Hallmark Home Mortgage is a privately held lender based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with roots in the 2007 housing crisis. Built to serve borrowers in need of community-focused lending, Hallmark has grown into one of the largest private mortgage bankers in the state, now operating over 15 branches across nine states. While the company emphasizes service and local expertise, borrowers should keep a close eye on rates—which can come in higher than the market median.
See today’s mortgage interest rates on TrueRate.
How Hallmark Home Mortgage compares to other lenders
| Headquarters | Fort Wayne, Indiana |
| Website | hallmarkhomemortgage.com |
| Rate | 0.16% higher than the median rate |
| Lender fees | $1,415 (median) |
| Added cost after 1 year, compared to the median interest rate | $138 |
| Added cost after 10 years, compared to the median interest rate | $4,732 |
| Added cost after 1 year (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $2,717 |
| Added cost after 10 years (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $15,916 |
For a $400,000 mortgage, Hallmark Home Mortgage’s rates—about 0.16% higher than the market median—and $1,415 in lender fees would result in an added cost of around $138 in the first year and about $4,732 over 10 years compared to a typical lender. Borrowers should consider how lower-cost lenders like Tomo Mortgage compare to potentially save thousands over the life of the loan.
What customers are saying
Hallmark Home Mortgage receives mixed reviews across platforms like Yelp and Experience.com. Many borrowers praise individual loan officers for their professionalism, clear communication, and personalized support, particularly for first-time buyers. Clients also highlight fast, efficient closings and scenario planning tools that help them navigate complex situations.
However, negative feedback is common regarding high fees, poor customer service, and feeling unsupported or burdened with paperwork. Some also report communication lapses, last-minute surprises, and loan servicing issues after closing. Overall, borrower experience is highly dependent on the specific team, with standout staff making a significant positive difference.
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.