Mortgage Companies

When dealing with a direct lender, it is a good idea to do some major comparison shopping--remember that there are different types of financial intuitions like credit unions, as well as your traditional savings and loans banks. The companies below are well-known and respected as corporations that have extensive resources available to customers, as well as personalized mortgage plans that incorporate all the concerns and details of individual financial situations.

• National City Mortgage: In 2002, this company loaned out nearly 80 billion dollars to homeowners, with $125 million distributed to online applicants. National City has an online resource center for prospective clients, with articles on refinancing and mortgage market surveys, mortgage calculators, and descriptions of loan options. They also offer a variety of payment services online, as well as numerous application choices: by phone, in person, or online. As one of the largest mortgage loan originators in the country, they have an established record of providing new and current homeowners with dedicated service from 300 offices in 37 states. For more information, please visit their comprehensive website at www.NationalCityMortgage.com.

• Chase Mortgage company: Home financing takes on a whole new dimension with the Chase Mortgage company, a subsidiary of the JP Morgan Chase empire which includes student and home loans, investments, retirement planning, refinancing, banking, and automotive financing. They have operating companies in fifty countries across the world and are the leader in all of their services. The home finance center of their website includes printable guides and how-to lists on financing a home, home shopping, tax benefits, credit reports, the mortgage process, and more. For more information regarding Chase Mortgage, visit their website at www.Chase.com.

• Countrywide Home Loans: They are the principal subsidiary of Countrywide Financial, a company started by two New Yorkers back in 1969, and grew into a financial services corporation with a portfolio exceeding 600 billion dollars. Of special note is the company's "Emerging Markets Initiative" where the goal is to lend out $600 billion in home loans to minority families before the year 2010. They too have a large online resource center, where you can apply online or schedule a consultation, browse their home loan products, get current interest rates, and review special offers. Start shopping for a loan by visiting their website at www.Countrywide.com.

• Ameriquest Mortgage Company: A relatively new company found in 1980, they are smaller than the previously listed corporation giants, but they have serviced billions of dollars in mortgage loans with individualized attention from 15,000 loan officers at over 270 mortgage offices across the country. They specialize in lending to people with blemished credit and they have free online loan assessments. The site walks you through the whole process, starting from calling a local branch and having a loan officer contact you. Ameriquest provides highly competitive rates, with loan programs that are easy to qualify for. For more information, please visit www.ameriquestmortgage.com.

This is by no means a comprehensive list--there are thousands of mortgage companies out there, but it is always best to go with a company that has an excellent track record and is ranked high in customer satisfaction.