents can file a complaint against a mortgage company or loan originator with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending (SML). The full notice, with the address, phone number and website, is printed at the bottom of every page of this site.
This website is for information only. It is not an offer or a commitment to lend, and it is not a rate lock. All loans are subject to application, credit approval, verification and program guidelines.
Still have a question?
Call the office or send a note, and a loan officer will get back to you.