I work with several lenders regularly and will make recommendations to clients based on their specific needs and where I think someone's style will match up best.

I believe that a Buyer's agent needs to supply a list of proven and time tested Lenders to their Buyers ! Letting them find someone on the own creates a poor working relationship and can cause disastrous results and stress in the Buyer's home buying experience !!!

Apologize if you don't agree.  The only reason to give out three lenders names is to distance yourself from any problems that arise. Closing a mortgage is complex and a mountain of paper.  To close in 20 days the buyer needs to be speaking with/emailing the lender daily. Lenders entice buyers with lower than market rates, and we see BofA and Chase offering low rates online on days they need to buy market share. They process and fund out of state and can't close on time. Wells Fargo informed their retail sales force nationwide to lock all loans for 45-60 days as that is the minimum time frame with TRID to close. If I were a buyer's agent  I would ask they double apply with my trusted associate.  Every day I get a panic call from a buyer's agent that they need to fix a broken deal. More than 70% of those buyers wanted a "2 percent no points fixed unbelievable rate."   

If they don't already have a lender I give them a list and let them decide on who they want to work with.

I like to say I give them options.

I have three terrific lenders on a list that I give to my clients.  Left to their own devices, they might wind up on some web site that will try to sell their names to other agents!

What Michael J. Perry , Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI and James Dray said

We have several tested lenders we recommend, but always invite our clients to shop.

Jason E. Gordon here in the Rain is my #1 lender I refer verbally each new buyer meeting. I use him personally too. I do have a Navy Federal lender I like for VA buyers that insist on a military credit union.

I know many other lenders, but I refer them in a list form if my new buyer asks for more than just Jason's name, via my lender list, which I offer to each buyer. I have worked with some good ones over the years that my buyers showed up with, so I kept their names to balance out my list (which is published here on AR) and not be accused of "steering". But, unlike Jason, they are much on networking, which makes Jason the most valued of the bunch.

I try to direct to around 4 lenders, 3 which are local. The 1 out of state is in LA and services investor loans.

I suggest mortgage loan officers that have a proven track record.

As each client has specific needs I would givem them a choice and put the one that best firs their needs on top as it generally is the one they choose.

Yes, I have three specific ones that I will suggest based on my clients experiences. I make sure that my clients are aware that they should "interview" the lender, not just check rates. 

A list of proven resources is provided along with some reality stories related to Bank of America and Chase.

Then I advise having a good plan B will be essential. On the Plan B list is only one company.

I prefer buyer's work with lenders I know. Always suggest three, but in some cases may show a preference for a particular lender.

I suggest a few if they haven't already chosen one.

Good morning Paul. Most of the Realtor referral partners I work with on use one mortgage broker.

Paul, this is a subject very near and dear to me as it relates to representing buyers in a way that results in the best possible outcome. This includes guiding a home buyer to the best source for financing as possible. In this new age of mortgage lending especially, a buyer needs a savvy and experiences LO who knows how to package a file to meet underwriting guidelines and minimize delays caused by insufficient documentation among other things. A mortgage loan officer who is thorough is absolutely critical to a smooth outcome for all parties involved. Thanks for bringing this topic up.

we pre approve everyone through Ross Mortgage...Eric's wife is the mortgage officer.... she does a great job... and they always end up using her.... they don't need to, but we insist that we know the "true" picture before a listing goes off the market....

I provide a list of excellent lenders to contact.  The buyer makes their own decision.

I have 3 who are on my preferred vendor list.

If they ask me I give them names of 3 or 4 lenders.

I have 3 or 4 that I will suggest to the buyers if they are not already working with someone.

 Good Monday morning Paul. I know of many who do refer their clients to a specific lender. Or at least give them three that they have had good relations with

I have a list that I share.

We have an in-house lender that I highly recommend.  Of course buyers can choose whomever they wish to work with, but he has a track record of success and I certainly feel more comfortable when he is the one closing our loans.

Paul - I do have one lender that I have worked the longest with, but if my clients need a lender, I will recommend a few different options. I also let them know they can use anyone they want. At the same time, I do let them know that choosing the right lender is just like choosing the right agent, and it can make a difference.

I Ask them first if they have someone and if they do not i suggest a few and the suggestions are based on what they prefer, more info and hand holding or lower rate or combo of the two.

We have lenders that we suggest, however some prefer to use their bank or someone else, for whatever reason.

I encourage them to use our lenders. 

Paul,
I keep a half a dozen to refer clients to. Depends on what the client needs. I would never send them to hunt on their own.

I have several lenders that I use and know which work the best with each type of client.

I give my clients a list of local brokers and mention the two I know are best at closing deals on time.

I have several if my clients need one

I work with a specific lender as I want to make sure they qualify & close.

Of course, I would prefer my lender, but if they bring someone else, it is their choice. I noticed that some buyers do a lot of shopping before picking a lender for home-purchase. 

I recommend three lenders, two from big institutions and one from a private institution.  Depending on the buyer's situation one may work better than another.  However, I never require or steer a buyer to one of my lenders.  They are responsible for choosing whomever they wish, on or off my list.  Same thing goes for service providers.

I have always suggested lenders that I know and who are great problem solvers and communicators.

Paul S. Henderson, Realtor, Tacoma Washington I like to work with some specific lenders - however, it's buyer's privilege to pick the one they want to work with.

I have a list of 3 . Some don't do certain types of loans. I like them to use who they are comfortable with. 

I have a few that I recommend.  But, ultimately it's the client's decision.

I have a few that are excellent.  If they don't walk on water, I don't give their names out.  

Paul S. Henderson, Realtor, Tacoma Washington I've seen too many bad experiences with buyers looking for a commercial lender on the Internet. Interest rates usually motivate them. I recommend lenders who I know can get the job done.

Many of my buyers have already connected with a lender, but if not, I give them some options.

I have lenders I can and do recommend.

I also have clients who have a relationship with a lender.   

So as usual "it depends".  It's always the clients decision.

Depending on the type of purchase, we have several competent local/regional lenders we encourage clients to contact, and if they like, use.