How to choose a mortgage lender?

[Mala S.]

I am looking to buy my first property and I am not sure how to choose a mortgage lender. I have been pre approved by two lenders and they basically gave me the same options and a similar rate. So I was just wondering if there is anything else I should think of when choosing a lender?

I found the first lender by filling out an online form and then a well-known online mortgage lender in my area called me. (actually, I've been getting a ton of calls from mortgage lenders ever since I filled out that online form - it was probably a dumb thing to do).

The second person I spoke to was recommended to me by my real estate agent. I have never heard of the company he works for and know nothing about it other than they are a direct lender and whatever else I can read on their website.

My next step was to talk to someone at well-known brick and mortar big bank.

Should I talk to a mortgage broker?

Does anyone have any advice about the difference between getting a mortgage from a recognizable online-only lender, a direct lending company that most people have never heard of or a well-known big bank?

If the rates are the same, does it matter?

Any potential for shadiness that I should be wary of?

Thanks BP!