Human guidance.
Strategic lending.
We help you make real-world mortgage decisions with clear answers and a plan built around your life.
Human guidance.
Strategic lending.
We help you make real-world mortgage decisions with clear answers and a plan built around your life.
Human guidance.
Strategic lending.
We help you make real-world mortgage decisions with clear answers and a plan built around your life.
Why borrowers choose Thompson Kane
Why borrowers choose Thompson Kane
Why borrowers choose Thompson Kane
We do the lending ourselves, start to finish. From your first question to closing day, you work with one team that underwrites and funds your loan in-house, answers the phone when you call, and knows how to solve the problems that send other lenders running. It's a more personal way to handle one of the biggest decisions you'll make, and our borrowers tell us it shows.
We do the lending ourselves, start to finish. From your first question to closing day, you work with one team that underwrites and funds your loan in-house, answers the phone when you call, and knows how to solve the problems that send other lenders running. It's a more personal way to handle one of the biggest decisions you'll make, and our borrowers tell us it shows.
WE MAKE
THE DECISION
We're a direct mortgage banker
We originate, underwrite, and fund loans with our own capital. The people deciding on your loan are the same people you can actually reach.
LOCAL EXPERTISE
Loan officers who know your market
Most of our borrowers work with an officer right in their community. Whoever you're paired with, you get someone who stays with you the whole way, not a stranger reading from a script.
WE CONTROL THE TIMELINE
We protect your closing date
Because everything happens in-house, we control the timeline. When your closing date matters, that's the difference between making the deal and breaking it.
YOUR LOAN OFFICER PICKS UP
Available when life happens
Home buying rarely fits a 9-to-5 schedule. Need a pre-approval letter fast, or documents pushed through as a deal moves? We're reachable when it counts.
Explore your loan options
Explore your loan options
Explore your loan options
Your Mortgage Process, Step-by-Step
Step 1. Get Pre-Approved
Before you fall in love with a house, find out what you can actually afford. Pre-approval means a loan officer reviews your income, assets, and credit to calculate how much you qualify to borrow. You'll leave with a letter that shows sellers you're qualified and ready to close. In a market with multiple offers, that letter often decides which bids get taken seriously.
Your Mortgage Process, Step-by-Step
Step 2. Find Your Agent
A good buyer's agent knows the local market, and the best ones hear about listings before they go public. They negotiate on your side of the table, which matters more than most buyers expect. How agents are paid changed in 2024 and is now worked out deal by deal, so ask about the fee arrangement up front. Bring your pre-approval to your first meeting.
Your Mortgage Process, Step-by-Step
Step 3. Find Your Home
With a pre-approval in hand and an agent on your side, you're ready to shop seriously. Your agent sets up searches and tours and helps you weigh each property against your budget. When the right one appears, you're in a position to make an offer the same day.
Your Mortgage Process, Step-by-Step
Step 4. Submit Documents
Once you're under contract, your loan officer will request a specific set of financial documents, including W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, and pay stubs. This is the raw material the lender needs to build your loan file. Our mobile app makes it easy to upload everything securely from your phone.
Your Mortgage Process, Step-by-Step
Step 5. Loan Underwriting
Underwriting is the part that happens behind the scenes, and that's by design. An underwriter reviews your complete loan file: your income, your credit profile, and the property's appraised value. They're answering one question: is this a sound investment? Most loans are approved conditionally, with small items to clarify or document. If questions come back, it's normal.
Your Mortgage Process, Step-by-Step
Step 6. The Closing Day
Closing day is when everything becomes official. You'll sign the final loan documents, pay any remaining closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home. Your loan officer will walk you through what to expect so there are no surprises. The whole appointment typically takes about an hour.
Your Mortgage Process, Step-by-Step
Step 7. The Keys Are Yours
You've done it. The loan is funded, the title is transferred, and the home is yours. Your loan officer stays reachable after closing, for first-payment questions, a refinance down the road, or a friend who needs a lender. Same person, same number.
What Thompson Kane's Borrowers Say
What Thompson Kane's Borrowers Say
What Thompson Kane's Borrowers Say
4.95 average / 259 reviews on Zillow
4.95 average / 259 reviews on Zillow
"In a hot market, our normal lender could not close quickly, so we had to look for options. Patrick was a GREAT choice —he works weekends and evenings, provides accurate information in a timely fashion, and helped us close on a fantastic property that we would have lost without him."
"In a hot market, our normal lender could not close quickly, so we had to look for options. Patrick was a GREAT choice —he works weekends and evenings, provides accurate information in a timely fashion, and helped us close on a fantastic property that we would have lost without him."
"In a hot market, our normal lender could not close quickly, so we had to look for options. Patrick was a GREAT choice —he works weekends and evenings, provides accurate information in a timely fashion, and helped us close on a fantastic property that we would have lost without him."
Reviews are published as written. Individual experiences; results vary. All loans subject to credit approval. Not a guarantee of approval, rate, or closing timeline.
Reviews are published as written. Individual experiences; results vary. All loans subject to credit approval. Not a guarantee of approval, rate, or closing timeline.
Zillow Verified
Zillow Verified
Ann K.
Madison, WI | Purchase
Ann K.
Madison, WI | Purchase
Ann K.
Madison, WI | Purchase
We had an amazing experience with Thompson Kane and closed on our dream house today! Because of them we were able to put in an all cash offer which we believe is why our bid was accepted. We worked with Patrick A and Elizabeth O. They were both extremely responsive and helpful, the portal to upload information was easy and convenient. I can't recommend them enough! -Mindy and Terry
Mindy O.
Madison, WI
Cash-offer Program
I have put mortgages on houses or refinanced more than 10 times and this was the easiest and the best. It was very efficient and their rate was much better than what any other lender offered. I would definitely recommend them.
Ann ML
Lake Geneva, WI
Mortgage Refinance
Thompson Kane was incredible. But more specifically my loan officer Tom was simply amazing. As a first time home buyer I needed all the help I could get and Tom was there to walk me through every step of the process and answer ANY question I had. I cannot recommend this company enough. The level of caring and attention detail is exemplary.
Ehren S.
Stoughton, WI
First-Time Buyer
We recently financed a home through Thompson Kane, and it was a fantastic experience. We primarily worked with Connor Lanigan, who provided prompt service and informed advice to guide us smoothly to the closing table. His deep knowledge of the local market and dedication to delivering the best customer experience were truly impressive. We highly recommend Thompson Kane!
Max S.
Madison, WI
Local Expertise
I truly believe our offer was accepted because of the cash buyer program that Patrick offers. As first time home buyers, we had many questions and Patrick took the time to answer all of them, multiple times, and late at night. Thank you so much, Patrick!
Roberta B.
Fitchburg, WI
First-Time Buyer
I highly recommend Wes and his team. Financing my home purchase was fast, easy, and seamless. Wes is very responsive, he even called me on a Saturday to get my loan started. I would not work with anyone else for a mortgage, only Wes, only Thompson Kane.
Clancy D.
Waunakee, WI
Weekend Support
Tom is calm, clever, responsive and kind. He even came to the closing bearing gifts. He’s the best! I’d work with him again in a heartbeat. His staff is great too.
Marlisa
Madison, WI
Conventional Mortgage
We had the pleasure of working with Patrick at Thompson Kane. Patrick was recommended to us after our original lender fell through. He quickly got everything together and we were able to close 10 days after we were in contact with him. I cannot thank Patrick enough for everything he did for us. He is very knowledgeable and always happy to answer any questions at any time of day. We were told by a few different mortgage companies that closing so quickly would be impossible, but Patrick was able to do it no problem. I highly recommend Patrick and we couldn’t thank him and his team enough.
Tristan B.
Madison, WI
Fast Close
I had a good experience with Thompson Kane in refinancing my mortgage. I am a 74 year old widow and was worried about dealing over the internet, but everyone I spoke to and communicated with made me feel comfortable and reached out to confirm they had received the documents.
Martha R.
Libertyville, IL
Refinance
We had an amazing experience with Thompson Kane and closed on our dream house today! Because of them we were able to put in an all cash offer which we believe is why our bid was accepted. We worked with Patrick A and Elizabeth O. They were both extremely responsive and helpful, the portal to upload information was easy and convenient. I can't recommend them enough! -Mindy and Terry
Mindy O.
Madison, WI
Cash-offer Program
I have put mortgages on houses or refinanced more than 10 times and this was the easiest and the best. It was very efficient and their rate was much better than what any other lender offered. I would definitely recommend them.
Ann ML
Lake Geneva, WI
Mortgage Refinance
Thompson Kane was incredible. But more specifically my loan officer Tom was simply amazing. As a first time home buyer I needed all the help I could get and Tom was there to walk me through every step of the process and answer ANY question I had. I cannot recommend this company enough. The level of caring and attention detail is exemplary.
Ehren S.
Stoughton, WI
First-Time Buyer
We recently financed a home through Thompson Kane, and it was a fantastic experience. We primarily worked with Connor Lanigan, who provided prompt service and informed advice to guide us smoothly to the closing table. His deep knowledge of the local market and dedication to delivering the best customer experience were truly impressive. We highly recommend Thompson Kane!
Max S.
Madison, WI
Local Expertise
I truly believe our offer was accepted because of the cash buyer program that Patrick offers. As first time home buyers, we had many questions and Patrick took the time to answer all of them, multiple times, and late at night. Thank you so much, Patrick!
Roberta B.
Fitchburg, WI
First-Time Buyer
I highly recommend Wes and his team. Financing my home purchase was fast, easy, and seamless. Wes is very responsive, he even called me on a Saturday to get my loan started. I would not work with anyone else for a mortgage, only Wes, only Thompson Kane.
Clancy D.
Waunakee, WI
Weekend Support
Tom is calm, clever, responsive and kind. He even came to the closing bearing gifts. He’s the best! I’d work with him again in a heartbeat. His staff is great too.
Marlisa
Madison, WI
Conventional Mortgage
We had the pleasure of working with Patrick at Thompson Kane. Patrick was recommended to us after our original lender fell through. He quickly got everything together and we were able to close 10 days after we were in contact with him. I cannot thank Patrick enough for everything he did for us. He is very knowledgeable and always happy to answer any questions at any time of day. We were told by a few different mortgage companies that closing so quickly would be impossible, but Patrick was able to do it no problem. I highly recommend Patrick and we couldn’t thank him and his team enough.
Tristan B.
Madison, WI
Fast Close
I had a good experience with Thompson Kane in refinancing my mortgage. I am a 74 year old widow and was worried about dealing over the internet, but everyone I spoke to and communicated with made me feel comfortable and reached out to confirm they had received the documents.
Martha R.
Libertyville, IL
Refinance
We had an amazing experience with Thompson Kane and closed on our dream house today! Because of them we were able to put in an all cash offer which we believe is why our bid was accepted. We worked with Patrick A and Elizabeth O. They were both extremely responsive and helpful, the portal to upload information was easy and convenient. I can't recommend them enough! -Mindy and Terry
Mindy O.
Madison, WI
Cash-offer Program
I have put mortgages on houses or refinanced more than 10 times and this was the easiest and the best. It was very efficient and their rate was much better than what any other lender offered. I would definitely recommend them.
Ann ML
Lake Geneva, WI
Mortgage Refinance
Thompson Kane was incredible. But more specifically my loan officer Tom was simply amazing. As a first time home buyer I needed all the help I could get and Tom was there to walk me through every step of the process and answer ANY question I had. I cannot recommend this company enough. The level of caring and attention detail is exemplary.
Ehren S.
Stoughton, WI
First-Time Buyer
We recently financed a home through Thompson Kane, and it was a fantastic experience. We primarily worked with Connor Lanigan, who provided prompt service and informed advice to guide us smoothly to the closing table. His deep knowledge of the local market and dedication to delivering the best customer experience were truly impressive. We highly recommend Thompson Kane!
Max S.
Madison, WI
Local Expertise
I truly believe our offer was accepted because of the cash buyer program that Patrick offers. As first time home buyers, we had many questions and Patrick took the time to answer all of them, multiple times, and late at night. Thank you so much, Patrick!
Roberta B.
Fitchburg, WI
First-Time Buyer
I highly recommend Wes and his team. Financing my home purchase was fast, easy, and seamless. Wes is very responsive, he even called me on a Saturday to get my loan started. I would not work with anyone else for a mortgage, only Wes, only Thompson Kane.
Clancy D.
Waunakee, WI
Weekend Support
Tom is calm, clever, responsive and kind. He even came to the closing bearing gifts. He’s the best! I’d work with him again in a heartbeat. His staff is great too.
Marlisa
Madison, WI
Conventional Mortgage
We had the pleasure of working with Patrick at Thompson Kane. Patrick was recommended to us after our original lender fell through. He quickly got everything together and we were able to close 10 days after we were in contact with him. I cannot thank Patrick enough for everything he did for us. He is very knowledgeable and always happy to answer any questions at any time of day. We were told by a few different mortgage companies that closing so quickly would be impossible, but Patrick was able to do it no problem. I highly recommend Patrick and we couldn’t thank him and his team enough.
Tristan B.
Madison, WI
Fast Close
I had a good experience with Thompson Kane in refinancing my mortgage. I am a 74 year old widow and was worried about dealing over the internet, but everyone I spoke to and communicated with made me feel comfortable and reached out to confirm they had received the documents.
Martha R.
Libertyville, IL
Refinance
Your Mortgage Process, Step-by-Step
Step 1. Get Pre-Approved
Before you fall in love with a house, find out what you can actually afford. Pre-approval means a loan officer reviews your income, assets, and credit to calculate how much you qualify to borrow. You'll leave with a letter that shows sellers you're qualified and ready to close. In a market with multiple offers, that letter often decides which bids get taken seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thompson Kane a bank, a mortgage broker, or something else?
Neither. Thompson Kane is a direct mortgage banker. That means we originate, underwrite, approve, and fund loans ourselves, using our own capital. You work with one local team from application to closing, and the people making decisions about your loan are the same people you can actually reach. Brokers shop your file to outside lenders, and big banks route you through call centers.
What's the first step to getting a home loan?
Talk to a loan officer and get pre-approved. Pre-approval tells you what you can comfortably borrow, and it signals to sellers that your offer is backed by real financing. It costs nothing, and it's often the conversation that turns "someday" into a plan.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Probably less than you think. The idea that you need 20% down is one of the most persistent myths in home buying. Conventional programs exist with as little as 3% down, FHA loans start at 3.5%, and VA and USDA loans can require nothing down for eligible buyers. Down payment assistance programs can help too. Your loan officer can show you what's realistic for your situation.
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
There's a wider range than most people assume. Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA programs each set their own minimum, and those minimums shift over time, so the number that matters is the one for your program today. A lower score doesn't close the door: government-backed options in particular are built for buyers whose credit is still developing. If yours has room to improve, a loan officer can show you where you stand against today's requirements and what would make the biggest difference.
What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is an informal estimate based on numbers you report yourself. Pre-approval means a lender has actually reviewed your credit, income, and documentation and is prepared to lend a specific amount, pending final underwriting. In a competitive market, pre-approval is the one that carries weight with sellers, and it's what we recommend before you start touring homes.
How long does it take to close on a home?
Typically 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to keys in hand, though it varies with the loan type and how quickly documents come together. Because Thompson Kane underwrites and funds loans in-house, we control the timeline instead of waiting on a third party. Over the past 12 months, our purchase loans have averaged about 28 days from application to clear to close. From there, closing is a date on the calendar.
Will Thompson Kane sell my loan?
Like most mortgage lenders, Thompson Kane may sell loans on the secondary market after closing, which can also mean your servicing, the company you send your payment to, changes at some point. What cannot change is the loan itself: your rate, your term, and your principal and interest payment amount stay exactly as agreed.
Why don't I see mortgage rates listed on this site?
Because no advertised number can tell you what your rate will actually be. Rates depend on your credit, your down payment, your loan type, and the day you lock, so a figure on a website is a marketing number, not your number. We'd rather quote you a real rate based on your real situation. We explain our thinking on our Mortgage Rates page.
Do you only lend in Wisconsin?
No. Thompson Kane is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, with loan officers based in communities across several states and licensing beyond that. Wherever you're buying, you work directly with a loan officer who knows your market. For a complete list of states we serve, visit our Licenses and Registration by State page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thompson Kane a bank, a mortgage broker, or...?
Neither. Thompson Kane is a direct mortgage banker. That means we originate, underwrite, approve, and fund loans ourselves, using our own capital. You work with one local team from application to closing, and the people making decisions about your loan are the same people you can actually reach. Brokers shop your file to outside lenders, and big banks route you through call centers.
What's the first step to getting a home loan?
Talk to a loan officer and get pre-approved. Pre-approval tells you what you can comfortably borrow before you fall in love with a house, and it signals to sellers that your offer is backed by real financing. It costs nothing, and it's often the conversation that turns "someday" into a plan.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Probably less than you think. The idea that you need 20% down is one of the most persistent myths in home buying. Conventional programs exist with as little as 3% down, FHA loans start at 3.5%, and VA and USDA loans can require nothing down for eligible buyers. Down payment assistance programs can help too. Your loan officer can show you what's realistic for your situation.
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
There's a wider range than most people assume. Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA programs each set their own minimum, and those minimums shift over time, so the number that matters is the one for your program today. A lower score doesn't close the door: government-backed options in particular are built for buyers whose credit is still developing. If yours has room to improve, a loan officer can show you where you stand against today's requirements and what would make the biggest difference.
What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is an informal estimate based on numbers you report yourself. Pre-approval means a lender has actually reviewed your credit, income, and documentation and is prepared to lend a specific amount, pending final underwriting. In a competitive market, pre-approval is the one that carries weight with sellers, and it's what we recommend before you start touring homes.
How long does it take to close on a home?
Typically 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to keys in hand, though it varies with the loan type and how quickly documents come together. Because Thompson Kane underwrites and funds loans in-house, we control the timeline instead of waiting on a third party. Over the past 12 months, our purchase loans have averaged about 28 days from application to clear to close. From there, closing is a date on the calendar.
Will Thompson Kane sell my loan?
Like most mortgage lenders, Thompson Kane may sell loans on the secondary market after closing, which can also mean your servicing, the company you send your payment to, changes at some point. What cannot change is the loan itself: your rate, your term, and your principal and interest payment amount stay exactly as agreed.
Why don't I see mortgage rates listed on this site?
Because no advertised number can tell you what your rate will actually be. Rates depend on your credit, your down payment, your loan type, and the day you lock, so a figure on a website is a marketing number, not your number. We'd rather quote you a real rate based on your real situation. We explain our thinking on our Mortgage Rates page.
Do you only lend in Wisconsin?
No. Thompson Kane is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, with loan officers based in communities across several states and licensing beyond that. Wherever you're buying, you work directly with a loan officer who knows your market. For a complete list of states we serve, visit our Licenses and Registration by State page.
Ready to start your journey to home ownership?
©2026 Thompson Kane & Co., Inc. | NMLS# 898428
8040 Excelsior Dr, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53717
Ready to start your journey to home ownership?
©2026 Thompson Kane & Co., Inc
NMLS# 898428
8040 Excelsior Dr, Suite 100
Madison, WI 53717
Ready to start your journey to home ownership?
©2026 Thompson Kane & Co., Inc. • NMLS# 898428
8040 EXCELSIOR DR, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53717