Alabama Homebuyers Gain New Option as Cornerstone & Stone Martin Forge Lending Partnership

Opelika, AL – November 11, 2025 – Alabama’s housing market is getting a new player with the launch of a strategic lending partnership between national mortgage leader Cornerstone Home Lending and prominent regional builder Stone Martin Builders. The joint venture, announced today, aims to simplify the home financing process for buyers and provide Stone Martin with greater control over its sales backlog amidst a challenging economic landscape.

This partnership arrives at a pivotal time. While Alabama remains more affordable than many states, the market has faced headwinds in recent months. 2024 saw an 18% decline in home sales, largely attributed to consistently elevated mortgage rates. Despite this downturn, the median sales price has remained stable, and inventory is slowly increasing – presenting both challenges and opportunities for builders and buyers alike.

Addressing Affordability and Streamlining the Process

The new lending entity will operate as an independent joint venture, leveraging Cornerstone’s national lending platform and Stone Martin’s local market expertise. The goal, according to industry observers, is to create a seamless, end-to-end experience for homebuyers – from initial loan application to closing.

“The biggest pain point for many buyers is navigating the financing process,” explains one local real estate agent, who requested anonymity. “Anything that simplifies that and provides more certainty is a win, especially in the current environment.”

Cornerstone Home Lending has been a vocal proponent of these types of partnerships, currently managing over 15 such joint ventures across the country. “We’re seeing a trend where builders want more control over the financing side of things,” says Mike Iorio, Cornerstone’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. “They want to ensure their buyers are pre-approved and that closings happen on time. We provide the expertise and infrastructure to make that happen.”

Stone Martin Builds on Growth, Diversifies Operations

For Stone Martin Builders, the partnership represents a strategic move to bolster its already impressive growth trajectory. Ranked No. 76 on the 2025 Builder 100 list, Stone Martin has consistently expanded its operations across Alabama and Georgia. The company recently launched a “Build On Your Land” program and diversified into commercial construction with its first industrial warehouse project.

“This partnership allows us to focus on what we do best – building high-quality homes and providing exceptional customer service,” says a spokesperson for Stone Martin. “By having a dedicated lending partner, we can streamline the process for our buyers and create a more predictable sales cycle.”

Navigating a Competitive Market

The Alabama housing market remains competitive, despite the recent slowdown. Increased inventory and new construction permits indicate that builders are actively working to meet demand, but affordability remains a key concern.

“The biggest challenge is striking a balance between providing affordable housing and maintaining profitability,” says one anonymous builder. “Rising construction costs and material shortages are putting pressure on margins, so finding efficiencies wherever possible is crucial.”

The launch of this new lending partnership is expected to intensify competition in the market. Several national and regional lenders already operate in Alabama, offering a wide range of mortgage products and services.

“There’s definitely a lot of competition out there,” says a mortgage broker. “The key is to differentiate yourself and provide a superior customer experience. This partnership could give Stone Martin a competitive edge by offering a more streamlined and predictable financing process.”

A Focus on Employee Wellbeing & Community Impact

Cornerstone Home Lending's commitment to employee wellbeing could also contribute to the success of the venture. The company has repeatedly been recognized as a “Best Workplace” by Fortune and other publications, boasting a strong company culture centered on trust, inclusion, and generosity. This focus on employee satisfaction could translate into better service for homebuyers.

“A happy and engaged workforce is essential for providing a positive customer experience,” says an HR consultant. “Companies that prioritize employee wellbeing tend to attract and retain top talent, which ultimately benefits their customers.”

Looking Ahead

The long-term impact of this partnership remains to be seen. However, it represents a significant development in Alabama’s housing market, addressing key challenges related to affordability, streamlining the financing process, and providing builders with greater control over their sales cycle. As the market continues to evolve, innovative partnerships like this one will be crucial for driving growth and ensuring that more Alabamians have access to affordable and quality housing.

Industry experts predict that the demand for streamlined financing options will only increase in the coming years. As mortgage rates remain volatile and economic uncertainty persists, homebuyers will continue to seek out solutions that simplify the process and provide greater certainty. This new partnership positions both Cornerstone and Stone Martin to capitalize on this trend and establish themselves as leaders in the Alabama housing market.