Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right mortgage lender for you.
Types of Mortgage Lenders
There are various types of mortgage lenders, including banks, credit unions, and traditional mortgage lenders, each with their own requirements, rates, and terms.
Banks
Using a bank can be a strong option for borrowers who want all of their finances in one place, according to Brad Jones, chief marketing officer of Newrez and a licensed loan originator. However, he told The Balance by email that the process can take longer.
Credit Unions
You can usually get a lower loan rate and lower fees at a credit union than a bank, according to Jones. Compared to other types of lenders, however, Jones said they tend to have limited loan products. “Also, borrowers must be a member of the credit union in order to get their loan through that entity.”
Mortgage Lenders
You can expect more loan options with mortgage lenders, and they tend to be faster than banks. “Loan origination, underwriting, and servicing are typically taken care of entirely in-house,” Jones said. In addition, he said these types of lenders are more flexible with borrowers who have impaired credit.
Mortgage Brokers
When shopping for a mortgage, you may cross paths with a mortgage broker. Although not lenders themselves, they can play an important role in helping you find the best mortgage for you. “Mortgage brokers work as a liaison between borrowers and lenders and can help borrowers save time and money in navigating how to find the right lender,” Jones said. And according to Brady Bridges, owner of Reside Real Estate in Fort Worth, Texas, a mortgage broker can steer you away from a mortgage with onerous payment terms and may be able to get you a special rate from their lenders. According to Melissa Cohn, regional vice president at William Raveis Mortgage in New York, banks and credit unions generally have the best rates but are more conservative with their lending guidelines. On the other hand, non-bank mortgage lenders and private lenders usually have higher rates but are more aggressive with their lending. “The goal is to find the lender that will offer the lowest rate for the longest amount of time at your desired loan to value,” Cohn told The Balance by email.
How to Choose a Mortgage Lender
When shopping for the best mortgage lender, the primary determination should be based on your needs and specific financial situation. “When looking for a mortgage, a buyer should first determine how long they intend to be in their new home, where they see their income going over the next period of time, and what their credit score is,” Cohn said.
Use Loan-to-Value or Other Factors as Filters
Cohn recommended shopping based on the loan-to-value you wish to borrow. “If you need 90% financing, then you need to compare only those lenders that offer 90%.” If your credit score is below 700, you’ll need to compare lenders who will accept that score, Cohn said. “But never try to do an apple-to-oranges comparison—it never works, especially today.”
Remember That You Are “Shopping”
We use the terminology “shopping for a mortgage” because you should consider more than one mortgage lender. Andrina Valdes, COO of Cornerstone Home Lending in San Antonio, told The Balance by email that she recommends getting quotes from at least three different mortgage lenders.
Compare Fees
Inquire about any fees you may be responsible for. “These fees may be charged for loan application, appraisal, credit report, document prep, inspection, notary services, processing, underwriting, and more,” Valdes said. According to Jones, loan origination fees are usually charged upfront. “While fees vary, borrowers should expect them to range from 0.5% to 1% of the loan total,” Jones said.
Check Reviews and Follow a Checklist of Questions
Valdes also advised reading customer reviews online, and she and Jones recommended asking the following types of questions of a mortgage lender or broker:
How long have you been in business? Will this be a hard credit pull? Is your processing/underwriting/funding completed in-house or outsourced? Can you explain your fees to me (origination, closing, etc.)? What loan types are available? Which loan program would you recommend to me and why? How much can I borrow? What is my down payment? Are there prepayment penalties? What perks/programs do you offer beyond a competitive mortgage rate?
The Bottom Line
When shopping for the best mortgage lender, there are several factors you should keep in mind, including your credit score, how much you can afford to pay down, and the various fees included. The best mortgage lender for your needs will be able to offer terms that can fit your budget.
