An Internet search for mortgage brokers in your area may also yield good results. Most professional mortgage brokers will have a website and spend some time optimizing it for the Internet.
It is a good idea to check with any applicable Mortgage Professional Associations, when looking for a reputable mortgage broker. For example Mortgage Bankers Association(MBA), the National Association of Mortgage Brokers(NAMB), and in California, the California Association of Mortgage Brokers(CAMB) - And many others located Nation wide.
In most states, mortgage brokers are licensed by the state government. Always make sure that your mortgage broker has a current, valid and proper license. In addition, in many states it is easy to check if the broker has had any violations recorded against his license.
Ask the broker for references. If a broker cannot or will not give you references then its time to continue the search.
You may also have your realtor or any friends or family members refer you to a mortgage broker they have used in the past.
Reputable mortgage brokers charge rates and fees that do not vary based on age, gender, race, religion, or national origin. If you feel you have been discriminated against contact your state licensing authority to file a complaint.
Make sure when searching for a broker that you first find a good, knowledgeable broker that makes you feel at ease, has knowledge of the programs available, and is someone that you can work with. Once you find this then it is time to talk rates and fees but make sure and find a good broker first.
Interview your broker. If you have had credit problems in the past or have other issues that may prevent you from qualifying for the best rate, ask if your broker has experience working with clients in your situation. If so, ask how they handled similar situations to yours in the past.
If you are going to shop around be sure that you ask the same questions of each broker. Make sure that the broker knows what mortgage interest rates are based on, what the next economic report is that could cause interest rates to move (either up or down), when the "Fed" changes interest rates how this affects mortgage rates, AND if the broker has real time access to interest rates? Each of these four questions will have a profound impact on what your rate is and what it will be!