smanas@imfpubs.com 

Forth Worth-area homebuilder Kindred Homes announced it is partnering with PrimeLending, Dallas, to launch a new residential lending joint venture, Kindred HomeLoans.

While it’s not uncommon for homebuilders to enter the origination arena, it’s unusual for a firm to undertake such a maneuver during such a significant downturn.

“This partnership allows Kindred Homes to provide our homebuyers with a hassle-free loan process to match each borrower with the right loan package to fit their needs,” said Kindred Homes CMO Carol Horton in a statement.

Kindred HomeLoans will offer conventional fixed-rate loans as well as FHA, VA and USDA products and jumbo mortgages. Kindred Homes was founded in 2009 and is a subsidiary of Horton Capital Partners, which also operates HCP Title. 

Horton Capital Partners was started by Terry Horton and his son, Trent. Terry Horton also cofounded homebuilding giant D.R. Horton in 1978, with his brother Donald.

PrimeLending is the nation's 35th largest originator, according to figures compiled by Inside Mortgage Finance.