Meet Channing & Monica Moore — Bayou Mortgage is the family-owned brokerage headquartered right here in Lake Charles. We shop FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans across multiple lenders so SWLA buyers get the most competitive rate their profile qualifies for.
Bayou Mortgage is a locally-owned mortgage brokerage headquartered in Lake Charles, Louisiana. We originate loans across Calcasieu Parish and all of Southwest Louisiana — from Sulphur to Moss Bluff, Westlake to Iowa, and down through Jennings, DeRidder, and Leesville.
Because we're a broker — not a bank — we shop your loan across multiple wholesale lenders. That's a real advantage when you're buying in a market where prices, insurance, and property specifics vary block by block. One lender won't always be the best fit. We compare several and put the real numbers in front of you.
Whether you're a first-time buyer in Prien Lake, a contractor relocating for the LNG buildout, or an investor looking at cash-flow properties across SWLA — you'll get straight answers from someone who knows the area.
Banks and retail lenders can only offer you what they have. As a Lake Charles mortgage broker, Bayou Mortgage shops your loan across multiple wholesale lenders — comparing programs, rates, and fees to find what actually fits your situation. In SWLA that difference shows up in your monthly payment, closing costs, and how long you carry PMI.
Whether you're buying your first home in Moss Bluff, refinancing in Sulphur, or building an investment portfolio in Lake Charles — we have the right program. We compare options side by side so you see the real numbers before you decide.
The go-to for Lake Charles first-time buyers and anyone with a 580–680 credit score. Low down payment, flexible DTI, and straightforward guidelines.
Best long-term value for 680+ credit. PMI cancels at 20% equity — unlike FHA. Works for primary, second home, and investment across SWLA.
The best mortgage in America for veterans and active-duty — perfect for Fort Johnson families and Lake Charles vets. Zero down, no PMI, competitive rates.
Zero down payment for buyers in rural SWLA zip codes — Moss Bluff, Iowa, DeRidder, and parts of Calcasieu Parish qualify. Great alternative to FHA.
For loan amounts above the $766,550 conforming limit. Luxury homes and high-value properties in Lake Charles and across Louisiana.
Self-employed, 1099, or recent credit event? Non-QM loans use bank statements or alternative income docs — for SWLA borrowers who don't fit the standard box.
Lower your rate, shorten your term, or both. If rates have dropped since you closed on your Lake Charles home — we'll run the numbers.
Tap your home's equity to consolidate debt, fund renovations, or cover major expenses. Available on primary residences and investment properties.
The VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan is one of the fastest refinances available — no appraisal required in most cases.
Existing FHA borrowers can refinance to a lower rate with minimal documentation and no appraisal required. Fast, straightforward, low cost.
If your Lake Charles home has appreciated since you bought it, you may be able to refinance out of PMI and lower your total monthly payment.
Tell us your current rate and loan details. We'll run a breakeven analysis and tell you straight whether refinancing makes financial sense.
Qualify based on rental income — not your personal income. No tax returns, no employment verification. Perfect for Lake Charles rental portfolios.
Conventional financing for 1–4 unit investment properties. Lower rates than hard money with full 30-year amortization.
DSCR loans work for properties that need light to moderate renovation — buy, renovate, and hold with long-term financing from day one.
DSCR lenders count Airbnb and VRBO income. We source lenders who will qualify your SWLA STR property using market rent or actual rental history.
Own property in Lake Charles and want to expand? Our DSCR product covers 33 states — including the cash-flow markets SWLA investors love.
Own multiple properties? Ask about blanket loan options for scaling your portfolio without refinancing each property individually.
Our free first-time homebuyer class — now available on demand. Watch on your schedule and walk away knowing exactly what to do, in what order, and how fast you can actually go from renting to closing on your Lake Charles home.
Retail lenders and Lake Charles banks are limited to their own products. As a broker, we access multiple wholesale lenders — and we don't get paid more to push one over another.
When you apply with a Lake Charles bank, they can only offer you what they have. Bayou Mortgage submits your profile to multiple wholesale lenders simultaneously — comparing programs, rates, and fees to find the one that actually fits your file. That's the broker advantage, and it's what puts money back in your pocket every month.
See What You Qualify For →Most SWLA clients get a pre-approval letter the same day they apply. In the Lake Charles market, speed matters — and we're built for it.
FHA vs. Conventional vs. USDA vs. VA — we run every program with real Lake Charles numbers so you can see exactly which saves you more.
We're based here. Not a call center in another state. When you call us, you reach someone who knows SWLA realtors, title companies, and the local market.
Moving to Lake Charles for Venture Global, Cheniere, or another industrial project? We handle relocation stipends, contract income, and fast timelines.
We make the mortgage process straightforward. No paperwork avalanche. No mystery. Just a clear path to closing.
Before you shop, we put together a clear game plan for your financing — budget, loan type, down payment, monthly target — so you know exactly where you stand before you ever make an offer.
Start My Game PlanWe issue a same-day pre-approval letter that gives SWLA sellers and Realtors confidence you're a serious, qualified buyer ready to move — not just browsing.
Get My Pre-ApprovalWe manage the file from contract to closing — coordinating the appraisal, title, and underwriting so you're never left wondering what's happening next.
Start My ApplicationBayou Mortgage is a licensed Louisiana mortgage broker headquartered in Lake Charles — which means we work for you, not a lender. We don't have products to push or quotas to hit. We have one job: find the loan that makes the most sense for your situation and get you to the closing table.
We originate FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, and DSCR loans across Calcasieu Parish and all of Southwest Louisiana. Whether you're buying your first home in Lake Charles, retiring to DeRidder, or building a rental portfolio in Sulphur, we've got the programs and lender access to make it work.
"My goal is simple — help every SWLA family understand their real options, find the best rate, and feel confident about one of the biggest financial decisions they'll ever make. Lake Charles is home. These are my neighbors."
Real Lake Charles clients. Real closings. Read all 115+ Google reviews →
Straight answers on buying, refinancing, and investing in SWLA.
Free quote, no credit pull, no pressure — just real answers from a Lake Charles mortgage broker who works for you.
Real questions from SWLA buyers and investors.
Bayou Mortgage serves Lake Charles and all of Southwest Louisiana — and we're licensed throughout the state. Find mortgage info for your city.
Whether you're in Lake Charles, Sulphur, Moss Bluff, or anywhere across SWLA — Bayou Mortgage finds your best rate.
