I don't particularly deal with small local banks or the big box banks. Most of my lenders are local brokers.

Local, with the underwriter in the same office.

I prefer local lenders just for the fact that I can always talk to the same person all the time if needed! Bigger banks tend to shuffle around and pass off the case load to someone else throughout the process. Hate that!

The actual bank isn't so important as the mortgage broker, which should always be local for best communication.  

I prefer and plan to work with Jason E. Gordon locally for better service and accountability. I work locally with Navy Federal Credit Union. Call Center services offer little to no relationship nor accountability. As much as ethically-legally possible I argue for locals and against Internet lenders, big banks and out of area lenders. Seen so much good in local and consistent bad in out of area or big bank local or otherwise.

I always choose a local and trusted lender. Service sells

If problems/issues arise , agents will wish they are dealing LOCALLY !

Service is the key. The loan officer is nore important than the source of funds!

I prefer local lenders.

Unfortunately, the Internet lenders have been providing a higher level of service with fewer 'didn't receive the requested document' responses.

The locals are making it very hard to remain loyal.

"Issac T., are you getting the message?"

I work mostly with smaller brokers vs big boxes. They are more aggressive and responsive. 

Simple question for some of the responders to this thread who are indifferent to whether Local Lenders or National Lenders should be handling their escrows...who do you want handling your transaction if there is a time crunch and/or exception that needs to made in a pinch? Metaphorically, using a National Lender is like watching a cruise ship make a u-turn in the ocean...a Local Lender is like watching a speed boat make that same manuever. So many of my local Agent Partners have stayed loyal once they have seen this difference in action. I've had multiple escrows where the Clients have signed docs, funded, and recorded on the same day. I've had complex underwriting decisions made "in a pinch" for time-sensitive deals. Quite simply, the National Lenders are highly less likely to even come close to this performance. I encourage you to read some of the wisdom written by fellow AR Blogger Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor as he can write a book on this topic.

local lenders are preferred

I prefer local lenders since they know the local market

I can give you a view point from the Lender.....I am a Mortgage Banker that can do deals within the bank or sell to investors. Some of my borrowers cannot get approved based on Property Type, Debt Ratios,etc. I have the ability of taking that deal to our Board Of Directors for an approval. Many are approved. So my answer is find a lender that can sell and keep their deals, you now have the best of both worlds...

I prefer to deal with my local guy

Patrick Chicklinski I prefer to work with local lenders who I know.

I prefer local independents, but use mortgage brokers for mortgage lending since they tend to not push the flavor of the month and have more solutions for my clients' needs.

Small banks rarely have programs to offer besides standard 20% down. Sometimes they are so laughable! They don't know any better or choose to ignore their competitors.

I think that mortgage brokers are the way to go not big box banks. They fall into that category as above.  I remember Citibank was 1% higher than anybody with 3 points for a 20% loan.  Ridiculous.

If you need a loan under 50K, your stuck with Joe Small Bank or Credit Union.

There is a national out there that has just amazed me with their speed and easy dealings. No locals for me.

it depends on the level of service we receive from the person doing the loan

I find national lenders are not aware of local information.   We do not require pest inspections and national lenders try to get this done with their buyers.

I use lenders who have a local office.  Alan Gross provides great service locally for a bank in Texas.  And while I prefer the small local banks,  Wells has a great Private Banking Group services our office, and I've been using them sometimes, even though they are huge.

I sooner have a local person.

Patrick Chicklinski, I somehow do not favor lenders who I cannot contact - be it National or Local.

Local all the way

Local is my preference, in house underwriting, smooth sailing every time.

Local, local, local.  

Local brokers are the most responsive and do the best job!

Local, with in house underwriters, are the easiest to work with.

I would always rather go with a smaller local lender that has in-house underwriting than any national lender with many spokes in the wheel.

we use both.... but most through National Lenders.... 

Hi Patrick - We always prefer local lenders - and that includes mortgage lenders that aren't banks - over the big national guys, who seem to have no idea about Colorado real estate practice.

The ability to communicate and close is more important than size or location.

I prefer local lenders.

I perfer a local lender with underwriting in the same geo location. I deplor Big Bad Banks and avoid using them if at all possible. 

Richard Weeks nailed this one!

Sucker for anything local as my way of supporting the community

I have used both and much prefer my local banker.

It's all about service.   Service begins with loan officer all the up the chain until closing.

It depends on what you are looking for.

National w local offices and loan officers is fine.

No difference to me as long as the service is good.

What ever one does the best job for the client.