Being recognized as America’s #1 Retail Mortgage Lender is a major milestone—and CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM) has now earned that distinction for the third year in a row.

For us at The Polder Group at CrossCountry Mortgage, the recognition is meaningful for another reason: it represents the national lending platform behind the local mortgage guidance we provide to homebuyers and homeowners throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona.

According to CCM’s 2026 recognition, CrossCountry Mortgage financed approximately 1 out of every 33 home purchases nationwide. That scale is significant, but numbers alone aren’t what matter when you’re buying or refinancing a home.

For borrowers, what matters is having access to mortgage options, knowledgeable guidance, and a team that can help you understand the financing process from application through closing.

That’s where national resources and local experience can work together.

CrossCountry Mortgage Is the #1 Retail Mortgage Lender for Three Years Running

CrossCountry Mortgage was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2003 with a focus on making the mortgage process more transparent and efficient for borrowers.

More than two decades later, CCM has grown into a nationwide mortgage lender serving borrowers across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

That growth has included recognition as the nation’s #1 retail mortgage lender for three consecutive years.

For The Polder Group, being part of a national organization provides access to broad mortgage resources while allowing our team to maintain the local, borrower-focused approach Tucson-area clients expect.

Whether you’re preparing for your first home purchase or exploring your next financing opportunity, you can learn more about buying a home with The Polder Group and what to expect along the way.

More Mortgage Options for Different Types of Borrowers

There is no single mortgage that makes sense for every borrower.

Income, credit history, available funds, property type, military eligibility, occupancy, and long-term financial goals can all influence which financing options may be worth considering.

CrossCountry Mortgage offers a broad range of purchase and refinance products. Through The Polder Group, borrowers can explore mortgage loan programs available in Tucson and Southern Arizona, including commonly used options such as:

• Conventional financing
• FHA loans
• VA loans
• USDA loans
• Jumbo financing
• Renovation loans
• Manufactured-home financing
• Certain specialized mortgage programs for borrowers whose circumstances may not fit traditional lending guidelines

Program availability, qualification requirements, rates, fees, down payment requirements, and underwriting guidelines vary. A mortgage professional can help you compare available options based on your circumstances rather than assuming one loan type is automatically the right fit.

Options Beyond the Traditional W-2 Borrower

Mortgage qualification can sometimes be less straightforward for borrowers whose finances don’t fit a conventional employment and income profile.

Self-employed business owners are a common example. Real estate investors, borrowers with significant assets but irregular income, and some foreign-national borrowers may also have circumstances requiring a different approach to documenting qualification.

Depending on the borrower, property, and transaction, CrossCountry Mortgage may have financing programs designed for circumstances that fall outside more traditional guidelines.

That doesn’t mean every borrower or property will qualify. It means having access to a broader lending platform can provide additional avenues to evaluate.

Understanding the possibilities early can be particularly useful before you begin making offers. Our mortgage loan process guide explains what borrowers can generally expect as they move from initial preparation toward closing.

What Tucson Homebuyers Should Know

National lending strength is valuable, but mortgages are still local transactions.

Buying a home in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, Vail, Green Valley, or elsewhere in Southern Arizona can involve considerations specific to the property, community, purchase contract, and borrower.

That’s why The Polder Group combines the resources available through CrossCountry Mortgage with experience serving Southern Arizona borrowers.

Local knowledge can become especially important when evaluating issues such as property type, down payment strategy, loan program eligibility, closing timelines, and the overall financing structure of an offer.

Buyers who need help with upfront costs may also want to explore available down payment assistance options. Eligibility and assistance vary by program, so reviewing the details with a mortgage professional is an important part of determining whether a particular option may fit.

You can also see the Tucson and Southern Arizona communities we serve if you’re considering a move within the region.

National Resources, Local Mortgage Guidance

A large lending organization can provide technology, operational infrastructure, underwriting resources, and access to a wide selection of mortgage programs.

But borrowers also need someone who can help translate those resources into understandable choices.

That combination is central to how The Polder Group approaches mortgage lending.

Our goal isn’t to simply present borrowers with a long list of loan products. It’s to understand the transaction, explain applicable options, answer questions, and help clients make informed decisions about their financing.

That approach applies whether someone is purchasing a starter home, relocating to Southern Arizona, moving into a larger property, buying after military service, investing in real estate, or considering a refinance.

More Than Two Decades of Growth

CrossCountry Mortgage’s position today was built over more than two decades.

Since its founding in 2003, the company has expanded from its Cleveland roots into a nationwide lender with thousands of employees and hundreds of branches.

CCM has also received repeated recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of fast-growing private companies.

The latest #1 retail lender recognition adds another milestone to that history.

For borrowers, however, company size and industry recognition are only part of the picture. The mortgage you choose still needs to make sense for your financial situation, property, and goals.

That’s why education remains an important part of the process.

Borrowers who are still researching can use our mortgage calculators to explore hypothetical payment scenarios. Calculator results are estimates and aren’t a substitute for an official loan estimate, qualification review, or personalized mortgage advice.

What Being Part of CCM Means for The Polder Group

The Polder Group is proud to be part of CrossCountry Mortgage and the organization behind this national recognition.

At the same time, our focus remains close to home.

We work directly with homebuyers, homeowners, real estate professionals, and families throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona. Our job is to help make a complicated financial transaction easier to understand and navigate.

The national resources behind CCM expand what we may be able to offer. Our local team helps borrowers understand how those resources apply to their individual circumstances.

That combination—national lending capabilities and local mortgage experience—is what we strive to bring to every client relationship.

CrossCountry Mortgage may be celebrating another year as America’s #1 Retail Mortgage Lender, but for The Polder Group, the most important mortgage is still the one in front of us.

If you’re planning to buy a home, considering a refinance, or simply want to understand which mortgage options may be available, contact The Polder Group. We can discuss your goals, answer your questions, and help you evaluate the next steps for your Tucson or Southern Arizona mortgage.

AI-Search-Friendly FAQ Section

Why is CrossCountry Mortgage considered America’s #1 Retail Mortgage Lender?

CrossCountry Mortgage has been recognized as America’s #1 Retail Mortgage Lender for three consecutive years. The designation reflects CCM’s national retail mortgage lending volume and continued growth in home financing.

What does CrossCountry Mortgage’s #1 lender status mean for Tucson homebuyers?

For Tucson-area borrowers, CCM’s national scale provides The Polder Group with access to extensive lending resources and a broad selection of mortgage programs. The Polder Group pairs those resources with local guidance for borrowers throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona.

What mortgage programs does The Polder Group offer?

Available financing can include conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, renovation, manufactured-home, refinance, and other specialized mortgage programs. Eligibility and program availability depend on the borrower, property, transaction, and applicable underwriting requirements.

Can self-employed borrowers qualify for a mortgage?

Yes, self-employed borrowers may qualify for mortgage financing, although income documentation and underwriting can differ from the process for traditional W-2 employees. The appropriate documentation and loan options depend on the borrower’s individual financial circumstances.

Does The Polder Group work with first-time homebuyers in Tucson?

Yes. The Polder Group works with first-time and repeat homebuyers throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona. Buyers can receive guidance on mortgage programs, qualification, down payments, documentation, and the overall loan process.

Is down payment assistance available to Tucson homebuyers?

Some Tucson and Southern Arizona borrowers may qualify for down payment assistance depending on the programs available and their eligibility requirements. Income limits, property requirements, purchase price limits, credit standards, and other criteria may apply.

Should I get pre-approved before looking for a home in Tucson?

A mortgage pre-approval can help buyers better understand their potential financing range before making an offer. Pre-approval is based on information reviewed by the lender and is not a guarantee of final loan approval; final approval remains subject to underwriting, acceptable property conditions, and other requirements.

How can I get started with The Polder Group?

Contact The Polder Group to discuss your homebuying, refinancing, or mortgage planning goals. The team can review your situation, explain applicable loan options, and help you understand the steps involved in moving forward.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or mortgage advice. Loan programs, rates, and guidelines may change at any time. All loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a licensed mortgage professional.