Whether you’re purchasing your first or third home, finding a suitable mortgage lender can make all the difference to your experience. Much more than securing the lowest interest rate, the right mortgage lender will advise you on many aspects of the home-buying process.
You can get a mortgage from several types of organizations, like banks, credit unions, non-bank mortgage lenders, mortgage marketplaces, and mortgage brokers. Due to your personal ideology, you may feel more comfortable and secure dealing with some of these than others.
Here are a few things for you to consider when deciding on a mortgage lender:
- Interest rates
- Fees
- Down payment
- Mortgage Insurance
You will have a long relationship with your provider. So, think it through before committing.
Related: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR CALIFORNIA FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS
The Top 10 Mortgage Brokers in Orange County
We have found ten of the top mortgage providers in the Orange County area. They are experienced and offer sound advice.
1 Mares Mortgage
In addition to being a lender, Mares Mortgage is also a Mortgage Correspondent or broker. This means they have the unlimited flexibility to explore the lender market and find you the best deal. They are uniquely qualified to take you from loan origination to all other mortgage services, providing a significant pricing advantage over banks. They can fund your mortgage with their own funds or borrow it from a warehouse lender.
This top-rated lender/broker has more than two decades of experience and aims to provide more than quality financing; they want to give excellent customer service and long-term value based on solid financial knowledge.
2 HomeStreet Bank
With over 100 years in business, the 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:
- VA loans for those who have served in the military
- FHA loans – Not just for first-time buyers
- Jumbo loans for larger-than-average loans
Related: SIGNS YOU’RE READY TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOUSE
Are you considering a home purchase? We can guide you through the process. Visit Mares Mortgage for more information.
3 Movement Mortgage
Movement Mortgage is an impact lender that has committed 10% of its profits to help local neighborhoods. This organization is created to be different from other financial institutions. 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.
4 Guild Mortgage Company
Established in 1960, the 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 journey. They will help you know how much you can afford to borrow and the many kinds of loans they offer, including FHA, USDA, VA, and conventional loans.
5 New American Funding
With New American Funding, you can make your dream of home ownership a reality. Whether you want to buy a home or refurbish the one you have, they can help you do it. They specialize in home loans by simplifying the process and providing a hassle-free experience for customers.
In addition to the usual home loans, they offer 30-year fixed-rate loans, I CAN Mortgage (customizable loan terms), Non-QM Loans, and Buydown Loans.
6 Orange County’s Credit Union
The 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 process of applying for a mortgage is quick and easy. You can apply online and receive an instant decision. You can also save with their Home Connections Rebate Program, which can give a 20% rebate when you purchase your home.
7 California Coastal Loans
California Coastal Loans is all about creating an environment of trust, ethics, and care for their clients. They’re a referral-based lender and operates under the following tenants:
- Gratitude
- Integrity
- Community
- Relationship-building
- Service
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.
8 Intelliloan
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.
9 OneWest Bank
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 to make their homeownership dreams come true for more than 125 years. They have a long-term reputation for service, stability, and reliability. This institution is ever-evolving but is committed to the old-fashioned standards of customer care.
10 Zions Bank
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 loans. They also offer home equity lines of credit and loans. For first-time buyers, Zions Bank provides the guidance of First-Time Home Buyer Assistance.
Related: QUESTIONS TO ASK A MORTGAGE LENDER
Getting a Mortgage in Orange County
Purchasing a home can be a stressful process, especially if you’re trying to do it with the wrong lender. But with a lender that hasn’t lost sight of the importance of quality customer service and has taken the time to break down the long and complicated process of obtaining a mortgage into something much easier and faster.
Do you need a mortgage provider? We can provide a variety of financial products to get you on your way. Visit Mares Mortgage to learn more.