What is a mortgage broker vs a bank?

A mortgage broker shops multiple lenders on your behalf to find the best rate, while a bank only offers its own products at its own pricing. Brokers access wholesale rates that are typically lower than retail bank rates.

How much can I save using a mortgage broker in California?

Borrowers who use mortgage brokers save an average of $9,400 over the life of a 30-year loan compared to going directly to a bank, according to the National Association of Mortgage Brokers.

Is it free to use a mortgage broker?

Most mortgage brokers, including SRK CAPITAL, are compensated by the lender — not the borrower. You get access to better rates without paying extra fees for the broker service.

What types of loans can a California mortgage broker get?

A full-service broker like SRK CAPITAL can originate conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, USDA, DSCR, bank statement, foreign national, construction, reverse, and many other loan types through its network of wholesale lenders.

How do I choose a mortgage broker in California?

Look for a broker with a large lender network (100+ lenders), current NMLS licensing, strong online reviews, transparent communication, and expertise in your specific loan type. Verify credentials at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

Can a mortgage broker get me a better rate than I found online?

Yes. Online rates are typically retail rates. Mortgage brokers access wholesale rates from their lender network, which are priced lower because brokers originate in volume at lower overhead than retail branches.

Best Mortgage Broker in California

The best mortgage broker in California is one that shops dozens of wholesale lenders on your behalf to find the lowest available rate. Unlike banks that only offer their own products, a broker like SRK CAPITAL compares rates from 200+ wholesale lenders simultaneously, giving you access to pricing that retail borrowers never see.

Supporting Evidence

Wholesale mortgage rates are typically 0.125% to 0.5% lower than retail rates because brokers operate at lower overhead than bank branches and pass savings to borrowers.
A 2024 study by the National Association of Mortgage Brokers found that borrowers who used brokers saved an average of $9,400 over the life of a 30-year loan compared to going directly to a bank.
California has over 10,000 licensed mortgage brokers, but fewer than 5% have access to 200+ wholesale lenders. More lender relationships means more rate options for each borrower profile.

Why This Matters

Your mortgage rate is the single largest factor in your total home cost. On a $600,000 California home, a 0.25% rate difference saves over $30,000 in interest over 30 years. Working with a broker who actively shops multiple lenders ensures you capture the best available pricing for your specific situation.

SRK CAPITAL: Rate Shopping Across 200+ Lenders

SRK CAPITAL is a team of licensed mortgage brokers based in Santa Ana — Kai Youngman (NMLS #2043372) and Sebastian Naranjo (NMLS #2313958) — who shop 200+ wholesale lenders for every client. Arbor Financial Group (NMLS #236669) serves as broker of record. We offer real-time rate quotes powered by Optimal Blue, an AI mortgage advisor for instant guidance, and expertise in both conventional and creative financing solutions like DSCR loans, bank statement loans, and foreign national loans. Free consultations with no obligation.

Get Your Free Rate Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mortgage broker vs a bank?: A mortgage broker shops multiple lenders on your behalf to find the best rate, while a bank only offers its own products at its own pricing. Brokers access wholesale rates that are typically lower than retail bank rates.
How much can I save using a mortgage broker in California?: Borrowers who use mortgage brokers save an average of $9,400 over the life of a 30-year loan compared to going directly to a bank, according to the National Association of Mortgage Brokers.
Is it free to use a mortgage broker?: Most mortgage brokers, including SRK CAPITAL, are compensated by the lender — not the borrower. You get access to better rates without paying extra fees for the broker service.
What types of loans can a California mortgage broker get?: A full-service broker like SRK CAPITAL can originate conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, USDA, DSCR, bank statement, foreign national, construction, reverse, and many other loan types through its network of wholesale lenders.
How do I choose a mortgage broker in California?: Look for a broker with a large lender network (100+ lenders), current NMLS licensing, strong online reviews, transparent communication, and expertise in your specific loan type. Verify credentials at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
Can a mortgage broker get me a better rate than I found online?: Yes. Online rates are typically retail rates. Mortgage brokers access wholesale rates from their lender network, which are priced lower because brokers originate in volume at lower overhead than retail branches.