Mortgage Lenders in California

Zero in on the top California mortgage lenders to fit your budget and your needs
By John Fuller California lenders can get you the financing you need to buy a 1920s bungalow in West Hollywood, a new home in a planned community in San Jose, or a loft in Sacramento. There are many mortgage companies in California, but researching and comparing rates among them can be a time-consuming undertaking. Finding trustworthy mortgage brokers in California can simplify the task by searching out the best rates for you. A California mortgage broker will also have access to deals that you would most likely not find on your own.

Mortgage brokers in California should assess your circumstances, help you understand what you can afford, assist you in finding a California mortgage lender that fits your needs, and guide you in navigating the paperwork. When hiring a mortgage broker, choose a local one who really understands your neighborhood. Another benefit of using a local California mortgage lender is that they will be available in person and can deliver documents to you quickly to keep the process running smoothly. To find the best California mortgage lender for you:

1. Check records with government and better-business groups to ensure you're working with reputable mortgage companies in California.
2. Begin your search on the Internet and check the rates and terms at a variety of websites for California lenders and mortgage brokers in California.
3. For mortgages, California lenders and brokers aren’t the only option. National loan originators and brokers may offer the best terms on California mortgage loans.

Search local associations for lenders and mortgage brokers in California

California mortgage lenders associations and local mortgage brokers associations can help you locate professionals who understand the California housing market.
Try:  At the California Association of Mortgage Brokers, you can search for a licensed real estate broker by zip code. The California Mortgage Bankers Association provides a list of its members.

Consider California mortgage lenders like local and regional banks

Check with local and regional banks; they are some of the most common California lenders.
Try:  Check the California Bankers Association to find local California lenders at Calbankers or LocalLender.info or USCITY.net.

Use online sources for California mortgage companies

A number of online sources can help you shop for the best California mortgage lenders.
Try:  MortgageLoan.com lets you search their list of California lenders and mortgage brokers by city, as does Mortgage-X.  

Work with national mortgage lenders for mortgages in California

Many national mortgage lenders offer mortgages in California that may be right for you.
Try:  Consider national lenders, such as GMAC Mortgage or Wachovia, or check out Equifax, which offers a nationwide mortgage referral service. Veterans may qualify for a loan through the VA Mortgage Center.com or USAA.com, where you can get pre-approved for mortgages in California. 

Check with legal authorities about mortgage companies in California

Be sure to vet California lenders before signing any documents to be sure they are trustworthy.
Try:  I recommend: Enter your ZIP code at the Better Business Bureau website to get contact info for you local chapter, where you can check on California mortgage lenders. Or go to the California Department of Corporations where you can check the license status for mortgage lenders.

Find out what local experts are saying about mortgage companies in California

Real estate experts on California mortgages, including your own real estate agent, can provide information on California mortgage lenders and brokers as well as advice on the market for those looking to buy a house.
Try:  Check out long-time Los Angeles Times correspondent Peter Viles’ blog covering the southern California real estate market and California lenders. Or, take a look at Curbed SF, a blog covering real estate sales, prices and neighborhoods in the San Francisco area. Locate real estate agents at the California Association of Realtors.  

• California mortgage companies should be familiar with California fees and should have a network of local appraisers and title companies to make the process go more smoothly.
• Mortgages in California from your bank are negotiable. Shop around for rates from mortgage brokers and mortgage companies before approaching your local bank.
• Rate quotes on mortgages in California should all be from the same time period due to market fluctuations.
• Tied mortgage brokers don't charge an upfront fee, but work with a limited number of mortgage companies in California who pay them a commission should you choose their mortgage.