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Best Mortgage Brokers in Lake Charles

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2023
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Bayou Mortgage logo
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License Verified:

License: 1845349

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Bayou Mortgage

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791 Bayou Pines E, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  • Refinance

Business Description

Bayou Mortgage is an independent brokerage providing loan options to home buyers and owners in Lake Charles. The company has a wide range of mortgage programs, including FHA, VA, USDA Rural Development, fixed-rate, and adjustable-rate loans. Additionally, its team assists clients in applying for loans for construction and renovation. Bayou Mortgage is a member of the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts. The company shops from more than 100 lenders to provide a wide variety of options for clients.

License Verified:

License: 1845349

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (23)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Cody Heard logo
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License Verified:

License: 92001

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Cody Heard

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4216 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605
  • Refinance
  • New Construction

Business Description

Cody Heard is a residential mortgage loan originator representing Premier Nationwide Lending. He is a branch manager of the Lake Charles division of the company, serving home buyers and providing various loan programs, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Heard has a background in finance, which allows him to connect clients with a financing option that fits the client's financial and life situations. He offers individualized attention throughout the procedure and keeps clients updated on their loan status.

License Verified:

License: 92001

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (145)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (47)
Zillow
5.0 / 5 (17)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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Family First Mortgage logo

License Verified:

License: 110317

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Family First Mortgage

3909 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lake Charles, LA 70503
  • Refinance

Business Description

Family First Mortgage is a broker that caters to Lake Charles borrowers by offering conventional, FHA, USDA-RD, and VA loans. It helps homeowners who want to shorten their loan terms, lower their monthly payments, or get cash out of their equity through refinancing. Family First Mortgage simplifies the loan process by using online calculators to provide clients with a variety of options. Chris Chustz, the company owner and mortgage banker, founded the business in 2004.

License Verified:

License: 110317

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (52)
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Milestone Mortgage logo
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License Verified:

License: 1845221

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Milestone Mortgage

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91 Settlers Trace Blvd, Building 3, Lake Charles, LA 70508
  • Refinance

Business Description

Milestone Mortgage is a brokerage catering to clients across Lake Charles and the neighboring cities. It aims to help individuals and families purchase their first homes without exceeding their budgets by offering various mortgage loan programs, including USDA, VA, and FHA. It also serves clients wishing to apply for 15- or 30-year loans for their vacation homes or investment properties. Ben Leonards, one of the company's senior loan officers, brings 18 years of mortgage experience.

License Verified:

License: 1845221

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (447)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
NOLA Lending Group logo
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License Verified:

License: 488639

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

NOLA Lending Group

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129 W College St., Lake Charles, LA 70605
  • Refinance
  • New Construction

Business Description

NOLA Lending Group is a Fidelity Bank division that serves clients from Lake Charles. It has a varied selection of VA, FHA, and conventional loans for home purchases, as well as tailored refinancing plans. Its loan officers use their first-hand insight into the local market's interest rates and property values to help borrowers maximize the terms and coverage of their choices. They also guide military personnel who wish to buy new homes in line with the guidelines and provisions of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

License Verified:

License: 488639

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Zillow
5.0 / 5 (37)
Google
2.3 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
Pemberton Mortgage Group logo
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License Verified:

License: 65028

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Pemberton Mortgage Group

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1918 Southwood Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70605
  • Refinance
  • New Construction

Business Description

Pemberton Mortgage Group provides services across Lake Charles and the surrounding areas. Its team guides individuals in purchasing homes that meet their budget and the needs of their families by offering mortgage loan programs. These programs include VA loans for military veterans who wish to buy homes without down payments and with low-interest rates. It also caters to clients needing both adjustable- and fixed-rate mortgages by carrying hybrid ARM loans. Pemberton Mortgage Group has been operating since 1999.

License Verified:

License: 65028

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (279)
Google
5.0 / 5 (205)
Zillow
5.0 / 5 (147)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Premier Nationwide Lending logo
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License Verified:

License: 441410

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Premier Nationwide Lending

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4216 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605
  • Refinance

Business Description

Premier Nationwide Lending addresses the real estate concerns of individuals and families in Lake Charles. It provides mortgage assistance to buyers and investors who want to purchase residential properties. The company works closely with clients to discuss their homeownership goals and helps them process fixed- and adjustable-rate, USDA, VA, FHA, and jumbo loans. Its team also offers refinancing services to lower high-interest debts and monthly payments. Branch manager Cody Heard is a residential loan originator who has been in the industry for over a decade.

License Verified:

License: 441410

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (110)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (22)
Zillow
5.0 / 5 (17)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Republic State Mortgage logo

License Verified:

License: 682404

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Republic State Mortgage

8460 Central Mall Dr., Ste F, Port Arthur, TX 77642
  • Refinance

Business Description

Republic State Mortgage is a residential loan originating company that serves customers in the Lake Charles area. It offers home purchase and refinance mortgage solutions. It provides a wide variety of loan programs, including conventional, government-backed, investor, second mortgage, jumbo, and renovation loans. The company also assists with rural development loans. Republic State Mortgage is operated by Jason Wagner, who has been in the industry since 2006 and is experienced in developing home loans based on each individual's situation.

License Verified:

License: 682404

Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (58)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    It’s the American dream to buy property, and almost everyone who purchases a home does so with the help of a mortgage broker. It can be intimidating when you don’t know where to begin, what information is necessary, and how to receive a loan. A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between the applicant and the financial institution.


    The mortgage broker’s role includes comparing loan terms across lenders to find applicants the best options, collecting paperwork the financial institution needs to analyze the application, and guiding the buyer through the underwriting and closing processes. Mortgage brokers can significantly simplify the home buying process.

  • Can mortgage brokers work across state lines?

    Yes, mortgage brokers can work across state lines. However, each state has different licensing requirements for mortgage brokers. Customers should ensure their broker can legally work in another state before going across state lines. Lastly, don’t forget the mortgage process is often time-sensitive, so being in different time zones can be problematic.

  • How do mortgage brokers find lenders?

    Mortgage brokers work independently and act as a bridge between the client and the lender. They reach out to several lenders to form a network and build professional relationships with those they work with often. They use lenders who best meet a client's rates and terms, and some lenders only do business through mortgage brokers.  

  • What credit score do mortgage brokers use?

    There are two credit scoring models in the United States: FICO and VantageScore. Mortgage lenders typically prefer to use FICO. However, each credit bureau uses a different version of the FICO score:

    • Experian uses FICO Score 2
    • Equifax uses FICO Score 5
    • TransUnion uses FICO Score 4

  • Do mortgage brokers help with refinancing?

    Yes, mortgage brokers can help with refinancing. Individuals who have a solid credit score will typically go to their bank to refinance their mortgage. However, if you don't have excellent credit, a mortgage broker may be able to secure you a better interest rate than you could get on your own.

    You pay a fee to the mortgage broker, so you'll want to consider this fee versus your savings in your cost-benefit analysis.
  • Can you work with two mortgage brokers?

    You can definitely work with two mortgage brokers. The advantage of using multiple brokers is that you'll have two people reaching out to several lenders to secure the best rate possible. However, you must ensure you provide matching information to all your brokers. If two brokers provide mismatched information about your application to the same lender, it can send off red flags and delay your approval process.

  • Do mortgage brokers get better deals?

    Yes, a mortgage broker should be able to get you a better deal. Mortgage brokers go to several lenders on your behalf and find the one with the best terms and interest rates. However, note that some mortgage brokers have preferred lenders. A broker may bring you their preferred lender's offer, even if it's not the best one; however, this isn't a regular practice.