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CrossCountry Mortgage Doubles Down On Builder Market

Mar 12, 2026
CrossCountry Mortgage Doubles Down On Builder Market
Managing Editor

Retail lender expands construction financing as purchase-driven mortgage market evolves

CrossCountry Mortgage expands its presence in the homebuilding sector with a new investment in its Builder Division. The move deepens partnerships with homebuilders and expands financing options for borrowers purchasing newly constructed homes.

The Cleveland-based lender announced the initiative will focus on developing mortgage and commercial lending solutions tailored to homebuilders and their clients. These solutions include financing programs designed to support both residential construction and home purchases.

“For the third year in a row, we are the number one retail mortgage lender because we stay focused on one thing — giving buyers more ways to get to the closing table,” said Ron Leonhardt, Founder and CEO of CrossCountry Mortgage. “Our Builder Division investment strengthens our partnerships with builders and helps more families access homeownership.”

The division will offer a range of financing options for residential development and construction. These options include builder construction loans, small-balance commercial loans, bridge financing, and fix-and-flip loans. The platform will also provide forward commitments that allow builders to secure long-term mortgage financing for buyers before homes are completed.

New construction has become an increasingly important component of housing supply in many markets amid persistent resale-market inventory shortages. Homeowners with low pandemic-era mortgage rates remain reluctant to sell, limiting existing-home inventory.

CrossCountry Mortgage has expanded its national footprint in recent years and offers more than 120 mortgage products across conventional, government-insured, and jumbo lending programs.

In 2025, CrossCountry Mortgage originated more than $51 billion in loan volume and financed one in every 35 homes sold nationwide during Q4, according to company data. In the same year, its parent company partnered with Ares Alternative Credit and Hildene Capital Management to secure $1 billion in equity commitments. 

About the author
Managing Editor
Czarinna Andres leads editorial coverage for NMP, focusing on the trends, policies, and business strategies shaping today’s mortgage and housing finance landscape. She brings a background in journalism and media, with experience…
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