Mortgage Broker or Straight to Bank

Can anyone tell me the difference between getting a mortgage from a broker or bank? Right now we just need a pre-approval/committment letter for when we're ready to make an offer. My attorney has contacts at the major banks since he also represents these banks. We were given a # at First Allied Mortgage at one of the open houses and said they check with lots of banks to get the best rate. What are the pros/cons of using either one?
TIA!

Re: Mortgage Broker or Straight to Bank

we are going with our credit union. the big plus for us over a broker was that our mortgage won't be sold. our friends who used a broker on their new home (they closed in April) have already had their mortgage sold 3 times! we didn't want to worry about who we needed to make our check out to each month, not to mention having it be treated like a poker chip. but that's just our preference.

Re: Mortgage Broker or Straight to Bank

we have our current mortgage through Astoria and I do love that I can go local to pay and it's never been sold.

I just read in Money magazine that if you are getting a conventional mortgage and do your research for the best rates, a bank is the best

if you are doing a jumbo or unconventional loan - go to a broker...