Homestead in Albany, NY

Pros

• Kristen Brooke is amazing - attentive, organized, and fast, and she gets the job done.
• The Homestead team is professional, responsive, and dedicated to helping clients find great mortgage options.
• Flo and Denise are a pleasure to work with, making the mortgage process smooth and stress-free.
• Stacey Crandall is an exceptional loan originator, offering fast, thorough, and friendly service.
• Steve Field provides clear guidance for first-time homebuyers and keeps them well-informed throughout the process.
• Peter is knowledgeable and helpful, with clients noting that he and his colleagues really know their stuff.
• Kristen Brooke makes the home buying process simple and easy and is always available to answer questions.

Cons

• Mike Freeman is terrible to work with.
• Mike Freeman never replies to emails on time.
• Phil lied about the interest rate in 2019, and they ended up paying 4.5%.
• They rip you off and tell you to refinance after the fact.
• The company is all about themselves, not the customer.
• A senior loan officer left them hanging on a time-sensitive deal.

Review

Homestead Funding Corp in Albany is best suited for homebuyers who want a hands-on, relationship-driven lender that delivers clear guidance and responsive service. The team earns particular traction with buyers in the Capital District who want to shop and compare loan scenarios with confidence, and who prize personality and thorough explanations as much as rate numbers. When Kristen Brooke or Stacey Crandall leads the file, borrowers gain a trusted advocate who walks through every step, demystifying costs and options. This is not a best-fit for impulse shoppers or for those who need a uniform experience from every staffer; it's for buyers who value individual accountability and a proactive, customer-first approach.

Yet not every borrower will be comfortable with the potential variability that can accompany a service-centric lender. Isolated negative experiences exist, especially when a deal hinges on the performance of a single loan officer rather than the team as a whole. A few reviewers flagged encounters with Mike Freeman and Phil, describing tardy replies or misrepresented terms, and one note cautioned about a senior loan officer who left a time-sensitive deal unresolved. While these cases appear to be exceptions rather than the rule, they highlight the importance of requesting a specifically assigned primary contact and confirming communication expectations up front. For risk-averse buyers who want the same performance across every interaction, alternatives may be worth exploring.

On the positive side, the core value comes from the people who actually guide the process. Kristen Brooke stands out for professionalism, transparency, and hands-on responsiveness. Reviewers repeatedly praise her ability to answer questions quickly, to break down complex numbers into clear comparisons, and to keep underwriting moving so closings stay on track. That same standard of care is echoed by Stacey Crandall and Peter, Flo, and Denise, who bring steady guidance and steady updates. The team's strength is measurable in predictability: questions answered promptly, scenarios explained with clarity, and a closing experience described as smooth and on schedule. The relevance of cost is underscored by a few first-hand claims that Homestead keeps costs competitive, with servicing still accessible after closing.

Despite the strengths, service quality can hinge on the assigned loan officer, which can create uneven experiences. A pattern emerges where some staff are exceptionally attentive while others do not meet expectations, leading to frustration for borrowers who rely on a single point of contact. The servicing reality - where the loan may be sold to another bank after closing - can also feel disorienting to buyers who want a single, ongoing relationship. A handful of buyers report delays or doubts about specific representatives - elements that, while not universal, are real enough to matter on a tight timeline or under pressure to close.

Overall, the upside of a highly responsive, knowledgeable team far outweighs the friction. The standout performers routinely transform the mortgage journey into a transparent, low-stress experience, enabling buyers to compare loan options side-by-side and to feel confident in the numbers. The post-closing servicing arrangement is mitigated by a continuous point of contact who remains accessible, which reduces the fear of losing touch after the signature. For buyers who value a partner who will actively guide them through every stage, and who rewards diligence with clear, practical outcomes, Homestead delivers a compelling package that can beat the average lender on both price and service.

Prospective borrowers in Albany and the Capital District should, if possible, request Kristen Brooke or Stacey Crandall as the primary originator, ensure the file is assigned to a stable team, and confirm upfront who will handle servicing after closing. Verify written estimates, ask for scenario comparisons, and set expectations about response times. If a consistent, across-the-board experience with every staff member is non-negotiable, or if a project hinges on a rapid close with no room for staff variability, exploring other lenders may be prudent. For buyers who want a clearly guided, cost-conscious mortgage journey with standout personal service, Homestead remains among the strongest options in the region.

This part of Albany, New York, offers a convenient location with various amenities nearby that cater to senior living needs. With several hospitals and medical centers within a short distance, residents have access to top-notch healthcare facilities. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes for dining out or grabbing a cup of coffee with friends. Parks like Jennings Landing and Washington Park provide green spaces for leisurely walks or outdoor activities. Additionally, there are pharmacies and transportation options available for easy access to necessities and getting around the area. Places of worship and theaters offer opportunities for spiritual fulfillment and entertainment. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking to live comfortably in Albany.

Hospitals

• Albany Memorial Hospital (0.5 miles)
• The Pain Management Center At Albany Memorial Hospital (0.5 miles)
• Whitney M Young Jr Health Center (0.8 miles)
• The Eddy (2 miles)
• Stratton VA Medical Center (2.2 miles)
• Albany Medical Center Hemophilia And Von Willebrand S Disease Tr (2.2 miles)
• Albany Medical Center Pediatrics Developmental/Behavioral (2.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Lost & Found (0.7 miles)
• Nine Pin Cider (0.7 miles)
• Wolff's Biergarten (0.8 miles)
• Iron Gate Cafe (1.6 miles)
• The City Beer Hall (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (1.8 miles)
• Hill Street Cafe (1.9 miles)

Parks

• Jennings Landing (1.6 miles)
• Washington Park (2.1 miles)
• The Crossings of Colonie (4.2 miles)
• Miracle Playground (4.2 miles)
• Collins Circle (4.3 miles)

Cafes

• Stacks Espresso Bar (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)

Physicians

• LasikPlus Vision Center (1.6 miles)
• Albany New York LASIK & PRK Laser Eye Surgery - LasikPlus (1.6 miles)
• Capital Cardiology Associates (1.8 miles)
• Mohawk Amulance Central Ave - O2 Fill Station (2.1 miles)
• Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (2.1 miles)
• Albany Family Medicine (2.1 miles)
• OrthoNY (2.2 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (2.1 miles)
• CDTA Bus Stop (2.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• College Parkside Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• Rite Aid (3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Hindu Temple Society (2.7 miles)
• New Covenant Presbyterian Church (3.6 miles)
• Grace Fellowship (4.6 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Colonie Center & RPX (4.7 miles)