Back in 1987 when I first started in the mortgage business, mortgage brokers were a new phenomenon. Most people who needed a mortgage simply went to their local bank and acquired a “one size fits all” mortgage. Back then, clients would ask me what a mortgage broker does, if it costs more to use us, and what the benefits of using our services were.
Times have changed; approximately half of all mortgages are no longer being originated by bank lenders. Depending on the type of home loan you are seeking, you could save yourself thousands of dollars by shopping various lenders for your home mortgage needs. Therefore it is imperative that you know the difference between a mortgage broker and a bank lender.
Below are the Top 10 reasons why you should use a mortgage broker instead of a bank:
1. Mortgage brokers specialize in home loans and are commission based, so it is in their best interest to get you the best rate possible, or they don’t get paid.
2. Mortgage brokers have an exceptionally large network of lenders that they work with to get you the most favorable mortgage rates and terms. Put it this way, the more lenders you have competing for your home loan, the more you save.
3. Mortgage brokers are able to work one-on-one with each individual client, evaluate their specific needs and find a lender that suits them personally. Next, the broker submits the request to one or more lenders, and when the request is accepted the broker works closely with the lender until the home loan closes.
4. They can often times find a lender who accepts home loans that the bank foregoes. Mortgage brokers are also able to discuss a lower interest rate from lenders in trade for bringing in business.
5. Mortgage brokers save you the groundwork of finding the best mortgage rate and terms for your specific needs.
6. Banks on the other hand deal with all types of loans, and may not have the specialization in home loans that a mortgage broker has.
7. Bank loan officers process mortgage loans originated by only their employer.
8. Loan officers at a bank are often limited to certain home loan products, guiding principles and criteria that they must follow. This can limit the home loans available to you.
9. Regardless if you choose to have your home loan with that particular loan officer or not, they are still getting paid a salary. With this in mind they may not be looking out for your best interest.
10. In most cases, you not only will not pay more for your mortgage using a mortgage broker, but instead will pay less.
If you are ready to finally purchase your dream home or to refinance, give yourself an edge, and use a mortgage broker like us to to get you the best deal possible at the lowest possible rate and cost.
Lester Bleich, New York State Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator 