Yes, you can switch lenders mid-transaction. The better question is whether you should, and timing drives the answer. On a purchase, we would rather you settle the lender decision before you go under contract, because your lender is part of getting the offer accepted (the pre-approval letter, communicating with the listing agent). Once you are in escrow: - About three weeks left: workable, especially if the original lender is dropping the ball (no disclosures sent, no appraisal ordered). - Eight to ten days from closing: avoid it unless something is truly broken. - Check what you have already paid. A completed appraisal usually is not refundable, and you would pay for a new one. One thing to know: nobody can bind you to a lender before you have a signed purchase contract. There is no exclusive mortgage agreement the way there is a buyer-broker agreement on the real estate side. A lender who demands you work with them exclusively before they will issue a pre-approval is waving a red flag, and it usually signals they cannot compete on price. Do not jump ship just to chase an advertised rate. Most reputable lenders land within about an eighth of a point of each other, so an eighth generally is not worth restarting for; a quarter point or more can be. Give your current lender a chance to match first, and shop with your full financial picture on the table instead of a "what is your lowest rate" phone call. Refinances give you far more room to switch than purchases do. If you want a second set of eyes on your loan against another quote, that is exactly what the free Roadmap conversation (about 20 minutes) is for.