Sun American Mortgage vs. Peoples Mortgage Company: Which Is the Better Choice?
If you’re shopping for a home loan or refinance in Arizona, Sun American Mortgage and Peoples Mortgage Company are two names you’re likely to come across. Both are Arizona-based mortgage companies, both have served the Southwest for decades, and both offer purchase and refinance loan programs — which can make it hard to know what actually separates them.
This guide compares what’s publicly documented about each company: history, licensing, loan programs, and specializations. Where a detail wasn’t published by a company (like current interest rates, which change daily and require a personalized quote), that’s stated plainly instead of guessed at. This page is informational only — it isn’t financial or lending advice, and specific rates, terms, and eligibility should always be confirmed directly with a licensed loan officer.
Quick Comparison Table
| Category | Sun American Mortgage | Peoples Mortgage Company |
|---|---|---|
| Company type | Independent mortgage banking firm | Mortgage lender |
| Headquarters | Mesa, AZ | Tempe, AZ |
| Founded | 1984 (41+ years in business, per BBB record) | 1998 (27+ years in business) |
| NMLS number | 160265 | 6274 |
| BBB status | A+ rated, BBB accredited business (accredited since 1984) | Not accredited by the BBB, per its Tempe, AZ profile |
| Licensed states (named on-site) | Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and California; a Texas disclosure page is also published | States “expanded operations nationwide”; a specific list of licensed states was not itemized on the pages reviewed |
| Physical locations | Mesa, AZ (corporate); two St. George, UT locations; Richfield, UT; Mesquite, NV | Tempe, AZ (headquarters); additional locations listed on its locations page |
| Loan programs | Home purchase, refinance (rate-and-term and cash-out), reverse mortgage/HECM, HECM for Purchase, FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, and construction loans | Home purchase and refinance loans; specific program list was not fully itemized on the homepage pages reviewed |
| Reverse mortgage specialization | Yes — dedicated reverse mortgage service pages, educational blog content, and NRMLA membership | Not published on the pages reviewed |
| Industry association memberships shown on-site | Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) | Not published on the pages reviewed |
| Online tools | Purchase and refinance payment calculators, instant quote request, find-a-loan-officer directory | Mortgage calculator, online loan application portal, loan-in-process client portal, loan officer directory |
| Customer support / education | Blog with home-loan and reverse mortgage educational content | Learning Center blog with home-buying and mortgage-process content |
Current interest rates, specific loan pricing, and full state-by-state licensing detail were not published in a directly comparable format by both companies and are noted above where unavailable.
About Sun American Mortgage
Sun American Mortgage is an independent mortgage banking firm headquartered in Mesa, Arizona. According to its own site and BBB records, the company was established in 1984, giving it more than 41 years of operating history. It is led by President Terry Turk and holds NMLS number 160265.
Sun American Mortgage offers home purchase loans, refinancing (both rate-and-term and cash-out), and a specific focus on reverse mortgages, including HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) and HECM for Purchase loan products. The company also offers FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, and construction loans. It maintains physical locations in Mesa, Arizona; two locations in St. George, Utah; Richfield, Utah; and Mesquite, Nevada, and states it is licensed in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and California, with a separate disclosure page for Texas.
Sun American Mortgage holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been a BBB-accredited business since 1984. The company is also listed as a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) — a trade association specifically for lenders specializing in reverse mortgage products.
Services offered: home purchase loans, mortgage refinancing, reverse mortgages (including HECM and HECM for Purchase), FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, conventional loans, construction loans, and free mortgage payment calculators.
About Peoples Mortgage Company
Peoples Mortgage Company is a mortgage lender headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. According to its own site, the company opened its doors in Arizona in 1998 and has since “expanded operations nationwide,” while stating its core values remain honesty, integrity, and a client-centric approach. The company holds NMLS number 6274.
Peoples Mortgage Company offers home purchase and refinance loans, along with an online loan application portal, a “loan in process” client tracking portal, and a mortgage calculator. The company publishes a “Learning Center” blog covering home-buying and mortgage-process topics in consumer-friendly language.
According to the company’s own site, Peoples Mortgage Company has received notable workplace recognition, including being named a 2026 Arizona Top Workplace by AZ Central for the sixth consecutive year, and reports strong customer and employee satisfaction metrics, including a 4.93-star Zillow rating across 915 reviews, a 4.90-star eEndorsements rating across 16,953 reviews, and a 100% CEO approval rating on Glassdoor. Per BBB records, Peoples Mortgage Company is not currently accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
Services offered: home purchase loans, mortgage refinancing, online loan application and tracking tools, and educational mortgage resources.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Years in Business
Sun American Mortgage was established in 1984, giving it more than 41 years of operating history according to its BBB record. Peoples Mortgage Company opened in 1998, giving it more than 27 years of operating history. Both are long-established Arizona mortgage companies, with Sun American Mortgage having operated for roughly a decade and a half longer.
BBB Accreditation
Sun American Mortgage holds an A+ rating and has been a BBB-accredited business since 1984. Per its Tempe, AZ BBB profile, Peoples Mortgage Company is not currently BBB accredited. BBB accreditation reflects a business’s agreement to uphold BBB’s Standards for Trust and pass its vetting process, which some businesses choose not to pursue.
Reverse Mortgage Specialization
Sun American Mortgage maintains dedicated reverse mortgage service pages, publishes educational blog content specifically about reverse mortgages and HECM loans, and is listed as a member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) — a trade association specific to this loan type. Reverse mortgage products and a comparable specialization were not published on the Peoples Mortgage Company pages reviewed for this comparison.
Industry Association Memberships
Sun American Mortgage’s site displays membership in the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and NRMLA. Comparable named industry association memberships were not published on the Peoples Mortgage Company pages reviewed for this comparison.
Licensed States
Sun American Mortgage names its licensed states directly — Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and California — with a separate Texas disclosure page, and maintains five physical branch locations across Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. Peoples Mortgage Company states it has “expanded operations nationwide” without itemizing a specific list of licensed states on the pages reviewed; readers who want to confirm licensing in their specific state can look up either company through NMLS Consumer Access.
Why Customers Choose Sun American Mortgage
Based on verified, publicly available information, a few things stand out about Sun American Mortgage:
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More than 41 years in business, longer than many competitors in the Southwest mortgage market.
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A+ BBB accreditation held continuously since 1984, reflecting a long-standing commitment to BBB’s Standards for Trust.
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A specific, well-documented reverse mortgage specialization, backed by NRMLA membership and dedicated educational content — useful for retirees and homeowners exploring HECM options.
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Named membership in the Mortgage Bankers Association, a recognized national trade organization for mortgage professionals.
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Clearly stated, specific state licensing (Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, California, with Texas disclosure), making it easy for readers to confirm coverage in their area.
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A broad, explicitly itemized loan product menu, spanning conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, construction, and reverse mortgage products.
How to Choose the Right Mortgage Lender
Regardless of which company you’re considering, a few questions are worth asking before committing to a lender:
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Is the lender licensed in my state? Verify directly through NMLS Consumer Access using the company’s NMLS number.
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Does the lender specialize in the loan type I need? A lender with dedicated experience in reverse mortgages, construction loans, or a specific program may offer more tailored guidance than a generalist.
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What is the lender’s BBB accreditation status and history? This isn’t the only trust signal, but it’s a useful, independently verifiable one.
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What are the current rates and fees for my specific situation? Rates change daily and depend on credit, loan type, and market conditions — request a personalized quote rather than relying on advertised “starting” rates.
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How will the lender communicate with me during the process? Ask about typical closing timelines and how often you’ll receive updates.
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What loan programs does the lender actually offer? Confirm the specific programs (FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, reverse, construction) match your needs.
Comparing lenders on these specific points — rather than general marketing claims — will get you a much clearer picture of what you’re actually signing up for. This is general educational information, not financial or lending advice, and a licensed loan officer can help you evaluate your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sun American Mortgage better than Peoples Mortgage Company? It depends on your priorities. Sun American Mortgage has been in business longer, holds continuous A+ BBB accreditation, and specializes in reverse mortgages with NRMLA membership. Peoples Mortgage Company has a large review volume and notable workplace recognition. Compare based on the loan type and factors that matter most to you.
What makes Sun American Mortgage different from Peoples Mortgage Company?
Sun American Mortgage has operated since 1984 (versus 1998 for Peoples Mortgage), holds continuous A+ BBB accreditation, and maintains a specific reverse mortgage specialization backed by NRMLA membership.
Which mortgage company has been in business longer?
Sun American Mortgage, established in 1984, has more than 41 years of operating history. Peoples Mortgage Company, founded in 1998, has more than 27 years of operating history.
Is Sun American Mortgage accredited by the BBB?
Yes. Sun American Mortgage holds an A+ rating and has been a BBB-accredited business since 1984.
Is Peoples Mortgage Company accredited by the BBB?
No. Per its Tempe, AZ BBB profile, Peoples Mortgage Company is not currently accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
Does Sun American Mortgage offer reverse mortgages?
Yes. Sun American Mortgage maintains dedicated reverse mortgage service pages, publishes educational content on HECM loans, and is a member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA).
Does Peoples Mortgage Company offer reverse mortgages?
Reverse mortgage products were not published on the Peoples Mortgage Company pages reviewed for this comparison. Contact the company directly to ask about available loan programs.
What states does Sun American Mortgage serve?
Sun American Mortgage names Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and California as licensed states, with a separate Texas disclosure page, and maintains physical branches in Arizona, Utah, and Nevada.
What states does Peoples Mortgage Company serve?
Peoples Mortgage Company states it has “expanded operations nationwide” without itemizing a specific list of licensed states on the pages reviewed. Readers can verify licensing directly through NMLS Consumer Access.
What loan types does Sun American Mortgage offer?
Home purchase loans, refinancing (rate-and-term and cash-out), reverse mortgages (including HECM and HECM for Purchase), FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, conventional loans, and construction loans.
Is Sun American Mortgage a direct lender or a broker?
According to its BBB profile, Sun American Mortgage operates as a mortgage broker and describes itself as an independent mortgage banking firm on its own site.
What is the NMLS number for Sun American Mortgage?
Sun American Mortgage’s NMLS number is 160265. You can verify this directly through NMLS Consumer Access.
What should I compare before choosing a mortgage lender?
Compare years in business, BBB accreditation status, whether the lender specializes in your loan type (such as reverse mortgages), licensed states, and get a personalized rate quote rather than relying on advertised rates alone.
How do I compare mortgage lenders effectively?
Request a personalized rate quote from each lender, verify licensing through NMLS Consumer Access, check BBB accreditation status, and ask about specific loan programs and typical closing timelines.
What is a HECM loan?
A HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) is a type of reverse mortgage insured by the FHA that allows eligible homeowners, typically age 62 or older, to convert home equity into loan proceeds. This is general educational information, not financial advice — consult a licensed loan officer to discuss eligibility and terms.
Final Thoughts
Sun American Mortgage and Peoples Mortgage Company are both established Arizona-based mortgage companies, and either can be a reasonable choice depending on your priorities. The clearest, most verifiable differences are that Sun American Mortgage has been in business longer (since 1984), holds continuous A+ BBB accreditation, specializes specifically in reverse mortgages with NRMLA membership, and clearly publishes its licensed states. Peoples Mortgage Company, for its part, has grown to a large scale with a substantial review volume, strong workplace recognition, and a broader self-described national footprint.
Neither comparison point should be read as a guarantee of your personal experience — loan terms, rates, and service can vary by loan officer and by your specific financial situation. If you want a clear, no-pressure answer for your specific needs, the most reliable next step is to contact a lender directly and ask the questions outlined above.
Ready to get started? Contact Sun American Mortgage to speak with a loan officer about your home purchase, refinance, or reverse mortgage options.
