DMF vs Chase / Schwab / Quicken
A big-bank mortgage vs a Minnesota lender who actually calls you back
Big banks have branches and scale. DMF has a 320 area code, builder relationships, and loan officers who know your project.
Chase, Schwab, and Quicken-branded mortgages are serviced by big national banks with deep balance sheets and broad branch networks. Davis Monroe Financial is a Minnesota broker with a 320 area code and a handful of loan officers who return their own calls. Big banks are great if you already have a large deposit relationship and want pricing tied to it. For everyone else — especially builders, self-employed buyers, and people who just want a responsive human — the broker channel is almost always a better experience.
Side-by-side comparison
Davis Monroe Financial
- Answer the phone on the second ring
- Construction draws approved by someone who knows your builder
- Flexible underwriting on self-employed and non-W2 income
- No 800-number runaround — just (320) 200-2821
Chase / Schwab / Quicken
- Largest US retail bank branch network
- Broad consumer banking relationships
- High-volume rate sheets
- National brand recognition
When to choose which
Choose DMF when…
- You want a loan officer who picks up the phone on the second ring
- You're self-employed or have non-W-2 income that needs a real underwriter
- You're building and need a construction-to-perm loan
- You don't want a 1-800 number to be your main touchpoint
- You want pricing from a dozen wholesale lenders, not just one bank
Consider Chase / Schwab / Quicken when…
- You have a large private-banking or investment relationship that unlocks preferred pricing
- You strongly prefer handling your mortgage inside your existing bank portal
- You're refinancing a vanilla conforming loan and want a brand you already bank with
Frequently asked questions
- Does a big bank give me a better mortgage rate?
- Usually no, unless you have a private-banking or large-deposit relationship that triggers rate discounts. Big banks publish one rate sheet per day; a broker compares 20+ wholesale lenders, and the winning quote is typically lower than any single bank.
- Are big banks better for construction loans?
- Rarely. Most big national banks either don't offer true construction-to-permanent loans, or push you through a generalist banker who does a few a year. Construction loans reward experience — DMF handles dozens of draw schedules a year in Central Minnesota.
- What about service after closing?
- Most mortgage loans — broker or bank — get sold to a servicer (Mr. Cooper, Freedom, etc.) after closing. That's true whether you close with Chase or DMF. The difference is which loan officer answers your questions during the application and at closing.
- Can DMF match Chase/Schwab/Quicken on rate?
- Often we beat them. When we don''t, we tell you so you can make an informed choice. We''ll show you the comparison in writing.
- I already bank with Chase — should I still shop around?
- Yes. Your checking relationship rarely moves your mortgage pricing meaningfully. Getting a second quote from a broker is free and takes 15 minutes.
Competitor pages we track
Last refreshed Apr 27, 2026. We track these pages so our comparison stays honest and current.
- Page Not Found: Charles SchwabThe page you requested may no longer exist, or you may have typed in the address incorrectly. This page can help you find what you’re looking for.
- Mortgage Loans | Chase Home LendingWe're with you all the way home. Get a personalized mortgage rate, see what home loan you can afford or find the mortgage that fits your needs
Important Disclosures
- Rates shown are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute an offer to lend.
- Actual rates and terms vary based on credit score, loan amount, property type, and other factors.
- All rates are subject to change without notice.
- Payments do not include taxes, insurance, or HOA fees.
- Davis Monroe Financial is a mortgage broker, not a lender. We do not make credit decisions or lock rates.
- All loans are subject to credit approval.
Want a real answer, not a rate quote?
DMF serves Minnesota homebuyers and builders with construction and home loans structured around your project — not a bank's quarterly goals.
