For agents, hire the person. For loan officers, the company behind them genuinely changes what you can get. On the real estate side, the name on the sign matters far less than the individual. Whether an agent hangs their license at a national brand or a small local shop, your outcome moves on that person's skill, communication, and track record. The agent is effectively the brand you are hiring. Lending works differently. The lender's channel determines the rates, products, and terms a loan officer can offer, so a talented loan officer stuck at a company with uncompetitive pricing cannot hand you a great deal the shop does not have. Vet the individual hard in both cases, and on the mortgage side weigh the platform too, since the platform sets the menu the officer is allowed to quote from. Ask an agent about recent, relevant transactions in your area and price range, and ask a lender how broadly they can shop your loan.