I took a chance with Consumer Direct based on their low rates and great reviews on Zillow. I'm very glad I did. Partially because of how great their rate was, but also especially because of how easy and hassle-free their process was. I didn't have to drive to a bank. I didn't have to join a credit union. From day 1 I had a direct phone number (and cell phone number) of my loan officer, Bill Hutto, who walked me through prequalification through closing over the course of several months. I could call or email with questions anytime and he was always there to help. I was offered a substantial lender *credit* (instead of an origination *fee* that my local credit union would have charged in order to get a similar rate). We were buying a Short Sale and Bill also helped with some of the peculiarities there too. Finally, I loved that the whole process (until closing day) was done online and by phone - never needed to go anywhere or mail anything.