Finding a good lender is as important as finding a good real estate agent. Without a lender on your side buying a home is impossible (unless you stash a BIG wad of cash in your mattress...)

Your real estate agent may be the best source. We deal with lenders every day and we know the good, the bad, and the ugly. Virtually every agent has their "favorite lender". Use caution though and ask the realtor why they recommend someone. A good agent will recommend the lender for YOU, not for THEM. There are lenders who are great at closing deals (which is good for the agent) but may not always find the best rates for the client. You don't want this lender. A good agent (like Jay and Francy Thompson!) will provide you a lender good for YOU (who will also close the deal--as that's critical for you too!).

The choice of a lender is ultimately up to you. Look for recommendations from your realtor, and your friends and family. TALK to the lender--interview them--before you decide. You can tell a lot about a person just by talking to them. And contrary to what some say, lenders are people too (well, most of them...)