What Yellowstone County buyers should plan for
- The state sets your home's valueIn Montana, the Department of Revenue appraises property, not the county, and reappraises it on a regular cycle. Your tax bill comes from the county using that value.
- Wells and septic outside townHomes outside Billings city limits often have a private well and septic system. Lenders may ask for a water test or inspection, so we plan for it early.
- Property tax help for some homeownersMontana has property tax assistance programs for qualifying homeowners. Ask the Department of Revenue whether you're eligible, and we'll reflect it in your estimate.
Yellowstone County at a glance
- Property appraisal
- Montana Department of Revenue
- Cities we serve
- Billings, Laurel, Lockwood, Shepherd
How it works
Step 1: Answer 5 quick questions
Your goal, timeline, price range and area. No Social Security number, income or credit check.
Step 2: Talk to a licensed loan officer
A real person calls to understand your plans.
Step 3: Compare and close remotely
Side-by-side options from multiple lenders, secure uploads and e-sign.
Free tools
Run the numbers first
- HELOC & cash-out calculatorEstimate how much equity you may be able to access.
- Refinance savings calculatorCompare your current payment with a new rate and see a break-even point.
- Home affordability calculatorEstimate a home price that fits your income and debts.
- Mortgage payment calculatorEstimate a monthly principal and interest payment.
Where we lend
Licensed in California, Texas, Idaho and Montana.
Our office is in Cardiff by the Sea. We work with borrowers across California, Texas, Idaho and Montana by phone, video, secure document upload and e-sign. NMLS #1034679.
- San Diego County, CASan Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside
- Riverside County, CATemecula, Murrieta, Menifee
- Orange County, CAIrvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana
- Collin County, TXPlano, Frisco, Allen
- Williamson County, TXRound Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park
- Bexar County, TXSan Antonio, Schertz, New Braunfels
- Bell County, TXKilleen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove
- Ada County, IDBoise, Meridian, Eagle
What borrowers say
5.0 from 54 Google reviews
“Jeff gave us several loan options and explained the pros and cons of each. It felt like working with a close friend who had our best interests in mind.”
Plain-English guides
All guides and updates- Market updateMortgage rate averages eased three weeks in a row: a look at the past monthFreddie Mac's 30-year fixed average was 7.18% for the week of Nov 5, 2026, down 0.22 points in a month, but still 0.96 points above a year earlier.
- Market updateMortgage rates eased three weeks in a row but sit higher than a year agoFreddie Mac's 30-year fixed average fell from 7.40% on Oct 15 to 7.18% on Nov 5, 2026, but remains 0.96 points above 6.22% a year earlier.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 20% down?
Not always. Many conventional loan programs allow a smaller down payment, usually with mortgage insurance. VA loans may allow no down payment for eligible borrowers. We'll walk you through the options that fit your situation.
Does this check my credit?
No. We ask about your goal, timeline, price range and location, and our chat may ask for a rough credit range, which doesn't affect your credit. We never ask for your income or Social Security number, and nothing is pulled from a credit bureau. A credit check only happens later, with your permission, if you decide to apply.
What happens after I submit?
A licensed loan officer calls you to understand your plans and walk through your options.
What does a mortgage broker do?
A broker compares loan options from multiple wholesale lenders on your behalf, instead of offering one bank's products. We help you compare rates, fees and terms and then manage the loan through closing.
You're not based in Texas. How does that work?
RateSale is licensed in California, Texas, Idaho and Montana. We work with Texas borrowers by phone, video, secure document upload and e-sign, so most people never need to meet in person.
Who will contact me?
Jeff Nett or a licensed loan officer on his team at RateSale. We use your information to respond to your request, as described in our Privacy Policy. You can opt out at any time.