The LendHero Advantage
At LendHero, we believe in serving our country’s heroes with more than just great rates. We pride ourselves in going above and beyond when it comes to customer service and educating you in the process along the way.
Our Story
In late 2021, Eric and Mike Bernstein, the co-founders of LendFriend, an Austin-based mortgage lender, saw a problem. The highly competitive housing market across the country, but especially in their hometown of Austin, Texas, was making it nearly impossible for our veterans and active-duty military to be able to join in the homebuying experience using their VA benefits. Many realtors had no interest in accepting offers from this well-deserving community simply because of a bad experience the realtor had, or more likely may have just heard about from a colleague, of a buyer receiving VA loan financing. The stigma around VA loans being more difficult and time consuming than the conventional loan process is one that Eric and Mike constantly challenge. The real issue with VA loans is that many lenders either don’t know how to navigate the VA loan rules and regulations or those that do end up charging the borrower excessive, unnecessary fees while being too slow to close in a timely manner. Eric and Mike, who began their career originating hundreds of VA loans in Florida and know how to navigate the rules and regulations with ease, wanted to create a mortgage lending arm that had the same low cost, customer first mentality as LendFriend to primarily serve and benefit our veteran and active-duty military and their friends and loved ones.
Eric and Mike knew that to be successful in this endeavor they’d need to partner with a team that’s already been successful in creating more opportunities for veterans, which is why they partnered with Laurel Reese and Joshua Leggett, two top executives from VA Claims Insider, a company that successfully streamlines and navigates the VA disability rating process, a notoriously difficult and overregulated process. VA Claims Insider has helped over 15,000 veterans increase their disability ratings by more than 30% on average. Laurel and Josh bring a wealth of knowledge that will help LendHero reach its intended audience and educate the community (both realtors and potential borrowers) on the merits of choosing the right local lender to handle your VA loan. Eric, Mike, Laurel and Josh, together with the team they’ve built around them, look forward to helping our veterans and active-duty military attain the financing that they want, with white glove service and at a low cost that they deserve.
How Can We Serve?
From calculating your monthly mortgage payment, to helping you to understand your options when buying a home, or even connecting with one of our knowledgeable agents, we're happy to help.
Mortgage Calculator
Purchasing a home is a big deal. LendHero’s mortgage calculators let you crunch the numbers without guesswork.
Need a Real Estate Agent?
LendHero’s network of agents is here to help you with anything you need when it comes to home buying or renting.
Become an Expert
Browse our Learning Center to become an expert of home ownership and learn how to avoid those costly mistakes.
Our Team
At LendHero, we believe in serving our country’s heroes with the best. Planning on applying for a home loan? Meet the people who who will help you through the process!

Eric Bernstein
Divisional Manager
NMLS ID# 1486987

Mike Bernstein
Divisional Manager
NMLS ID# 1588184

Drew Messer
Director of Production
NMLS ID# 2186567

Alfredo Yanes
Sales Manager & Loan Originator
NMLS ID# 1997663

Brandon Cox
Sales Associate & Loan Originator
NMLS ID# 1795704

Zach Witten
Sales Associate & Loan Originator
NMLS ID# 2254193

Josh Leggett
Branch Manager

Laurel Reese
Branch Manager
Contact Us Today
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