Sacramento Mortgage: How to Find the Best One

January 31, 2025
Aaron Clowes
Mortgage Broker

How to Find the Right Mortgage Lender in Sacramento

Buying a home is exciting, but let’s be real—choosing the right mortgage lender can feel overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know which lender is actually looking out for you? If you’re searching for a Sacramento mortgage, you need someone who will put your best interests first, not just push their own loan products.

Spoiler alert: A mortgage broker (like New Way Mortgage) might be your best bet. But we’ll let you decide for yourself after breaking down what to look for in a lender.

1. Understand Your Mortgage Options

Before you even start lender shopping, get familiar with the different types of mortgages. Knowing what’s available will help you spot a lender who’s giving you real options versus one who’s just steering you toward whatever makes them the most money.

Common Mortgage Types in Sacramento

Conventional Loans: Best for buyers with solid credit and a decent down payment.
FHA Loans: Great for first-time buyers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments.
VA Loans: Designed for veterans and active-duty military with zero down payment.
USDA Loans: Perfect for homes in rural and suburban areas, often with no down payment.
Jumbo Loans: Needed for high-priced homes exceeding conventional loan limits.

A great lender won’t just offer one or two of these. They’ll explore all your options to find the best fit.

2. Mortgage Brokers vs. Direct Lenders: What’s the Difference?

When searching for a Sacramento mortgage, you’ll notice two main options: direct lenders and mortgage brokers.

Direct Lenders (Banks & Credit Unions)

Offer their own loan products only.
Limited flexibility with rates and approval requirements.
You have to shop multiple lenders to compare rates.

Mortgage Brokers (Like New Way Mortgage 😉)

Work with multiple lenders to find you the best rate.
More flexible approval process.
Save you time by shopping for you.

A broker acts as your personal mortgage shopper, comparing multiple lenders to get you the best deal—kind of like having a personal trainer for your home loan.

3. Look for a Sacramento Mortgage Lender with Competitive Rates & Fees

Nobody wants to overpay for a mortgage. But did you know that rates can vary between lenders? Some lenders add unnecessary fees, while others offer lower rates with fewer surprises.

What to Watch For:

Interest Rate: Even a small difference in rates can cost you thousands over time.
Origination Fees: Some lenders charge higher fees than others—ask before committing.
Prepayment Penalties: Avoid lenders that penalize you for paying off your loan early.

Working with a Sacramento mortgage broker means you’re not stuck with just one lender’s rates. Brokers compare multiple options to find you the best deal.

4. Consider Customer Service & Communication

A mortgage is a long-term commitment, and you want a lender who communicates clearly and keeps you informed. If a lender is hard to reach now, imagine the stress they could cause during the loan process.

Signs of a Good Lender:

✅ Responds quickly to emails and calls.
✅ Explains loan options in simple terms (not confusing jargon).
✅ Keeps you updated throughout the entire process.

If a lender makes you feel like just another number, it might be time to look elsewhere.

5. Read Reviews & Ask for Recommendations

Google and Yelp reviews are great, but personal recommendations are even better. Ask friends, family, or your real estate agent who they trust for a Sacramento mortgage.

When checking reviews, look for comments about:

Responsiveness: Was the lender easy to reach?
Transparency: Were there any hidden fees or surprises?
Speed: Did they close on time?

A broker with a strong reputation (like New Way Mortgage) will have plenty of happy clients vouching for them.

6. Get Preapproved Before House Hunting

Preapproval is the key to shopping with confidence. It tells sellers you’re serious and gives you a clear budget.

Why Preapproval Matters:

Shows sellers you’re financially ready.
Gives you a competitive edge in a hot market.
Helps avoid surprises—know your budget upfront.

Want to get preapproved quickly? A mortgage broker can speed up the process and get multiple lenders competing for your loan. You can start your preapproval HERE and be ready to shop in no time.

7. Choose a Sacramento Mortgage Pro Who Works for YOU (Not Themselves)

Big banks and direct lenders have one goal—sell you their mortgage product. But a broker? Their job is to shop for the best deal on your behalf.

By working with a mortgage broker like New Way Mortgage, you’ll get:
✔ More loan options
✔ Competitive rates from multiple lenders
✔ Personalized service from a local expert

If you’re ready to find the best Sacramento mortgage without the hassle, let’s talk! Call or text us at 916-465-6639, email hello@newwaymortgage.com, or schedule a time to chat HERE.

Conclusion

Finding the right mortgage lender in Sacramento doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re looking for the lowest rates, the best service, or a lender who works around your needs, the right choice can make all the difference.

While banks and credit unions push their own loan products, mortgage brokers (like New Way Mortgage) shop around to find YOU the best deal. That means lower rates, fewer headaches, and more money in your pocket.

If you’re ready to get preapproved or just want to explore your options, we’d love to help. Check out our YouTube channel for more homebuying tips, or reach out to us today!

FAQs

1. Why should I choose a mortgage broker instead of a bank?

Brokers offer more loan options and shop multiple lenders to find you the best rate. Banks only offer their own products, which may not be the best deal for you.

2. What credit score do I need for a Sacramento mortgage?

It depends on the loan type. FHA loans can go as low as 580, while conventional loans typically require 620 or higher.

3. How long does it take to get preapproved?

With a mortgage broker, you can get preapproved in as little as 24 hours. Some lenders may take longer, especially if they require extra documentation.

4. Are there any fees for using a mortgage broker?

Most mortgage brokers get paid by the lender, not you! That means you get expert guidance at no extra cost.

5. What’s the first step to getting a mortgage in Sacramento?

Start with preapproval! You can begin the process HERE to see how much home you can afford.