When it comes to big decisions like purchasing or refinancing your home, you definitely want to evaluate your lending options and make sure that you choose the best option for you. For many people, it’s easy to just choose the bank that does the most advertising since they are at the top of your mind. This will almost always be one of the major national banks since they have the biggest marketing budget. However, if you choose a major bank without evaluating any local options then you may be missing out on several key advantages that they offer.

Some of the advantages of using a local mortgage broker, like us:

Real estate requires localized knowledge

Would you trust a mechanic in Houston, Texas to get your car ready for the winter when you live in Maine? Or would you ask the desk agent at a hotel in Los Angeles where the best places to eat in Portland are? And when you want to get a taste of the local cuisine while on vacation, do you stop at McDonalds?

Like these scenarios and so many others, real estate is an industry that requires localized knowledge. Even real estate markets that are only a few towns away from each other can be completely different. By approaching your local mortgage lender, you will know that you are working with a professional who has first-hand knowledge of the area where you will be living. This is invaluable when making a decision like purchasing a home.

Another benefit of using a local mortgage lender is that they remain constantly up to date on the regionally available specialized programs that can assist with the home buying and/or refinancing process. They will be able to offer you multiple lending options through multiple channels to find the ideal solution for your situation. This all translates into a lower rate for you.

Big banks, on the other hand, will be limited to their portfolio of loan programs. If they don’t have a program that’s right for you, they cannot seek one out beyond their company and products.

Customer service

When was the last time that you called a major bank? How long did you spend on the phone after calling the service number? How many times did you have to “Click 3” to try and reach your desired party? These are all things that you won’t have to deal with if you decide to work with a local lender. Human to human contact to guide you every step of the way.

A local lender will be happy to sit down with you and get a deep understanding of your financial goals. From there, they can put together a solution that’s best for you. Not only that, but they’ll also be able to connect you with their networks of support services such as local appraisers, title companies, and real estate agents. This is an invaluable part of the home buying or refinancing process. A local mortgage broker will help you understand the rate, closing costs, and other details of each offer to find the best loan specific to you.

When you work with a big bank, you can trust that you’re getting a cookie-cutter loan option that was probably pre-determined by one of their algorithms.

Family owned and run

Acadia Lending Group, LLC is a Portland, Maine mortgage lender with more than 20 years of experience in all areas of Maine home loan financing. Acadia Lending Group was established with the desire to provide a high level of service, and a wide range of financial and real estate loan programs to residents throughout Maine. Founded in 2010, Acadia Lending Group is run and owned by husband-and-wife duo, Heather and John Rose. Each of the team members at Acadia has the NUMBER ONE GOAL of giving clients the best experience they can, working very hard to find them the best program and CONSTANTLY communicate every step of the way.

Our customers receive nothing but the best, as you can see from our testimonials.  We are proud of the fact that a large percentage of our business is obtained through referrals as a result of our service and delivery of what we promised. We want you to be our customer for life. Can the big banks say the same?