In a time when borrower's feel victim to the credit and mortgage industry, how can you tell if who your dealing with is reputable and trustworthy lender?  Many sites that you find asking for your business are lead provider websites that sell your information to many people. This means you will now be bombarded by sometimes 20 different lenders trying to get your business. This can fill up both voice mail and in boxes with unnecessary junk mail.  See my top 5 ways to check out who your dealing with below:

1. HUD Lender List- Is the company offering you a HUD mortgage on the approved lender list at HUD (http://www.hud.gov/ll/code/llslcrit.cfm)
2. Company Contact Info- Can you tell who your dealing with?  Many company's try to appear as a government entity tricking borrowers to release important information.  Always make sure that the company information is accurate and listed in public information databases (www.411.com).  Ask them if they are a lender or a lead provider selling your information. 
3. State/Federal Licensing- In order to lend each state will require licensing approval at either a state or federal level.  Company's are required to show how they are approved and what their license number is.  Make sure you confirm it with the appropriate jurisdiction.  Have them send you a copy of their lender license for your state.
4. Excluded Parties List System- The GSA maintains a list of parties that are not eligible to participate or provide government loans or be a part of the transaction in any way.  https://www.epls.gov/
5. BBB Online- The Better Business Bureau can be an excellent resource for seeing how many consumers have filed a complaint against the company.  More importantly you can see how long they have been in business.  Remember most scam companies have to change their identity in order to prevent being caught.  Dealing with a company that has been around for 5+ years is a good sign that they are legitimate.  http://www.bbb.org/