How to find a mortgage lender near you
By the FindHomeLenders Editorial Team · Updated 2026-10-06
Find a local mortgage lender by comparing at least three options across credit unions, community banks, mortgage brokers and direct lenders, checking each one's license on NMLS Consumer Access, and comparing their Loan Estimates on fees and APR, not just the interest rate.
The fastest way to build that shortlist is a directory search by city. FindHomeLenders lists 12,934 mortgage professionals across 43 states, and you can search yours below.
Find lenders in your city
The 5 steps
- Check your numbers first: pull your credit report (free at annualcreditreport.com), know your monthly debts, and decide on a price range. Lenders price your loan on credit score, down payment and debt-to-income ratio, so knowing them tells you which loan types fit.
- Build a shortlist of at least three: include more than one lender type. A credit union or community bank, a mortgage broker (who shops many wholesale lenders for you) and a direct or online lender will usually give you a real spread of offers. Search your city in a directory, ask your real estate agent for referrals, and check your own bank or credit union.
- Verify every license on NMLS: every legitimate mortgage company and loan officer has an NMLS ID. Look it up on NMLS Consumer Access to confirm they are licensed in your state and see any regulatory actions. You can also search the CFPB complaint database.
- Get preapproved and request Loan Estimates within a short window: apply with your shortlist within a couple of weeks. Each lender must send a standard Loan Estimate within three business days, and credit models count multiple mortgage inquiries in a 14 to 45 day window as one.
- Compare APR and fees, not just the rate: line up the Loan Estimates and compare the APR, the origination charges (section A) and total closing costs. A lower rate with points or high fees can cost more than a slightly higher rate with none. Ask about rate locks, then choose.
Which type of lender fits you
| Lender type | Best for | How they work | Ask them |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit union | Members who want low fees and local service | Member-owned; lends its own money; membership required | Membership rules, which loan types they keep in-house |
| Community or retail bank | Existing customers, relationship discounts | Lends directly; may offer rate discounts for accounts | Relationship pricing, local first-time buyer programs |
| Mortgage broker | Unusual situations, rate shopping in one place | Licensed middleman who compares many wholesale lenders; does not fund the loan | Which lenders they work with, how they are paid |
| Direct / nonbank lender | Speed and a wide product range | Mortgage company that funds its own loans | Turn times, whether they service the loan after closing |
| Online lender | Digital process, quick quotes | Direct lender with an online-first process | Who your point of contact is, total fees |
What our directory data shows
These counts come straight from the 12,934 published listings in the FindHomeLenders directory. Brokers far outnumber every other type, so if you only search for "lenders" you can miss most of your local options.
| Type | Listings | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage brokers | 7,920 | 61% |
| Mortgage lenders | 4,530 | 35% |
| Banks | 302 | 2% |
| Credit unions | 177 | 1% |
2,842 listings (22%) show an NMLS ID on their profile. For the rest, ask for the ID and look it up before you share personal financial details.
States with the most listings: CA (2,686), TX (1,422), FL (1,317), AZ (693), CO (474), NY (467), NC (385), NV (340), NJ (325), OH (307).
Questions to ask every lender
- What rate and APR can you offer me today, and how many points does that include?
- What are your origination fees and total estimated closing costs?
- How long can I lock the rate, and what does an extension cost?
- Which loan programs fit me (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, state down payment assistance)?
- How long do you usually take to close, and will you service the loan after closing?
Frequently asked questions
How many mortgage lenders should I compare?
At least three. Freddie Mac research found that borrowers who got one extra rate quote saved about $1,500 on average over the life of the loan, and those who got five quotes saved about $3,000.
Will shopping for a mortgage hurt my credit score?
Not much, if you shop within a short window. Credit scoring models count multiple mortgage inquiries as a single inquiry when they happen within 14 to 45 days of each other, depending on the model.
How do I check that a mortgage lender is licensed?
Search the lender or loan officer by name or NMLS ID on NMLS Consumer Access (nmlsconsumeraccess.org). It is free and shows which states they are licensed in and any regulatory actions.
Is a local lender better than an online lender?
Not automatically. Local credit unions and community banks can be competitive on fees and know local programs, while online lenders can be fast. Compare Loan Estimates from both types and pick on APR, fees and service.
What is a Loan Estimate?
A standard three-page form every lender must give you within three business days of applying. Because the format is the same everywhere, it is the easiest way to compare rates, APR and closing costs side by side.
Looking for a broker specifically? Read how to find a mortgage broker, or browse mortgage lenders, credit unions and banks by city.
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Listings are compiled from public business information; FindHomeLenders does not endorse any lender. See how our directory works.