Is it best to use a local broker?

cjd08

My wife and I are first time buyers trying to decide on a mortgage broker. In my head I would think it's best to use a local broker, as I guess they would know the local market and could give us advice on certain things particular to the area, whereas someone not familiar with the area wouldn't be able to. Or do brokers generally not really give that type of local advice anyway and do I just want someone that can find me the best deal?

ACG

You do not need a broker to find the best deal, anyone can do that with a little bit of research. 
A local broker cant really offer much more than another broker in a different area - so it does not matter if the broker is near you or the other end of the country. There are slight exceptions to that, for example properties made from non standard constructions in the local area but things like that crop up rarely. 

A brokers job is to of course find you a good deal, but also prevent any issues from happening or if they do crop up then to deal with them on your behalf and just take the stress and confusion away. 

amnblog

You would use a local broker if you wanted a face to face service (unlikely in the current situation).
Other than that I can see no benefit.