When purchasing a home; do you use a Mortgage Broker or a Direct Lender ?

We use the bank that we have our accounts with.

We use whoever offers the best rate for the lowest fees. We are just as loyal as the banks are!

Mortgage brokers have access to more rates while a direct lender is more limited. Shop them both. You will find the broker will work harder for you. Frankly banks are really tight right now with lending and aren’t to helpful.

I worked in residential lending for ten years and I tend to use mortgage brokers. @Jong6451 describes the situation perfectly; brokers can offer more rates and programs and right now that is huge. The only caveat I have is to be careful which broker you use. There are many out there who are less than scrupulous and will pile on the garbage fees or try to stick you in a loan program that is not the right fit for you. If you possibly can, get a referral from someone you trust. That is not always the real estate agent, they have a stake in you getting a loan and buying the house so they might have their bottom line in mind rather than your best interest when steering you toward a lending.

We have used both, with equally good outcome.

Use the one who gives you the lowest interest rates for the loan type you want, the lowest closing costs/fees AND the best customer service which ensure the deal gets done. Some people forget that without the latter there will be no closing. Ask a local real estate agent for a recommendation. Then ask that loan officer for a client reference or two.