Mortgage Lenders in Washington

Looking for mortgages in Washington? Use online resources to simplify your search
By John Fuller Mortgage brokers can help you secure the best home loan possible from a variety of Washington mortgage lenders. Mortgage companies in Washington are plentiful, but finding one that offers the best terms and options can take a lot of time. Mortgage brokers can help you save time in your search for financially attractive mortgages in Washington, whether you’re in the market for a modern apartment in a Seattle high-rise, a ranch in Spokane or a restored farmhouse outside Walla Walla. If you’re in the market for a commercial property, Washington commercial mortgage lenders are your best bet.

Mortgage brokers have the experience and connections to examine thousands of different Washington mortgage companies and deals. When hiring mortgage brokers or working with mortgage financing companies in Washington, look for a professional who has a keen understanding of the local real estate market.

To find the best Washington mortgage company:

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

Search local Washington mortgage brokers associations

Washington mortgage lenders associations and mortgage brokers associations and can help you find professionals who understand the local housing market.
Try:  The Washington Association of Mortgage Brokers lets you search for brokers by city.  Or, search the Washington Mortgage Lenders Association for a list of its members.

Mortgage lenders in Washington include local and regional banks

Local and regional banks are the some of the most common mortgage lenders in Washington.
Try:  Search for local banks that are mortgage lenders at the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, LocalLender.info or USCITY.net.

Use online sources to search for Washington mortgage companies

There are a variety of online sources that will help you find a mortgage companies in Washington.
Try:  Mortgage-X.com provides a database of Washington mortgage lenders, as does Lender411 and Washingtonmortgage.com.

Work with national mortgage lenders

Many national mortgage brokers and lenders offer mortgages in Washington 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 Washington mortgage loans. 

Check with legal authorities about mortgage companies in Washington

Make sure the Washington mortgage lenders or mortgage brokers you're considering working with are trustworthy and have no history of complaints by consumers for unethical business practices.
Try:  Contact your area’s Better Business Bureau (BBB), such as the BBB of Western Washington or Eastern Washington.

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

Local real estate experts can be a great source of information on mortgage lenders in Washington and can provide advice on the housing market for your area.
Try:  Toby Barnett’s ActiveRain real estate blog provides insider information on commercial and residential mortgage lenders and markets and links to a variety of sources. Another good blog is Aubrey Cohen’s Seattle Real Estate News blog, where the Seattle Post-Intelligencer real estate columnist covers news and issues related to the Seattle real estate market.

• Mortgage lenders in Washington should be familiar with Washington fees and should have a network of local appraisers and title companies to make the process go more smoothly.
• Washington mortgage loans from your bank are negotiable. Shop around for rates from mortgage brokers and lenders before approaching your local bank.
• Rate quotes on mortgages in Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington.