Is it ture that national lenders like Loan Depot can offer better rates?

actually, Private banking has the best rates because it is portfolio'd money, unlike conventional lending,, BUT, you would have to qualify as a private banking client.

You are better served dealing with a local loan officer than a national call center. You should be able to get just as good of a deal.

No, 100% absolutely no... All lenders underwrite to the same program, get their money from the same sources, and have to pay the same third party fees (appraisal, credit report, etc). The real difference from any lender on any given day might be about .125% for the same program when comparing the same closing cost quote. Most of their so called "deals" simply employ creative low ball quoting that the average homeowner doesn't understand. To make it worse, these types of companies typically employ low level, low education application clerks. Is that who you want handling your largest financial transaction? Your best bet has always been, and continues to be to go visit your local licensed Loan Officer at your mortgage broker. www.Minneapolis-Mortgage.net

It depends on the cost of your loans, many local lenders may get you a better rate if they can see that your case is easy, and not time consuming. also remember that those local lenders have access to many other investors and many programs while national lenders are stuck with limited programs they are offering