Top 11 Texas Banks for Commercial Real Estate Lending in 2025

A Data-Driven Guide to Regional and Community Bank CRE Leaders

KEY INSIGHT

Texas community banks hold 58% of all CRE loans among Texas-headquartered banks, with $957 billion in commercial mortgages maturing nationally in 2025. As larger banks retreat from commercial real estate, community institutions are capturing refinancing opportunities—creating what industry experts call a "once-in-a-generation" lending environment.

Introduction

Texas hosts approximately 370 community banks—more than any other U.S. state—with 55% of Texas community bank loans concentrated in commercial real estate (compared to 51% nationally). This concentration creates both opportunity and competitive intensity. As Frost Bank CEO Phil Green noted on the Q2 2024 earnings call in July 2024: "There's probably no more competitive asset class than commercial real estate."

For borrowers, investors, and industry professionals navigating the Texas CRE lending market, understanding which banks are most active, innovative, and reliable can make the difference between a deal that closes smoothly and one that stalls.

This report identifies the top-performing regional banks ($10B–$50B in assets) and community banks (under $10B in assets) for commercial real estate lending in Texas, based on portfolio size, geographic reach, technology adoption, customer satisfaction, and industry recognition.

Methodology

Banks were evaluated across five key criteria:

1.      CRE Portfolio Strength: Loan volumes, asset quality, and concentration in commercial real estate
2.      Geographic Coverage: Presence across Texas metros and regional markets
3.      Technology & Innovation: Digital capabilities, fintech partnerships, and operational efficiency
4.      Customer Reputation: Industry awards, borrower feedback, and relationship banking approach
5.      Financial Stability: Capital ratios, credit quality, and growth trajectory

Top Regional Banks ($10B–$50B in Assets)

1. Prosperity Bank (Houston) — $39.6B Assets
TOP PICK: BEST OVERALL TEXAS COVERAGE

Prosperity stands as one of Texas's largest banks with 283 full-service locations spanning every major metro from Houston to Lubbock. The bank maintains robust CRE lending across owner-occupied and investment properties with nonperforming assets at just 0.23%—exceptional credit quality during a volatile cycle.

Geographic Reach:
Comprehensive Texas coverage including 65 Houston locations, 62 in Dallas-Fort Worth, 31 in Central Texas (Austin/San Antonio), 44 in West Texas, 30 in South Texas, plus recent Oklahoma expansion.

Innovation & Growth:
Aggressive M&A strategy continues with the Lone Star State Bancshares merger completed April 1, 2024. Digital platform includes AI-driven budgeting tools and comprehensive treasury management. Holds SBA Preferred Lender status.

Recognition:
Money.com Best Overall Bank in Texas 2025, Forbes Most Reputable Bank, Newsweek America's Best Regional Banks 2025.

2. Texas Capital Bank (Dallas) — $30.7B Assets
TECHNOLOGY LEADER

Total loans held for investment reach $22.5 billion with significant exposure to mortgage finance and commercial development. The bank serves national CRE owners, developers, and investors with construction, bridge, acquisition-repositioning, and term lending products across all five major Texas cities.

Technology Leadership:
The Texas Capital Initio™ platform—a proprietary cloud-native digital onboarding system launched June 2023—has transformed operations, with 70%+ of treasury clients now onboarded digitally. Open banking and Banking-as-a-Service capabilities position the bank as Texas's fintech leader among regional institutions.

Growth Metrics:
Total deposits increased 13% YoY, loans grew 10%, and fee income from focus areas surged 36% to a record $178 million in 2024. The bank onboarded 40% more new clients in 2024 versus 2023.

Recognition:
Bankrate Best Regional Bank 2024 and 2025, Newsweek "Most Trusted Bank in America."

3. Frost Bank (San Antonio) — $52.5B Assets
MARKET LEADER (BENCHMARK)

Note: While exceeding the $50B threshold, Frost Bank is included as Texas's most significant CRE lender and an essential benchmark.

Commands a $10 billion CRE portfolio with a conservative 44% loan-to-deposit ratio—well below peers. Total loan portfolio reached $21.4 billion in Q2 2025. Management maintains disciplined overlays specifically for office buildings and other CRE categories, demonstrating risk management discipline.

Geographic Coverage:
Over 200 financial centers (having opened the 200th location in Pflugerville in 2025) with aggressive expansion into Houston, Dallas, and Austin markets since 2018—generating $2.7B in deposits, $2B in loans, and approximately 69,000 new household customers. Serves as correspondent bank for 171 Texas financial institutions.

CRE Specialization:
Most active in retail and industrial development in the Houston market. Known for conservative underwriting with strict equity requirements and LTV discipline. CEO Phil Green stated the bank is "not running from CRE" and continues closing office deals despite market concerns.

Recognition:
J.D. Power #1 in Texas for Customer Service for 16 consecutive years (2024-2025), Forbes Most Reputable Bank in Texas, strong 14.14% CET1 ratio.

4. Independent Bank (McKinney) — Now Part of SouthState Bank

UPDATE: Independent Bank completed its merger with SouthState Corporation on January 1, 2025, and now operates as SouthState Bank.

Prior to the merger, Independent Bank maintained total loans of $14.6 billion across 177 branches and ATMs in Texas and Colorado. The bank operated four market regions covering Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and the Colorado Front Range with a $52 million headquarters campus in Craig Ranch, McKinney.

Market Standing:
Ranked as the 12th largest bank in Texas by asset size with approximately $18.9B in assets and held a top-10 position for deposits in the DFW region ($7B+ deposits). Employed 1,500+ professionals with recognized credit discipline.

Acquisition Details:
Acquired by SouthState Corporation (Florida-based) for approximately $2 billion in an all-stock transaction announced May 20, 2024. The combined entity controls $65 billion in assets.

5. PlainsCapital Bank (Dallas) — $13.4B Assets

Specialized lending division serves developers, investors, and builders across 55-58 branches statewide. Active in owner-occupied commercial properties, investment real estate (multifamily, retail/mixed-use, industrial, self-storage), and construction financing. Holds SBA Preferred Lender status.

Geographic Reach:
Full coverage of Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio. Ranks among the top Texas-headquartered banks by deposit market share.

Growth Strategy:
Actively recruits CRE banking professionals from competitors including Frost Bank, Pioneer Bank, and Texas Capital Bank to expand Houston commercial lending presence. Offers ZESCROW treasury platform and national warehouse lending.

Top Community Banks (Under $10B in Assets)

1. Veritex Community Bank (Dallas) — $12.8B Assets
TOP CRE SPECIALIST

NOTE: Veritex was acquired by Huntington Bancshares with systems integration expected January 2026.

Commands the highest CRE concentration among Texas community banks at 298.9% of capital (improved from 320.2% in 2023), signaling deep expertise and intentional focus on commercial real estate. Total loan portfolio of approximately $9.0-9.5 billion with CRE as the primary loan category. Total assets of $12.768 billion as of Q4 2024.

Product Specialization:
Comprehensive CRE capabilities including construction financing, acquisition-repositioning loans, bridge loans, and multi-family residential. Unique offering: 1031 Exchange services through Exchange Manager Pro—a differentiated product for CRE investors seeking tax-deferred transactions.

Market Presence:
32-36 branches throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and Houston metropolitan area with dedicated Commercial Real Estate banking division emphasizing local decision-making and middle-market relationships.

Recognition:
2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report "Best Companies to Work For" in Banking, SBA Top Preferred Lender.

2. Southside Bank (Tyler) — ~$8.5B Assets
ASSET QUALITY LEADER

Strong CRE lending with total loans of $4.66 billion (as of December 2024) across construction, bridge, and term debt products. Exceptional nonperforming assets at just 0.04% of total assets—best-in-class credit quality among Texas community banks.

Geographic Coverage:
53 branches and 72 ATMs/ITMs covering East Texas, Southeast Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston. Headquartered in Tyler with 65+ years of operating history since 1960.

Financial Performance:
Listed on NYSE (SBSI) since November 15, 2024. Q4 2024 results showed net income of $21.8 million (+25.8% YoY) with return on average tangible common equity of 14.12%.

3. Guaranty Bank & Trust (Mount Pleasant) — ~$3.2B Assets
CRE PORTFOLIO LEADER

One of the most CRE-focused community banks in Texas with $1.2 billion in commercial real estate loans representing 49.8% of total loans—nearly half the bank's entire loan book is dedicated to CRE. Total loans of $2.1 billion with $2.7 billion in deposits.

CRE Capabilities:
Comprehensive commercial real estate offerings including owner-occupied projects, commercial construction, residential tract development, and construction and permanent loans for income-producing properties. The bank has built a strong reputation serving CRE professionals, builders, and developers throughout the state.

Geographic Coverage:
33 locations across Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, East Texas, and Central Texas regions, serving 26 Texas communities. Founded in 1913, the bank has over 110 years of operating history.

Recent Development:
Acquired by Glacier Bancorp (Montana) for $476.2 million, with the transaction announced June 24, 2025 and completed October 1, 2025. Now operating as "Guaranty Bank & Trust, Division of Glacier Bank." CEO Ty Abston confirmed the same management team and local decision-making remain in place, with added resources from Glacier's $30+ billion balance sheet.

Recognition:
Bauer Financial 5-Star Rating for superior performance and strength, Texas Treasure Business Award from Texas Historical Commission, TBA Cornerstone Award, and "Top Employers in Texas" for 13 consecutive years.

4. Origin Bank (Louisiana-based, Texas Operations) — ~$9.78B Assets

Strong and growing CRE portfolio with total loans held for investment of $7.96 billion. Active in multi-family real estate with continued Texas market commitment. Active mortgage warehouse lending operations.

Texas Market Presence:
34 banking centers in Texas (60 total across four states including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama). Expanded to Texas in 2008 with the BTH Bank acquisition in August 2022 substantially strengthening East Texas and DFW presence.

CRE Specialization:
Active in self-storage, student housing, townhome construction, medical office, and manufactured housing communities. Strong emphasis on relationship banking with local decision-making.

5. Dallas Capital Bank (Dallas)

Focused CRE lender active in multifamily, retail, office, and industrial across the Dallas-Fort Worth market. Offers differentiated single-tenant NNN lease retail program for stabilized investment properties.

Recognition:
George Bailey Award 2024 (American Bankers Association) for financial education and support of the military community—demonstrating community commitment alongside commercial expertise.

Competitive Advantage:
Network of borrower and broker relationships enables faster deal structuring and flexible terms for experienced sponsors.

6. Texas Regional Bank (Harlingen)
SOUTH TEXAS SPECIALIST

35 locations with 564 employees serving South Texas markets including Brownsville, Edinburg, Falfurrias, Harlingen, and McAllen with expansion into Houston, San Antonio, and North Texas.

Community Development Focus:
Strong FHLB Dallas partnership demonstrated by notable deal: $1.75 million grant supporting Hope Place—a 50-unit affordable housing project for domestic violence survivors in Brownsville.

Recognition:
IBAT Gold Eagle Award for community service. Offers unique capabilities including international banking services and factoring division launched 2025.

Honorable Mentions

Several other Texas community banks demonstrate strong CRE lending capabilities and deserve recognition:

• Texas Heritage National Bank (Daingerfield): Operating continuously since 1889—one of the oldest banks in Texas with 136 years of history. Weathered the Great Depression and the Banking Crisis of the 1980s. Serves 16 Northeast Texas counties with commercial real estate, agricultural, and construction lending. Known for relationship-focused underwriting with local decision-making authority.

• Texas Gulf Bank (Houston): Nine Gulf Coast locations with strength in construction financing and deals under $15 million. SBA Preferred Lender.

• Wallis Bank (Wallis): Survived every major economic crisis since the Great Depression without government assistance. Active in multifamily, hotels, and industrial lending.

• Third Coast Bank SSB (Houston): Known for "common sense approach" and personalized service with continued advisement after closing.

• Woodforest National Bank (The Woodlands): 40+ years of CRE experience with national scope. J.D. Power ranked 3rd in Texas for retail banking satisfaction.

• Happy State Bank (Amarillo): Strong presence in Texas Panhandle and expanding into Central Texas and DFW. SBA and USDA lender with agricultural real estate expertise.

Key Takeaways for CRE Borrowers

When selecting a banking partner for commercial real estate financing in Texas, consider these factors:

1.      Match bank size to deal size: Regional banks excel at larger, more complex transactions while community banks often provide faster decisions and more flexibility for deals under $15-20 million.
2.      Consider geographic expertise: Banks with concentrated local presence often have deeper market knowledge and stronger appraisal relationships in their core markets.
3.      Evaluate relationship potential: Community banks typically offer more direct access to decision-makers and greater flexibility in structuring terms.
4.      Assess technology capabilities: Banks investing in digital platforms often deliver faster closings and better borrower experience throughout the loan lifecycle.

Looking Ahead

With $957 billion in commercial mortgages maturing nationally in 2025 (representing 20% of all outstanding commercial mortgages, a 3% increase from $929 billion in 2024) and bank CRE lending activity surging, Texas community and regional banks are well-positioned to capture market share from larger institutions pulling back from commercial real estate. The banks highlighted in this report have demonstrated the portfolio strength, market expertise, and operational capabilities to serve borrowers effectively in this dynamic environment.

For lenders seeking to compete more effectively in this landscape, the differentiators are clear: deep local expertise, relationship-focused service, technology-enabled efficiency, and disciplined risk management create sustainable competitive advantages that borrowers value.

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About This Report

This research was compiled using publicly available financial data, regulatory filings (SEC EDGAR, FDIC Call Reports), industry publications, and press releases. Bank rankings reflect a qualitative assessment based on the methodology described above and are intended for informational purposes. Borrowers should conduct their own due diligence when selecting a lending partner.

LenderBox provides AI-powered market intelligence for commercial real estate lenders. Learn more at lenderbox.ai

Tags: Texas CRE lending, commercial real estate banks, community banks Texas, regional banks CRE, Texas commercial loans, DFW commercial lending, Houston CRE lenders, Austin commercial real estate