Search local associations for lenders and mortgage brokers in California

California mortgage lenders associations and local mortgage brokers associations can help you locate professionals who understand the California housing market.

I recommend: At the California Association of Mortgage Brokers, you can search for a licensed real estate broker by zip code. The California Mortgage Bankers Association provides a list of its members.

Consider California mortgage lenders like local and regional banks

Check with local and regional banks; they are some of the most common California lenders.

I recommend: Check the California Bankers Association to find local California lenders at Calbankers or LocalLender.info or USCITY.net.

Use online sources for California mortgage companies

A number of online sources can help you shop for the best California mortgage lenders.

I recommend: MortgageLoan.com lets you search their list of California lenders and mortgage brokers by city, as does Mortgage-X.  

Work with national mortgage lenders for mortgages in California

Many national mortgage lenders offer mortgages in California that may be right for you.

I recommend: Consider national lenders, such as GMAC Mortgage or Wachovia, or check out Equifax, which offers a nationwide mortgage referral service. Veterans may qualify for a loan through the VA Mortgage Center.com or USAA.com, where you can get pre-approved for mortgages in California. 

Check with legal authorities about mortgage companies in California

Be sure to vet California lenders before signing any documents to be sure they are trustworthy.

I recommend: I recommend: Enter your ZIP code at the Better Business Bureau website to get contact info for you local chapter, where you can check on California mortgage lenders. Or go to the California Department of Corporations where you can check the license status for mortgage lenders.

Find out what local experts are saying about mortgage companies in California

Real estate experts on California mortgages, including your own real estate agent, can provide information on California mortgage lenders and brokers as well as advice on the market for those looking to buy a house.

I recommend: Check out long-time Los Angeles Times correspondent Peter Viles’ blog covering the southern California real estate market and California lenders. Or, take a look at Curbed SF, a blog covering real estate sales, prices and neighborhoods in the San Francisco area. Locate real estate agents at the California Association of Realtors.