How do I find the best mortgage lenders for first-time home buyers?

No official ranking of lenders exists, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends shopping around to compare loan terms across several lenders before committing to one. Because some financial institutions operate as both lenders and brokers, ask whether a broker is involved in your transaction. You can verify free of charge whether any company or loan originator is authorized to do business in your state through Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access.

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