Looking to buy a home in Orange County? Finding the right mortgage broker can make all the difference. Whether you're a first-time buyer or upgrading to your dream home, working with an experienced lender ensures you get the best rate, personalized guidance, and a smooth closing process.
The Orange County market moves fast, and mortgage rate trends in 2025 show that locking in with the right lender matters more than ever. A good broker does more than process paperwork. They explain your options, walk you through loan types, and help you avoid costly surprises at closing.
When choosing among mortgage brokers in Orange County, compare interest rates, fees, down payment options, and customer reviews before you commit. You'll likely have a long-term relationship with your lender, so make sure it's a good fit.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding on a mortgage lender:
Interest rates vary between lenders, sometimes by a quarter point or more, and that small difference adds up over the life of a 30-year loan. Even a 0.25% difference can mean thousands of dollars in savings or extra costs over time.
Fees are another factor that catches buyers off guard. Origination fees, underwriting fees, and closing costs all vary by lender, so it pays to get a detailed breakdown before you commit to anyone.
Down payment requirements also differ depending on the loan type and lender. Some programs allow as little as 3% down, while others require 10% or more. If you're working with a limited budget, ask about low down payment options or assistance programs that could help bridge the gap.
Mortgage insurance is typically required when you put down less than 20%, and the cost varies based on your credit score, loan amount, and the type of insurance your lender uses.
You'll have a long relationship with your provider. Think it through before committing.
Finding the right mortgage broker in Orange County can make a major difference in your home-buying experience. With so many lenders to choose from, it helps to focus on those with proven experience, solid reputations, and a commitment to client success. The best brokers don't just secure a loan, they guide you through complex paperwork, help you understand your options, and make sure you get a mortgage that fits your financial goals.
Based on local experience, customer satisfaction, and community reputation, here are ten standout mortgage providers trusted by Orange County homeowners.
Related: How to Get a Mortgage: What You Need to Know
Mares Mortgage stands out as both a direct lender and mortgage broker, offering flexibility to find the best deal for every client. With over two decades of experience, their team handles everything from loan origination to closing, streamlining the process and often beating bank rates.
They offer a full range of products including FHA and VA loans, conventional financing, and refinance options for homeowners looking to lower their rate or tap into equity.
More than just financing, Mares Mortgage focuses on delivering exceptional service, clear communication, and long-term financial value. They're known for personal attention, competitive pricing, and a deep understanding of Orange County's housing market.
With over 100 years in business, HomeStreet Bank has been recognized for its financial strength and stability. As a community bank, they provide sound financial advice and a range of financial products, including mortgages.
This company is driven to provide excellent customer service and intentionally build community relationships with consistent integrity and financial expertise. They believe in human connection in everything they do, as well as forward-thinking banking.
They provide:
If you're exploring first-time home buyer tips in California, HomeStreet's team can walk you through qualification requirements and down payment assistance options.
Movement Mortgage is an impact lender that has committed 10% of its profits to help local neighborhoods. Since 2008, Movement has been carrying out its mission to help homebuyers quickly and easily, taking the complexity out of home loans. They believe in relationship building based on communication and valuing people in everything they do.
They are best known for their "6-7-1" process, which aims to underwrite loans in six hours, process in seven days, and close in one. This approach gives you a fully underwritten pre-approval upfront so you can shop with the confidence of a cash buyer. It cuts down the usual stress of waiting around for answers during escrow.
That commitment to community goes deeper than just writing checks. The company uses its profits to build charter schools and community centers through the Movement Foundation. When you finance a home with them, you’re indirectly supporting these education and infrastructure projects.
Established in 1960, Guild Mortgage Company focuses on making customers for life. They provide prospective customers with useful financial information and advice at every stage of the home-buying process. They'll help you understand how much you can afford to borrow and explain the many kinds of loans they offer, including FHA, USDA, VA, and conventional options.
You’ll find specialized programs here too, ranging from renovation financing to down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Their process combines easy digital tools for uploading documents with local officers who actually know your neighborhood. It’s a solid mix of tech convenience and real human support.
Guild typically services its own loans, so you won’t get passed off to a random company after closing. That consistency is a big deal and has earned them top rankings in J.D. Power customer satisfaction studies. You get to keep dealing with the same team that actually knows your history.
With New American Funding, you can make your dream of homeownership a reality. Whether you want to buy a home or refinance the one you have, they can help. They specialize in home loans by simplifying the process and providing a hassle-free experience for customers.
In addition to standard home loans, they offer 30-year fixed-rate loans, I CAN Mortgage (customizable loan terms), Non-QM Loans, and Buydown Loans. They also specialize in Non-QM loans for self-employed borrowers and Buydown loans that lower your interest rate during the first few years. This wide variety ensures you can find a financing structure that actually fits your specific monthly budget.
One of their biggest strengths is manual underwriting, which allows them to look at your entire financial picture instead of just a credit score. This human-first approach is a game changer for gig workers or anyone with a complex income history who might get rejected by automated bank systems. They are deeply committed to closing the financing gap for underserved communities by finding ways to say "yes" when others say "no."
Related: Conforming Loan Limits in California
Orange County Credit Union provides home loans with low rates and excellent customer service. They offer fixed and adjustable-rate loans, as well as Low Down Payment programs. Their mortgage application process is quick and easy. You can apply online and receive an instant decision. You can also save with their Home Connections Rebate Program, which offers a 20% rebate when you purchase your home.
Recent Orange County housing market insights show that credit unions often offer competitive rates compared to traditional banks, making them worth considering if you're rate-sensitive.
California Coastal Loans is all about creating an environment of trust, ethics, and care for their clients. They're a referral-based lender and operate under these core values:
Their clients receive a personalized analysis to help them achieve their goals and sound financial advice on topics like principal pre-payments, debt reduction strategies, and opportunities to increase net cash flow.
Whether it's your first home or you're refinancing at a variable interest rate, Intelliloan strives to create a transparent loan process with first-rate customer service. Established over two decades ago, this direct mortgage lender provides competitive interest rates, an ever-expanding product line, and personalized guidance.
One of their standout features is the "Rate Protection Promise," which allows eligible borrowers to refinance later if interest rates drop within three years. They are heavily focused on digital efficiency, using technology to cut down on the paperwork clutter that usually slows down closing. This streamlined approach makes them particularly popular for homeowners looking to quickly cash out equity or consolidate debt.
Because they are a direct lender rather than a broker, they can often offer lower rates by eliminating middleman fees. Their commitment to customer experience has earned them consistent recognition as a top lender on platforms like LendingTree. You get the benefit of a large national lender’s resources while still maintaining direct access to loan specialists who know your file.
OneWest Bank is a division of First Citizens Bank offering various financial products, including mortgages. They have a team of dedicated mortgage bankers to help you discover the right loan for your situation. They've been helping families make their homeownership dreams come true for more than 125 years. This institution is ever-evolving but committed to old-fashioned standards of customer care.
Their mortgage portfolio is extensive, covering everything from standard FHA and VA loans to specialized medical professional mortgages that offer up to 100% financing. They also provide jumbo loans and construction-to-permanent financing if you are looking to build a custom home from the ground up. If you already bank with them, you may even qualify for "relationship pricing" that lowers your interest rate based on your deposit balances.
Zions Bank is much more than a bank. For more than 150 years, they have provided financial resources, wealth management, and mortgage services. Through them, you can obtain a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage, FHA loans, home refinance or home construction loans, or affordable home mortgage options. They also offer home equity lines of credit and loans. For first-time buyers, Zions Bank provides First-Time Home Buyer Assistance guidance.
Many first-time homebuyer programs in California offer down payment assistance and reduced closing costs, so it's worth asking any lender about these options.
Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Working with the right mortgage broker helps you avoid confusion, delays, and costly mistakes. Choose a lender who prioritizes transparency, education, and client relationships.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with Mares Mortgage to discuss your options and get pre-approved today.
At Mares Mortgage, we guide buyers through every step, from pre-approval to closing. Whether you're comparing rates or exploring FHA, VA, or jumbo loan options, our team is here to help.
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