About Us

A local lender, built for local families.

We're a correspondent lender based right here in Tennessee — funding loans with our own capital and giving our clients a local team from application to closing.

Michael Shadowens and Brannon Taylor in the Knoxville FCLS office

Correspondent lender

We fund your loan with our own capital.

Because we underwrite in-house instead of brokering out to a separate bank, our decisions happen faster and we can offer programs — including Non-QM, DSCR, ITIN, and Bank Statement loans — that many traditional lenders can't.

Since 2011

Built for Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia & Florida homebuyers.

We've grown from a single office to 7 branches and 40 loan officers, but the goal hasn't changed: give every family a local team that actually knows their market.

5.0★

Google rating

1,000+ reviews and counting from clients across TN, KY, GA & FL.

Local branches

Real offices staffed by loan officers who live in the communities they serve.

Loan officers

A dedicated point of contact for every client, from application to closing.

What Sets Us Apart

Why families choose FCLS.

Local, not corporate

Every branch is staffed by loan officers who live and work in the communities they serve — not a call center.

Fast, in-house decisions

As a correspondent lender, we underwrite our own loans — no waiting on a separate institution to sign off.

A program for real life

From first-time buyers to self-employed borrowers and investors, we have real options for situations traditional banks turn away.

★★★★★

1,000+ reviews. 5.0 average.

25+ new five-star reviews every month from Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Florida homebuyers.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 1024 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Sierra Lisenbee  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Allen was a huge help with any questions I had and really helped me through this process! I recommend him and First Choice to anyone looking for a home
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Laura Cloughley  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Luca was outstanding. He was communicative,  on top of requests and always available. This process is so stressful when purchasing a home and Luca helped ease the process immensely. Thank you Luca!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ah Kugler  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am a 62-year-old single woman who has never had to navigate a path like this before, and Stephen Pippin has been a truly amazing guide throughout the process. First and foremost, Stephen is a true gentleman. His professionalism, patience, and candor are so refreshing and welcoming in today’s world of “hurry up and just Google the answers yourself.” He took the time to patiently walk me through each step and made sure I truly understood every part of the loan process. That level of personal attention and genuine care made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel much more manageable. Thank you, Stephen Pippin, for your patience, professionalism, and for taking the time to make sure I understood the process. I am truly grateful for your guidance and would highly recommend you to anyone looking for someone they can trust. AHKugler
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jason Owen  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate was absolutely amazing to work with!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Polly Burrows  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lyndsey Logan was fabulous to work with. She made the whole loan process run smoothly and quickly!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kalvin Lentz  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First Choice Lending is top notch. Their name says it all. I recently worked with Robert for a home purchase in Eastern Tennesee. We were working with a very difficult seller that made us all want to pull our hair out.  He kept myself, as the client, and my interests at the top of his priority list. He didnt order any extra, unnecessary, inspections at my expense even though there was a slight chance we could have needed them. He took it one step at a time and did a very thorough job without wasiting my time or money. He kept me informed of where we were along every step of the process. Robert and the team at first choice lending were able to bring it to closing in perfect timing and I cant recomend them enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jeff Brigstock  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Sivy did an excellent job finding the best mortgage for my family's new home. Being small business owners, there was a significant amount of documentation that had to be provided. Kate never gave up when the process dragged on. We felt that we had an advocate through the entire process. We would definitely recommend Kate and First Choice Lending Services!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amanda Holland  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We worked with Kate Sivy to get our home. She is amazing! So helpful and on top of things. We had no clue we were even in a position to buy, but she held our hand and walked us through the whole process and we close tomorrow!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kyle Kaiser  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brannon and Robert did a great job helping us through the mortgage process. They were easy to get in touch with, answered our questions whenever they came up, and kept us informed throughout the process. We really appreciated the time and effort they put into helping everything come together and getting us to closing. I’d definitely recommend Brannon, Robert, and their team to anyone buying a home.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Diane Darcy Bonsall  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David was TERRIFIC. He kept me posted on progress and options, while also coaching my daughter, who is a first-time buyer. Through his persistence, we closed on time with a better rate than I hoped. Highly recommend.
  
 
  
  
 
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