
Montana Mortgage Lenders
Your path home starts with neighbors who know the way
We’re the experts in buying a home in Montana. Based locally, our lenders provide the best Montana mortgage rates and stay ahead of the curve on the latest programs to help you maximize your purchase. We’ll take the time to sit down with you, understand your property ownership goals, and get creative with financing options no matter the property type.
Mortgage Loan Process
1. Pre-approval
Before starting your home search, connect with a lender to determine how much you can afford and get preapproved for a loan.
2. House Hunting
Find a home that fits your needs and budget, and place an offer. Once an offer is accepted, you can secure funding for your new home.
3. Loan Application
Submit your mortgage application and required documentation. If the same lender pre-approved you, they’ll already have some of the information they need.
4. Processing & Underwriting
The lender reviews your financial information and ensures the loan meets all guidelines.
5. Closing
Sign final documents and officially take ownership of your home!

First Step: Get Pre-approved
Before starting your home search, connect with a local lender. Together, you’ll determine how much you can afford on a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, giving you a good sense of the home price range to look for.
Plus, having a pre-approval letter is an excellent addition to your home offer when you find one you like. It gives you more purchase power by letting the seller know you’re financially ready to purchase the home.
To get pre-approved, you’ll need to verify your identity, income, assets, and debts, so bring the following when you visit your lender:
- A photo ID
- 2 months bank statements/assets and paystubs
- 2 years of W2s and/or taxes for self employed
- 2 years of previous home addresses
- 2 years of previous employer contacts
Mortgage Programs
Conventional/Conforming
A conventional mortgage refers to a loan not insured or guaranteed by the federal government. Conventional loans can be either fixed or an adjustable rate. Fixed-rate mortgages have a set interest rate for the entire mortgage term, which can be between 10 and 30 years with as little as 3% down. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has a term of 30 years with a low rate for a fixed period, followed by periodic adjustments according to a specific benchmark.
Veterans Administration (VA)
A VA loan is a mortgage the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guarantees. The VA loan offers long-term financing with zero money down to eligible American veterans or their surviving spouses (provided they do not remarry).
Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
The Federal Housing Administration insures FHA loans, which allow for lower down payments, lower credit score requirements, and lower debt-to-income (DTI) ratios than most conventional loans. These loans are ideal for first-time homebuyers and those with less-than-perfect credit.
Rural Development (RD / USDA)
The USDA Rural Development loan is a zero-down payment mortgage for eligible rural and suburban homebuyers. The USDA loan program aims to provide low- and moderate-income borrowers with access to homeownership in eligible rural areas.
Jumbo Loans
Jumbo loans are for home loans that exceed the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). These loans typically require a larger down payment, higher credit scores, and additional income documentation.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Several programs are available to assist first-time homebuyers, including down payment assistance and special loan terms to make homeownership more accessible.
Your Montana Mortgage Lenders

Emmie Kleppelid
Real Estate Loan Officer
406.447.5336Belgrade / Bozeman / Butte / Helena
ekleppelid@rmcu.net
nmls# 1512405

Kelly Topinka
Home Equity Loan Officer
406.582.6624Belgrade / Bozeman / Butte / Helena
kelly.topinka@rmcu.net
nmls# 217148

Toni Lake
Senior Real Estate Loan Officer
406.447.1109Belgrade / Bozeman / Butte / Helena
toni.lake@rmcu.net
nmls# 1744443
Start Your Mortgage Application
Learn More About Buying a Home in Montana



Some restrictions apply. On approved credit. Must qualify for membership. Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Each account is privately insured up to $250,000 by American Share Insurance. By members’ choice, this institution is not federally insured. NMLS 585490