Pro tip: Ask your realtor who they recommend. Every serious realtor has a small group (1-3 max) mortgage brokers who they they have vetted. They periodically refresh their list if someone isn't getting it done for their clients as expected. There are lots of mortgage brokers out there, the realtors know who is good and who isn't because they work with them every day.

Also FWIW: Even here in small town America, lenders are dealing with tens of millions in volume every day. You will build a relationship with them over time, not on. any single deal.