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Home » Recent posts » Get the Best Rates with the Top 5 Mortgage Brokers in San Diego

Get the Best Rates with the Top 5 Mortgage Brokers in San Diego

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We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Experience and Loan Expertise: I focused on brokers with solid industry experience, proper licensing, and strong knowledge of various loan programmes (including FHA, VA, jumbo, and conventional loans).  

Client Reviews and Reputation: I reviewed recent testimonials to identify brokers known for honesty, clear communication, and a stress-free loan process.  

Lender Network and Rates: I prioritised brokers with a wide lender network, since this increases access to better loan options and competitive rates.  

Communication and Responsiveness: I looked for brokers who give quick updates, respond promptly, and explain every step, which is especially helpful for first-time buyers.

Problem-Solving Skills: I selected brokers with a proven ability to handle complex cases, tight deadlines, and credit challenges while keeping the loan on track.

Dealing with mortgages can feel overwhelming. I remember looking at rates, loan types, and endless requirements, wondering how anyone gets through without stressing out. It’s a lot, and one wrong move can feel expensive.

That’s where mortgage brokers step in. These professionals break down the jargon, compare lenders for you, negotiate better rates, and guide you through each step so the process feels less like a maze and more like a plan.

Thankfully, San Diego has trusted mortgage brokers who take the stress out of home financing. Check out our list to see which experts can help you secure the right loan and keep the process smooth from start to finish.

How much does a mortgage broker charge in San Diego?

A mortgage broker in San Diego typically charges 0.5% to 2.75% of the loan amount, though many fees are lender-paid. Costs vary based on the loan type, complexity, and the broker’s experience.

1. WCF Twenty Four Seven

wcf-twenty-four-seven

Address: 2555 Camino del Rio S, Suite 210, CA 92108

Contact: +1 619 855 1084

Operating Hours: Open 24 hours

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WCF is licensed everywhere except New York and Alaska, so you know they’ve got you covered without the usual limitations. 

One thing I genuinely appreciate is how smooth they’ve made the whole loan process. They have a dedicated in-house team that handles everything: the application, conditions, direct funding, and even investor purchase.

Their rates and fees are impressively competitive too, which is refreshing when you’re comparing numbers and trying to make smart decisions.

And speed is clearly their strong suit—same-day pre-approvals, 48-hour full approvals, and fast turnarounds for conditions and closing. It feels efficient in a way that actually reduces your stress instead of adding to it.

The only drawback is that they don’t provide in-house financial advisory services, which some borrowers might want before locking in a loan.

Still, their achievements say a lot. They received an Excellence Award from UWM in 2022, are a Top 1% Certified Partner, and have an A+ rating from the BBB. And being a certified Equal Housing Lender seals the trust factor. 

Pros

  • Licensed in 48 states (except New York and Alaska)
  • Provides an end-to-end loan process
  • Competitive rates and fees
  • Offers same-day pre-approvals and 48-hour full approvals
  • Quick turnaround for conditions and closing
  • Strong credibility through awards
  • A certified Equal Housing Lender

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer in-house financial advisory services

A truly outstanding accomplishment that met all VA loan standards

“Eric was absolutely stellar in helping my wife and me close on our home loan in under 20 days, a truly outstanding accomplishment that met all VA loan standards. From start to finish, the service felt personal, attentive, and seamless. It honestly felt like we had our own dedicated mortgage team working around the clock to guide us through the process.

Eric was available 24/7 to answer any questions we had, no matter how big or small. That level of dedication and responsiveness made a huge difference and gave us real peace of mind throughout the entire transaction.

If you’re in the market to purchase a home or are looking for a top-notch mortgage company, I highly recommend working with Eric and his team. The accolades and glowing reviews you see online are absolutely well deserved!”

West Coast gave me an unbeatable deal on the refinance

“I was a first-time home buyer and had a phenomenal experience with West Coast Funding.  I worked with Troy Moritz and Stephanie Garmo and both provided exceptional service throughout the process, making themselves available day and night to answer questions and to make sure the loan was ready well ahead of schedule.

I shopped around, and Go West Coast either beat or matched the rates of any lender that I found, offered (and delivered) a faster turnaround time and provided better overall service.  I highly recommend West Coast Funding, and plan to work with Troy and Stephanie again for future refinances and home purchases.

Edit:  As an update to my prior review, I just worked with Troy and Stephanie on a refinance, and received the same top-notch service that I experienced in connection with the original mortgage.  West Coast gave me an unbeatable deal on the refinance, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience and the outcome.”

2. HomePlus Mortgage

homeplus-mortgage

Address: 9655 Granite Ridge Dr #200, CA 92123

Contact: +1 800 810 7587

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

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I came across HomePlus Mortgage while searching for a lender that could simplify the whole home-buying process without drowning me in jargon, and they genuinely impressed me.

Right away, I noticed how focused they are on giving clients competitive interest rates, solid terms, and genuinely excellent customer service. They also offer industry-leading resources to make your experience smoother and more informed, which is a huge help. 

What really stood out is that they act as both a mortgage lender and a broker. Instead of comparing dozens of lenders on your own, they shop multiple options for you and break down the complicated terms.

They’re also incredibly responsive. They know that urgency doesn’t follow business hours—offers happen late at night, and questions pop up early in the morning.

Plus, their quick closing times are a big win. With constant communication, they can wrap up the process in as little as 21 days, which feels almost unreal in today’s market.

The only drawback is that HomePlus Mortgage doesn’t offer in-house underwriting, which some lenders use to speed up certain steps of the approval process.

Pros

  • Offers competitive interest rates and solid terms
  • Ensures reliable customer service
  • Provides industry-leading resources
  • Operates as both a mortgage term for clarity
  • Responsive and always available by phone or email
  • Can complete the closing in as little as 21 days

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer in-house underwriting

By far the best loan officer I have ever worked with

“I was shopping for a loan to fund a new home purchase and originally came to HomePlus because they advertised one of the lowest rates I could find.  My initial worry was that service or integrity would inevitably be poor in order to account for the incredibly low rate, so I approached them with caution.  I was put in contact with Chris Ross, and he quickly put my concerns to rest.  In the end, it turned out to be the best of both worlds: highest caliber service and integrity paired with unbeatable pricing!

A couple of words about Chris Ross: he is by far the best loan officer I have ever worked with.  From day one, he gave me his cell phone number and made himself available 24/7.  His knowledge about the loan process and rate market is impressive, and more importantly he knows how to communicate that knowledge clearly and patiently to those of us consumers who know much less.  He was on top of everything and was able to get my loan funded just about two weeks after I contacted HomePlus.  I felt confident throughout the process that Chris was looking out for my best interests, and it really put my mind at ease knowing that I had such an expert in my corner.

There is no doubt that I will be going back to Chris next time I have any loan-related needs or questions.”

They didn’t just meet my expectations; they exceeded them

“I am thrilled to express my utmost gratitude and admiration for Home Plus Mortgage, a lender that truly goes above and beyond to provide an outstanding service. From the moment I engaged with them, I knew I was in capable hands. Their unparalleled knowledge, commitment, and dedication have left an indelible impression on me.

When it came to securing a mortgage, I was initially overwhelmed by the complexity of the process. However, the team (Jim, Manny, Shawna) at Home Plus Mortgage was there every step of the way, offering guidance, reassurance, and a level of expertise that surpassed my expectations. Their comprehensive understanding of the mortgage industry and the intricacies of different loan options instilled confidence in me.

What sets Home Plus Mortgage apart is their unwavering commitment to going the extra mile. They didn’t just meet my expectations; they exceeded them. They listened attentively to my needs, concerns, and financial circumstances, tailoring their services to suit my unique situation. This level of personalized attention is a rare find in today’s fast-paced world, and I greatly appreciated their genuine care and empathy throughout the process.

Home Plus Mortgage demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the market and an ability to provide comprehensive insights that helped me make informed decisions. They patiently explained complex financial jargon, ensuring I understood every aspect of the mortgage process. Their transparency and open communication created a sense of trust, which is invaluable when navigating such a significant financial undertaking.

I wholeheartedly recommend Home Plus Mortgage to anyone seeking mortgage services. Their commitment to excellence, exceptional knowledge, and willingness to go above and beyond sets them apart from their competitors. I am grateful for their assistance, and I will undoubtedly turn to them again for any future mortgage needs. Thank you, Home Plus Mortgage, for your outstanding service!”

3. Team Evans CrossCountry Mortgage

team-evans-crosscountry-mortgage

Address: 8885 Rio San Diego Dr, Suite 370, CA 92108

Contact: +1 619 723 7289

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday: Closed

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Scott Evans at CrossCountry Mortgage is the kind of lender who immediately puts you at ease. He’s been in the industry since 2006 and has closed over $2 billion in transactions, demonstrating his experience and reliability.

He’s personally handled more than 2,000 mortgage deals totalling $838 million, including $440 million in VA loans.

Over half of his business is dedicated to serving Military personnel and Veterans. He was named the #1 VA Lender in the U.S. by Scotsman Guide for two years running. He’s also been recognised as the #1 Individual Lender on Zillow for San Diego County.

Scott goes the extra mile by running Homebuyer Seminars for Military and Veterans across the state, helping families navigate the mortgage process with confidence. 

One thing to note is that while he’s exceptional at VA and conventional loans, he doesn’t provide in-house refinancing calculators or mortgage comparison tools online. Clients may need to use external resources or preliminary research.

Pros

  • Over 10 years in the industry
  • Closed over $2 billion in transactions
  • Handled 2,000+ mortgage deals totalling $838 million
  • Specialises in VA loans
  • Has $440 million funded for the military staff and Veterans
  • Ranked #1 VA Lender in the U.S. by Scotsman Guide
  • Recognised as the #1 Individual Lender on Zillow

Cons

  • Does not offer in-house refinancing calculators

Their professionalism, communication, and kindness made a huge difference

“Working with Cheryl Zenski and her team on my refinance was honestly one of the best experiences I have ever had with any lender. From start to finish, they made the entire process smooth, stress free, and a lot easier than I expected. Cheryl was patient, detailed, and always made sure I understood every step before moving forward. She never rushed me and always took the time to answer my questions, no matter how small they were.

What really stood out was how organized and on top of things her whole team was. They kept me updated constantly so I was never left wondering what was going on. Any time a document was needed or something needed clarification, they reached out right away and handled it quickly. Cheryl made me feel like I was her top priority the entire time.

She also genuinely looked out for my best interest during the refinance, explained my options clearly, and made sure I got the best possible outcome. You can tell she cares about people, not just the numbers. That level of honesty and transparency is rare and meant a lot to me.

If you are thinking about refinancing or need someone you can truly trust with your home loan, Cheryl and her team are the ones you want. Their professionalism, communication, and kindness made a huge difference for me. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants a smooth, straightforward experience with people who really care.”

They truly listened to our needs and answered our multitude of questions

“An Absolutely Seamless Home Buying Experience with CrossCountry Mortgage!

My wife and I recently closed on our first home, and we owe a huge thank you to Cheryl, Scott Evans, and the entire CrossCountry Mortgage Team! From the very first moment we started exploring loan options, their team was right there with us, guiding us every step of the way.

They truly listened to our needs and answered our multitude of questions, thank you so much for that! They found the perfect loan suitable for our situation. We were able to close on our home on-time and incredibly quickly, just as the promised from the start.

If you’re looking for an outstanding mortgage broker to help you with your home purchase, do yourself a favor and look no further  CrossCountry Mortgage and their team will undoubtedly meet and exceed your expectations, providing you with the best loan and experience possible. Our first-time home buying process was fast and seamless, and their attention to detail and expertise made all the difference.

Thank you so much, CrossCountry Mortgage! God bless!”

4. Guild Mortgage

guild-mortgage

Address: 5887 Copley Dr, Floors 1, 3, 4, 5, And 6, CA 92111

Contact: +1 800 283 8823

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

Facebook

Instagram

I recently explored Guild Mortgage, and it’s easy to see why they’ve been a trusted name since 1960.

Their mission to help anyone achieve homeownership, no matter where they’re starting or what’s in their bank account, really stood out to me. It’s the kind of inclusive approach you don’t see anywhere.

What caught my eye first was their dedication to veterans and military families. Guild earned the 2026 Military Friendly Employer Gold award, which isn’t just a badge. It reflects real policies and programmes that support those who serve.

On top of that, they’ve been named a top workplace by the San Diego Union-Tribune for 13 straight years, showing they take care of their employees as well as their clients.

Their team clearly knows their craft. In 2025, dozens of their loan officers ranked as Scotsman Guide Top Originators, and several women officers made the Top Women Originators list.

The only downside is that Guild Mortgage doesn’t provide mortgage insurance or title services directly. Clients need to arrange these essential parts of the process separately.

Pros

  • Over 20 years in the industry
  • Strong support for veterans and military families
  • Awarded the 2026 Military Friendly Employer Gold
  • Awarded the Top Workplace by the San Diego Union-Tribune
  • Home of Scotsman Guide Top Originators
  • Home of Top Women Originators in 2025

Cons

  • Does not provide mortgage insurance or title services directly

Everyone in the team has a lot of experience, and it shows

“My family had discussed me purchasing a home for about 5 years now. After having my daughter, it gave me that extra push I needed to not be scared & go for it. I made it a top priority to find my family the perfect home. The only issues was that I was the one looking for the homes & not the realtor I had at the time. They wouldn’t make me feel supportive nor took the time to explain the process of purchasing a home. After loosing so many homes we had placed offers to, I tried a new realtor that worked with Kevin Brown. We were referred to Kevin for the home loan process; we met him the next day, got approved within that same day! My offer went out the same day we were approved for the loan, and by the next day the seller accepted it. Working with Kevin was amazing, he works with an amazing team to get you the home of your dreams! Everyone in his team has a lot of experience and it shows with the results you get! Huge thank you to everyone behind the scenes that got me approved & my home within less than a month of meeting them!!! They work extremely hard for you to get you results fast & easy. Hands down, no other loan officer was able to beat the rate I got for my first home! They also found ways to help me with closing costs. I will forever be thankful to have had a supportive team towards the end of this journey!”

Her attention to detail is second to none

“Trisha Jackson is such a great person to work with when you need to finance property. She is knowledgeable, professional and dependable. She works hard for your best interest and we really feel she is the best loan originator in the area. She has helped us with the purchase of a couple homes actually, one in 2017 and one in 2020. We wouldn’t even consider contacting anyone else for our mortgage related needs. I believe that the fact we are repeat customers of hers speaks volumes about how pleased we are with the help she has provided us. Trisha is amazing at what she does, and is particularly good at keeping her customers informed throughout the loan process and making sure if you need anything that she is right there to help. Answering all your questions as they arise, and carefully handling all the important paperwork related to your financing from start to finish are also strong points in Trisha. Her attention to detail is second to none, she is always quick to return a phone call if she cannot pick up immediately. I feel this truly shows that you are a top priority at all times, and I really appreciate that about her. Pair Trisha Jackson’s awesome customer service with the fact that she is backed by an excellent and reputable lender, and you will quickly find yourself working efficiently toward your home buying goals. Call Trisha today, and in no time you’ll be having the same great experience we had with her and with Guild Mortgage.”

5. Cornerstone First Mortgage

cornerstone-first-mortgage

Address: 2655 Camino Del Rio N #100, CA 92108

Contact: +1 866 815 1803

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Cornerstone First Mortgage immediately caught my attention with how personal and organised their process felt. After speaking with them, I completely understood why so many borrowers recommend them.

From the first call, the team walked me through each step clearly. Since they’re a full-service mortgage bank, everything (processing, underwriting, and funding) stays in-house. This makes the whole experience feel smoother and far less overwhelming.

Whether you’re looking for a straightforward home loan or exploring refinancing to lower your rate or access cash for home projects, they offer plenty of flexible options. Their rates are competitive too, which is always a relief.

Their experience also showed. Their president, Sean Cahan, brings 20 years of industry experience. You can feel how that shapes their focus on clear communication, transparency, and customer care. 

The only caveat is that they don’t offer in-house credit repair assistance. Some borrowers find it helpful when trying to improve their scores before applying.

Pros

  • A full-service mortgage bank
  • Provides in-house processing, underwriting, and funding
  • Ensures step-by-step communication
  • Competitive rates on home loans and refinancing
  • Flexible loan choices for different services
  • The president brings 20 years of experience

Cons

  • Does not offer in-house credit repair assistance

What really sets Sandra apart is her personal attention and dedication

“Exceptional Experience – 3rd Mortgage with Sandra Priscal!

Working with Sandra at Cornerstone has once again been an outstanding experience. This is now my third mortgage with Sandra, and I can confidently say she goes above and beyond every single time.

From the very beginning, Sandra was transparent and incredibly honest about what was needed to refinance. She took the time to explain every step and made sure I fully understood my options. Her commitment to securing the best rates and navigating the process smoothly is unmatched.

Of course, there are always obstacles in the mortgage process, but Sandra has a unique ability to find solutions quickly and effectively. She’s always just a call or message away and was immediately responsive anytime an issue arose.

What really sets Sandra apart is her personal attention and dedication. She worked closely with me the entire time, answered all my questions, and ensured I never felt overwhelmed. Her team is just as fantastic—professional, supportive, and clearly well-connected with Cornerstone.

One thing to keep in mind: mortgages take time, and it’s important to give yourself a little breathing room for anything unexpected. But with Sandra on your side, you’ll have a true partner who will guide you every step of the way.

I’m incredibly grateful to Sandra and her amazing staff for helping me make this happen. I wish them all continued success and would highly recommend Sandra to anyone looking for an honest, experienced, and hardworking mortgage broker. If you’re getting a mortgage—she’s your girl! PS. I will definitely be referring anyone that is looking to refinance or purchase a new home to Sandra. Thanks A million Sarah @KasaKarmaHomes.”

They made the entire mortgage process smooth, stress-free, and even enjoyable

“Melissa and Tom at Cornerstone First Mortgage were absolutely fantastic in helping us secure our forever home! From the very first conversation, they were professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring about our family’s needs. They made the entire mortgage process smooth, stress-free, and even enjoyable with their positive attitudes and quick responses.

What truly stood out was their dedication to finding us the best possible loan options while keeping everything clear and straightforward. They guided us through each step, answered all our questions (no matter how many we had!), and worked tirelessly to ensure we closed on time.

Thanks to Melissa and Tom, we are now proud homeowners, and we couldn’t be happier with their service. If you’re looking for a mortgage team that truly cares and goes above and beyond, Cornerstone First Mortgage is the way to go! We’ll be recommending them to everyone we know.

Thank you, Melissa and Tom—you’re the best!”