Google today announced that its Google Compare web service now offers quotes for home mortgage rates in California, free of charge. The launch turns Google into an official mortgage loan broker, giving consumers a way to connect with companies that can provide home mortgages.

“Whether you’re a national lender or one local to California, people searching for mortgages on their smartphone or desktop computer can now find you, along with a real-time, apples-to-apples comparison of rate quotes from other lenders — all in as little as a minute,” Google Compare director of product management Nicolas Wk wrote in a blog post today. “Borrowers can also see ratings and read helpful reviews, and enter relevant information — like loan amount, estimated credit score, or home value — to receive rate quotes that match their needs. They can then visit your website to apply directly online or over the phone through one of your agents or loan officers.”

The expansion of Google Compare beyond auto insurance comparisons isn’t hugely surprising, as Google did say back in May that mortgages would be “coming soon.” Auto insurance support first showed up in March.

LendingTree and Zillow are both onboard for today’s launch, according to the blog post.

Visit google.com/compare/mortgages to see what the new service can do.