Essex Mortgage, officially named Data Mortgage, is a privately held mortgage lender headquartered in Ocala, Florida, with additional branch locations in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Established in 1986, the company has decades of experience.
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How Essex Mortgage compares to other lenders
| Headquarters | Ocala, Florida |
| Website | essexmortgage.com |
What customers are saying
Some borrowers praised Essex Mortgage for quick and efficient service, highlighting fast responses and straightforward processes, especially when working with specific representatives. A few clients appreciated the company’s ability to handle unique financial situations, such as refinancing after forbearance, and noted that Essex Mortgage offers a range of loan products, including FHA and conventional loans.
However, many borrowers reported problems with loan servicing, including errors in payment processing that resulted in late payments being incorrectly reported to credit bureaus, causing significant drops in credit scores. Poor communication was another common complaint, with borrowers describing inconsistent information from representatives, difficulty reaching knowledgeable agents, and a lack of resolution for ongoing issues. Some borrowers said that each call led to a different explanation regarding loan terms or escrow payments. Complaints about escrow mismanagement were frequent, including cases where borrowers were charged twice for escrow or had funds misallocated without clear communication. Operational inefficiencies, such as delays in processing and unexpected changes to loan terms without prior notice, were also cited, with borrowers expressing frustration over unexplained increases in mortgage payments.
How to compare mortgage lenders
Interest rates. Comparing rates between lenders isn’t always straightforward. Many promote low headline rates that require paying “points” upfront to buy down the interest rate. To make a true comparison, focus on the par rate (0 points) and the APR, which reflects both the interest rate and any lender fees. Even small differences can translate into significant savings over the life of the loan.
Lender fees or loan origination fees. Many lenders charge fees that add thousands to the cost of a loan. It’s important to look at both the rate and the fees together to understand the true cost of borrowing. For a $400,000 mortgage, avoiding even a $1,000 fee could contribute to meaningful savings in the first year and over the long term.
On-time close rate. Most lenders do not publicly share their on-time close rates. However, it’s a critical factor—especially if your home contract has tight deadlines. Asking about their process for meeting close dates, including underwriting and document review timelines, can give you more confidence when choosing a lender.
Pre-approval and offer letters. Some lenders offer fast pre-qualifications that may not be fully underwritten, which can weaken your offer in competitive markets. It’s important to ask whether a lender’s pre-approvals are fully underwritten and how credible their letters are when presented with an offer.
Customer satisfaction. If detailed customer review data isn’t readily available, check third-party review sites or ask the lender for references. It’s important to understand how they handle communication, responsiveness, and issue resolution throughout the loan process.
Employee reviews. Company culture often influences how clients are treated. A lender with strong employee satisfaction typically delivers better service, more organized processing, and a smoother overall experience for borrowers.
To better understand how we compare mortgage rates fairly, see our TrueRate Methodology.
If you’re ready to start your journey to homeownership, get pre-approved with Tomo Mortgage today.