Close to Home...The Advantages of Using a Local Lender | Ernest Homes
Editor’s Note (Updated 2025): This post was originally part of an interview series with local lending expert Betsy Saxon. Betsy has since retired, but her insights remain valuable for today’s homebuyers. All personal contact information has been removed.
As a homebuyer, you have many choices when selecting a lender — banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, online platforms, and even national 1-800 mortgage lines. But is one option better than the others?
During our original interviews, industry experts consistently emphasized that local lenders often provide a superior home-buying experience compared to large national mortgage companies. Here’s why their guidance still matters today.
Local Lenders Look at the Whole Picture
Large national lenders typically follow rigid checklists and automated approval systems. They may not consider unique personal circumstances such as medical hardships, past financial challenges, or foreclosure timeline errors. Local lenders, however, review your full financial picture and help you understand how these factors affect your approval path.
For example, many buyers mistakenly believe the foreclosure waiting period begins when they move out. In reality, it begins when the lender records the foreclosure deed — something that can occur months or even years later. A local lender is more likely to catch these important details early.
They Can Help You Improve Your Credit
Local lenders often take the time to walk through your credit report, explain issues, and offer guidance to help you qualify in the future. Instead of issuing a simple denial, they may outline steps to boost your credit score and invite you to reapply once improvements are made. This level of personalized support is rarely provided by nationwide lenders.
They Know the Local Market
Local lenders understand the communities, builders, and neighborhoods in your area. They may know about upcoming developments, preferred school districts, and special builder incentives — insights that large corporate lenders typically lack.
This “inside track” can be extremely valuable when buying in growing markets such as Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, and Guyton. To explore new homes in these areas, visit the Ernest Homes website.
They Help Protect Your Credit Score
Multiple mortgage inquiries in a short period can lower your credit score. A local lender can help narrow down your options early in the process, reducing unnecessary credit checks and helping keep your score strong while you shop for a home.
They Are Faster and More Responsive
With local processing and underwriting teams, communication tends to be faster and more efficient. You meet your lender face-to-face, build a genuine relationship, and enjoy a smoother, more personalized mortgage experience.
To a local lender, you’re not just an application — you’re a neighbor they want to see succeed.
This article is part of a historical interview series. While the original lender featured has since retired, the guidance provided continues to reflect best practices for today’s homebuyers navigating the lending landscape.
