Eman,

There are several bank and mortgage companies in Auburn. The best thing to do is call and check with
several ones. Some can even take your application over the phone where you don't even have to go
in. If you find out that you are qualified, I would love to help you find your next home. Call me or
e-mail me. My number is (334) 235-7463 or joymelton@elmore.rr.com

Which ever you can get the best rate with and most important use the source with the person you trust the most and are most comfortable with, in the end its about being happy with your decision. Shop around and interview. Your mortgage will probably be sold anyway.
Scott Langley
RE/MAX Professional Partners
ScottELangley@remax.net

There are a few really great loan programs available. You can get approved for an FHA loan with a credit score of 620 and 3.5% down. The rate is fixed and currently the rates are around 4.875%. Having a higher credit score won't get you a lower rate right now. There are also programs available to cover down payments. Banks tend to have lower fees than mortgage company's. They also offer loans with no private mortgage insurance which affects your payments over 20 years in some cases. Conventional loans are a little harder to get qualified for right now. You will need to have a credit score in the high 700's. That comes with 5% down and a few other extra fees. I really don't feel it is a good way to go for first time buyers because of the extra fees. There is also a great program through USDA if you are buying in a rural area. It is 100% financing.
I would love to discuss this with you further. My email is latarsha.hare@coldwellbanker.com.

You can have the best of both worlds if you go to a knowlegeable Mortgage Broker who can go to many different banks for different products and rates. Ask if they are a Broker or just use a one bank lender.

Depends. My buyers have success with both. I have some friends at Charter Bank, Auburn Bank, Compass Bank, as well as Countrywide & Wells Fargo. I can give you a list & you can "interview" all of them.
I would suggest that before letting them run credit.
There are positives and negatives for both. Whether you're going FHA, VA, or convetional, each has different programs. I would check out their websites (sorry spam rules - I can't give them to you). The ones that don't have websites you can drop by the locations and get a pamphlet explaining the current financing programs.
Here's a note to consider:
Banks sell their notes to lenders.