Depending on the market, you may have to look hard to find a mortgage lender, or the lender may be calling you! In a down market where money is tight, a lender has many customers trying to get a home loan. In this type of market a lender doesn't have to chase customers.In an up market where money is moving, a lender is more aggressive in seeking out clients. You might get calls asking you if you want to refinance your home or offering you a home equity loan. These calls indicate that the lender is looking for customers. No matter what shape the market is in, you can find lenders from several sources.

Your real estate agent can recommend a lender or may be able to help you locate a lender. These are just some of the best ways to find a good mortgage lenderRead the paper. Many lenders advertise their current lending rates. You can call and interview the lenders yourself. But beware, ads are often deceptive. The advertised rates may no longer be available when you call. Don't base your decision on advertised rates. Check your local banks, savings and loans, and credit unions. They may offer real estate loans, and they probably have some free literature that explains their services. Enlist the help of a mortgage search company. This type of company uses a computerized network to find the best loans in your area.

Get help from your agent. Since 1974 it has been illegal for a real estate broker to receive a kickback or finder's fee from referrals. If your agent sends you to a particular lender, you don't have to worry that the agent does so because he is receiving a payment for the referral. Look for lenders online. You can get information from many mortgage market web sites. You can look up mortgage rates and lenders by state. You can also learn a great deal about mortgages and read news about trends and directions. The bottom line is this: Most mortgage lender have access to the same money and similar interest rates as other lenders. Where they differ is the loan package options as well as fees charges and how much they charge.