American Financial Network is a national mortgage lender headquartered in Brea, California. They offer a broad range of loan products—including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA options—through a mix of online tools and local branch support. While they provide accessibility and often garner positive customer feedback, their interest rates and fees trend higher than average.
See today’s mortgage interest rates on TrueRate.
How American Financial Network compares to other lenders
| Headquarters | Brea, California |
| Website | afncorp.com |
| Rate | 0.24% higher than the median rate |
| Lender fees | $1,295 (median on American Financial Network loans) |
| Added cost after 1 year, compared to the median interest rate | $403 |
| Added cost after 10 years, compared to the median interest rate | $7,377 |
| Added cost after 1 year (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $2,981 |
| Added cost 10 years (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $18,561 |
For a $400,000 mortgage, American Financial Network’s rates—about 0.24% higher than the market median—and $1,295 in lender fees would result in borrowers paying approximately $403 more in the first year and about $7,377 more over 10 years compared to the median lender. Compared to low-cost lenders like Tomo Mortgage, the gap widens to nearly $3,000 in year one and over $18,500 after 10 years—making rate shopping a must.
What customers are saying
American Financial Network (AFN) receives high marks across major review platforms, including LendingTree, SocialSurvey and Zillow.
Borrowers appreciated the wide range of loan options offered, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo loans, and refinancing programs. Many reviewers specifically highlighted loan officers for their excellent communication skills and ability to guide borrowers clearly through the process.
Despite strong ratings, AFN has faced criticism for operational inefficiencies and customer service challenges. Borrowers reported delays in loan processing, miscommunication during refinancing, and unexpected changes in loan terms. For example, one borrower described significant frustration due to escrow account errors and double billing that was not refunded promptly.
Some borrowers felt pressured into loans they could not afford or reported being misled about key terms during the application process. A few seniors and veterans specifically raised concerns about their refinancing experiences.
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.