Mortgage Broker Vs National Lenders?
Which path is right for your mortgage and why
independent mortgage brokers often win.
Want to know if its better to work with a large national lender or an independent mortgage broker? This page goes over the key differences and the answer may not be what you think!
Large national lenders have large overhead, large management and compliance staffs, and national ad budgets. All that cost doesn’t stay of their balance sheet, it gets rolled into your interest rate which results in a higher mortgage payment. As an independent mortgage broker like MacLagan Home Loans, we operate lean, with direct access to wholesale rates and no unnecessary expenses. The result? Lower rates, cheaper closing costs, faster, and a more transparent mortgage process.
What’s The Difference?
| Feature | Independent Mortgage Broker | Large National Lender |
|---|---|---|
| Product Access | Dozens of wholesale lenders + hundreds of programs | In‑house products only (limited menu) |
| Rate Shopping | Shop across the market to find the best rate | Locked into their own rate sheet |
| Personalized Service | One‑on‑one attention, tailored solutions | Call center model with high turnover |
| Local Expertise | In‑market knowledge of neighborhoods, regs | Centralized process, little local insight |
| Flexibility & Creativity | Custom structuring (bank statements, DSCR…) | Strict, standardized underwriting |
| Speed & Responsiveness | Direct line to decision‑makers | Multiple layers, slower approval times |
5 Reasons to Choose an Independent Mortgage Broker
- More Options = Better Fits
- Access 120+ lenders and 100+ programs, from FHA and VA loans to jumbo loans, DSCR loans, fix‑and‑flip loans and more.
- We tailor solutions to your unique financial profile.
- True Rate Shopping
- We compare live rate feeds across our wholesale network—no guessing, no “best we can do.”
- You lock in the lowest available rate, not just our bank’s rate.
- Personalized Guidance
- You work directly with your Loan Doctor (that’s me, Alex), every step of the way.
- We are transparent on fees, streamline docs, and keep you in the loop.
- Local Market Expertise
- As an Illinois‑based broker licensed in IL, FL, MN, and AZ, we understand local property values, taxes, and regs.
- We leverage neighborhood insights to strengthen your offer.
- Creative Problem‑Solving
- Credit bumps? Self‑employed income? Multiple properties? No problem.
- We craft mortgage solutions for investors, entrepreneurs, and non‑traditional borrowers.
How It Works In 3 Simple Steps
Step 1
Tell Us Your Story
- Schedule a free mortgage consultation to go over your goals, timeline, and any concerns.
- We run a preliminary rate quote and mortgage program comparison.
Step 2
We Shop, You Save
- We pull in live rate options from our wholesale network.
- You choose the loan option that best fits your situation.
Step 3
Closing
- We coordinate with title, the appraiser, and underwriting for a stress free process.
- You close on time and celebrate your new home and/or mortgage!
Start Working With A Broker Today And See How We Save You Thousands On Your Mortgage Compared To National Lenders!
Answer a few simple questions to find out what you qualify for it takes less than 1 minute.
No SSN required. Zero impact to credit. Your information is never sold.
FAQ
Aren’t brokers more expensive than banks?
No, because we shop dozens of wholesale lenders, we often secure lower rates and credits our partners don’t advertise. Our lean structure means savings are passed to you, not absorbed in corporate overhead.
How do you compare rates?
We pull live rate feeds from our entire wholesale network, so you see apples‑to‑apples comparisons. You choose the best package, no surprises, no guesswork.
Can you handle complex scenarios (self‑employment, investment loans)?
Is the process slower with a broker?
Quite the opposite. You work directly with me, with no call‑center queues or handoffs. Decisions come from the source, and we streamline every step for a faster close. We close purchases on average of 21 days and refinance in 14 days.
Can you handle complex scenarios (self‑employment, investment loans)?
Yes. We are partnered with 120+ lenders that includes specialized programs such as bank statement loans, DSCR loans, fix and flip loans that are tailored for non‑traditional income and investor needs.