We pride ourselves on being able to quickly fund loans.  We frequently have clients come to us at the 11th hour in their purchase, having been mislead by their mortgage broker, and needing to close escrow in just a few days.  Brokering the loan out is not an option with that timeframe.  Instead, we lend the money ourselves, as a direct lender, and the loan gets funded quickly.  The fees and points are often superior to what can be brokered out anyway.  But, more importantly, since the client's deposit is at risk and he or she doesn't want to close late, we definitely close the deal on time.

Quick loan funding is a key to our success.  Most brokers are not also direct lenders, so be cautious in that regard.