Seattle Mortgage Company: How to Find the Best Company

Published:
January 18, 2017
Last updated:
June 6, 2025
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You have a lot of choices when it comes to shopping for a home loan, and this includes the location of the mortgage company you choose. There are benefits to using a local Seattle mortgage company, as opposed to a national lender or “big bank.” 

Why should home buyers use a local Seattle mortgage company? You’ll get a bunch of things you won’t be able to count on from a big conglomerate financial institution or even your home-grown credit union. Mortgage companies with local roots have the perfect blend of intimate local knowledge and resources to help you get your loan approved quickly.

The 9 Reasons You Should Use a Seattle Mortgage Company

Here are nine good reasons to consider choosing a local option over a big bank or online broker.

1. You can meet face-to-face and get answers to your mortgage questions.

If you use an out-of-state mortgage company or one of the big national banks, you might have a harder time getting answers to your mortgage questions. You’ll be limited to email and phone exchanges. 

When using a local to Seattle mortgage company, you can come in for an office visit and meet face-to-face. This is a great way to get answers to your mortgage-related questions and to get to know your loan officer.

2. You (or your agent) can deliver documents in person to expedite the process.

During a typical home buying and mortgage transaction, a lot of paperwork changes hands. Borrowers have to provide a variety of documents relating to their assets, debts, and income. That’s not to mention all of the documents produced by the mortgage and escrow companies. 

This is another benefit to using a locally-owned Seattle mortgage company. Being able to hand-deliver documents can be a real time-saver. On the other hand, having to fax, mail, and/or FedEx everything can add days to the process.

3. There’s a better chance you’ll close on time with fewer snags.

When using a local Seattle mortgage company, there’s a good chance your transaction will be more efficient. We touched on some of the reasons for this above. In many cases, the home buying process can be expedited when working locally. It’s easier to deliver documents, resolve issues that arise, etc.

4. You’re tapped into a local network of real estate professionals.

Seattle-area mortgage companies (like us) usually have close working relationships with local real estate agents, escrow and title companies, home appraisers, and other housing-related professionals.

So, when you get pre-approved by a local Seattle mortgage company, you can also get recommendations for other top-notch housing professionals. This is a benefit you probably won’t get from a larger company that’s based out of state.

5. Local mortgage companies are more personal than working with a ‘big bank.’

Mention the phrase “mortgage company,” and many people think of the large, multinational corporations that do most of the advertising. But are they the best option for you? A lot of consumer advocates encourage home buyers to work with a local mortgage company for the reasons stated above, among others.

The thing about the “big banks” is that they’re — well, big. Huge, actually. Big corporations tend to have a much larger customer base, compared to a local Seattle mortgage company. 

So, with a big bank, you might be just one of thousands of customers moving through the home loan process at a given time. And that’s not necessarily a recipe for efficiency.

A smaller, locally owned company has a better understanding of local real estate market conditions and provides a more efficient loan experience. This, in turn, could help you succeed in the hot Seattle real estate market.

6. A Seattle mortgage company will provide a more customized experience.

Local companies are more likely to provide you with a personalized experience compared to working with general mortgage companies who may not be located anywhere near you or who don’t necessarily know the area closely like local firms do. 

Having a close working relationship with a local professional can help you avoid any uncertainties that you may have.

You don’t have to get stuck on customer service lines or risk having your voicemails go unanswered for days before you hear back from the person you wish to speak with. Instead, local experts are more closely tied to their clients and are much easier to get in touch with than mortgage companies that are stretched thin, trying to service borrowers across the entire nation.

With a Seattle mortgage company, you’ll get help from an experienced mortgage loan officer who can help you find the best loan program for you.

7. You can tap into their knowledge of the local market

Like local realtors, local mortgage companies know their market very well. You won’t get the same level of knowledge about your area with a general mortgage company like you will with one who works directly in the location you are looking to buy a home in.

Local professionals will have a clear understanding of the local economy and the property values in the area, which can go a long way at helping you get the right mortgage at a fair interest rate. 

Most local mortgage companies may also be able to provide in-house resources to help ensure your loan approval process moves along quickly without a hitch. They’re also more willing to take extra steps to ensure a successful mortgage.

8. You’ll have a better chance of succeeding in the Seattle housing market.

Seattle is a busy real estate market. We know that much already. But how does that relate to working with a local mortgage company in Seattle?

Home buyers who need financing can strengthen their offers by working with a locally-based mortgage broker or loan officer. In addition, real estate agents may want to work with buyers whose lenders know the local market and have a record of getting deals done. That helps make the listing agent and the seller feel confident that a sale will close.”

In a highly competitive, fast-moving real estate market like Seattle, home buyers need every possible advantage to achieve their goals. Working with the best mortgage company that’s local to Seattle (like Sammamish Mortgage) is a step in that direction.

9. You can read reviews from local home buyers and mortgage shoppers.

Yelp and similar review websites are a good way to read feedback from local consumers who have used a certain business. These days, a lot of mortgage companies have Yelp profiles. This allows you to get unbiased reviews from home buyers and mortgage shoppers just like you.

For instance, Sammamish Mortgage has client testimonials on sites like Zillow, Redfin, Bankrate, and Google My Business (GMB). Read through our reviews, and you’ll get a sense of how we treat our customers.

Today’s Seattle Mortgage Rates

Do You Know About Loan Limits?

It’s helpful for buyers to understand loan limits, which are dollar limits placed on home loans and are assigned to every county in the US. Conforming loans and FHA loans each have their own loan limits. When a buyer borrows more than the loan limit in their respective county, they are taking out a “jumbo loan.”

Loan limits for VA loans have been eliminated. But some buyers might still be subject to them if they have at least VA loans on the go or have defaulted on one in the past. Check out our mortgage loan limit tool for conventional, FHA, and VA loans.

What is the Importance of Loan Estimates and Closing Disclosures in a Mortgage?

Your Loan Estimate (LE) and Closing Disclosure (CD) play key roles in your mortgage:

  • Loan Estimate: A Loan Estimate is a standardized, three-page document that borrowers receive within three business days of obtaining the loan application. The purpose of this document is to give you a clear breakdown of the terms and costs associated with your mortgage.
  • Closing Disclosure: A Closing Disclosure is a five-page document that provides more precise information of your mortgage. The purpose is to provide transparency about all costs before final closing.

Is Pre-Qualifying for a Mortgage the Same as Getting Pre-Approved?

Make sure you understand the difference between mortgage pre-qualification and pre-approval, as they’re not quite the same. Though they may be somewhat similar and take place before the final mortgage approval takes place, there are differences to be aware of:

  • Mortgage Pre-Qualification: This is an informal estimate that tells you how much mortgage you may be able to afford based on basic information you provide. Only a soft credit check may be performed, and there is no commitment on the part of the mortgage company to lend you the money. Consider mortgage pre-qualification as more of a guide. 
  • Mortgage Pre-Approval: This is a more comprehensive and formal assessment of your financial situation and involves a conditional commitment on the part of the mortgage company to lend you a certain amount of money. During this process, you complete a full mortgage application and include more detailed information and documentation. It may also involve a credit check. Essentially, mortgage pre-approval is an essential step once you’re serious about buying a home.

Are Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Lenders the Same?

It’s common to assume that mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders are the same thing, but they are in fact different. 

  • Mortgage Lenders: A mortgage lender is the institution that actually provides the loaned funds. They are able to retain more control and make decisions in-house. 
  • Mortgage Brokers: A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary on the behalf of the borrower, working with lenders within their network to find a loan specific for each client. They do not lend money themselves.

What Makes Sammamish Mortgage Stand Out?

Sammamish Mortgage’s Diamond Buyer Program makes it a stand-out in the world of mortgages for several reasons: 

  • Underwritten Pre-Approvals: Sammamish Mortgage moves the underwriting process upfront thanks to our underwritten pre-approvals. So, your mortgage is thoroughly assessed before an offer is presented to the seller. This tactic strengthens your loan offer and helps avoid unexpected issues after the home is under contract. 
  • Cash Buyer Program: Sammamish Mortgage’s unique Cash Buyer Program allows you to make an all-cash offer on a home, which have been proven to be much more successful compared to standard offers requiring financing. This helps you avoid contingencies in your offer and help you remain a competitive buyer, particularly in multiple offer scenarios. As such, you’ll own the home right away and enjoy the benefit of a short-term first lien without high excise tax risks.
  • In-House Underwriting: With Sammamish Mortgage’s in-house underwriting team, they’ll work directly with you from application to closing. This helps prevent unnecessary delays in the process.

FAQs

Do all mortgage companies post live mortgage rates on their websites?

No, not all mortgage companies post real-time rates. Sammamish Mortgage is one of the few that posts live rates within seconds, with no email address, Social Security Number, or personal data needed. 

What should I look for in a mortgage company?

Look for things like competitive interest rates and fees, a solid reputation, excellent customer service, many loan options, and a team of seasoned loan officers.

Can a mortgage company help me get pre-approved for a mortgage?

Yes, mortgage companies can help you get pre-approved for a mortgage and is considered a standard service. As part of the pre-approval process, your mortgage company will review your financial information to determine what you can afford to borrow. With a pre-approval letter in hand, you stand a better chance of making your offer stand out.  

How long does the mortgage approval process take?

Mortgage pre-approval should take no more than a day or two, depending on your situation and how efficiently the mortgage company works.

How can I compare different mortgage companies?

Compare things like their interest rates, loan programs, closing costs and fees, customer service reputation, and whether they do their underwriting in-house.

Get an Instant Mortgage Rate Quote Today

Ready to Get Started With a Seattle Mortgage Company?

Do you need a mortgage loan to buy or refinance a home in Seattle? Do you prefer to work with a locally owned mortgage company in the Seattle area? If so, we can help. Sammamish Mortgage has been helping home buyers across the Seattle metro area since 1992.

We are a local, family-owned company based in nearby Bellevue, Washington, and work with borrowers in the Pacific Northwest region, including Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado as well. We can answer any questions you have about mortgage financing, and also provide you with a rate quote. Best of all, you’ll be “keeping it local.” Please contact our financing experts with any questions you have, or visit our website to get an instant rate quote and track rates using our rate tracker tool.

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