Mortgage Lenders in Florida

Looking for mortgages in Florida? Take advantage of online resources to find the best one
By John Fuller Mortgage brokers can help you secure the best home loan possible from a variety of Florida mortgage lenders. Mortgage companies in Florida are plentiful, but finding one that offers the best terms and options can be time-consuming. Mortgage brokers can help you save time in your search for financially attractive mortgages in Florida.

Mortgage brokers have the experience and connections to examine thousands of different Florida mortgage companies and deals. When hiring mortgage brokers or working with mortgage financing companies in Florida, look for a professional who has a keen understanding of the local real estate market, including residential and Florida commercial mortgage lenders. That’s because housing markets vary tremendously by region, and buying a South Beach condo, a ranch in Jacksonville or a warehouse outside Panama City will require working with a specialized broker.

To find the best mortgage lending company in Florida for you:

1. Make sure you're working with reputable Florida mortgage companies by checking records with government and better-business groups.
2. Start your search online and look at rates and terms on a variety of websites for lenders and mortgage brokers in Florida.
3. Don't limit yourself to a mortgage lending company in Florida or a Florida-based broker. National loan originators and brokers may offer the best terms on Florida mortgage loans.

Search local Florida mortgage brokers associations

Florida mortgage brokers associations can help you find professionals who understand the local housing market.
Try:  The Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers lets you search for brokers by city. 

Mortgage lenders in Florida include local and regional banks

Local and regional banks are the some of the most common mortgage lenders in Florida.
Try:  Search for local banks that are mortgage lenders at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Home Loan Learning Center, LocalLender.info, and USCITY.net.

Use online sources for Florida mortgage companies

There are many online sources to help you find the best Florida mortgage companies.
Try:  Mortgage-X.com provides a database of Florida mortgage lenders, as does Flmortgagedepo.com and FloridaRates.net.

Work with national mortgage lenders

Many national mortgage brokers and lenders offer mortgages in Florida that may be the right fit 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 Florida mortgage loans.

Check with legal authorities about mortgage companies in Florida

Make sure the Florida mortgage lenders or mortgage brokers you're considering are trustworthy and don't have a history of complaints by borrowers for unethical business practices.
Try:  Contact your area’s Better Business Bureau (BBB), such as the BBB of Northeast Florida, Southeast Florida or Central Florida. Or check the State of Florida’s list of investigations into banking and finance complaints as well as links to cities’ consumer fraud units.

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

Local real estate experts, including your own real estate agent, can provide information on mortgage lenders in Florida and advice on the housing market for your area.
Try:  The ActiveRain network of real estate professionals provides insider information on commercial and residential mortgage lenders and markets and links to a variety of sources.  Other good blogs are Sandra Sheely’s Mortgage Blog, the Tampa Mortgage Blog and the Miami Real Estate blog. Find a Florida real estate agent at the Florida Association of Realtors

• Mortgage lenders in Florida should be familiar with Florida fees and should have a network of local appraisers and title companies to make the process go more smoothly.
• Florida mortgage loans 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 Florida 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 Florida mortgage lenders who pay them a commission should you choose their mortgage.
• An independent broker charges an upfront fee but casts a wider net, offering a variety of deals from a host of mortgage companies in Florida.