I would like to purchase a home.I am employed by a large bank. I was told that I get employee discount (no underwritting fee, no application fee, best rate etc saving up to $2000 they claimed). But the bank has extremely high underwrtting standard and is one of the banks that does NOT offer lowest rates to attract customer because they are so large already. Should I go with a mortgage broker who can shop for lowest rate amongst different banks but has higher fees, and has a looser underwrtting standard or go with my employer?What do you feel is the best option that will get me in the door the fastest and cheapest? by georgiaguy88 from Atkinson, Georgia. Sep 22nd 2009
Whatever Bank You work for they are probably in our network, why don't you see how they stack up against everyone else?? At Rate1st.com You can compare all the options for Free! We have a Network of over 25,000 Banks, Lenders, and Private Investors. Plus, a hot list of the top 100 lending sources in the U.S. including: Bank of America - Formerly "Countrywide", Wells Fargo/Wachovia, ING Direct, MetLife, Chase, GMAC (Ditech), US Bank, etc. many names you may or may not be familiar with. Plus, unlike LendingTree we keep all your personal info 100% private, We don't sell Leads! ...... Rate1st.com exists to save our customers money by helping them find the right bank or lender to work with and to help them make educated and informed decisions when selecting the specific type of loan program that is best for their unique borrowing situation. We are a Financial and Mortgage planning group that uses our proprietary software platform to match/connect borrowers with our network of 25,000+ FDIC insured Banks, Direct Lenders, and Private Investors. ........ Let us know if we can help. Start your Application at www.Rate1st.com
*Pros of working directly with a bank: - Building off existing relationship - Perhaps more trustworthy, more accountable - Better rates in some cases - Ability to add mortgage to existing banking profile and make automatic payments from existing accounts *Pros of working with a mortgage broker: - They do the legwork for you, comparing the wholesale rates of a large number of banks and lenders - Wholesale interest rates can be lower than retail (bank branch) interest rates - Brokers must disclose the yield-spread premium, banks do not - Can finance tough or tricky deals - Are typically easier to get in contact with, less bureaucratic **Cons of working with a bank: - Conservative loan programs - Do not disclose the yield-spread premium - Lengthy process, very bureaucratic - False promises - They make mistakes - May overcharge you (commission doesn't need to be disclosed) - Incompetence (poorly educated about the home loan process in some cases) **Cons of working with a mortgage broker: - They can make mistakes - May overcharge you (how mortgage brokers make money) - Possible False promises - Incompetence (poorly educated about the home loan process in some cases) - May not have access to programs with select banks. --------That said, your experience can really vary based on who you choose to work with, as some banks and lenders may overcharge you and give you the run-around, while a mortgage broker may do an excellent job and secure a lower interest rate for you. And vice versa. It really depends on your situation and the specific bank or broker you ultimately work with, so be sure to shop around.
Personally, I would that a broker is a better choice. Brokers usually have relationships with several banks and lenders and therefore can offer more choices. Also, if you work with an honest broker, like myself, they will educate you on the entire process, including fees, etc. Example: I charge 1% Broker fee plus $695 processing. I don't care if the 1% is paid by the lender/bank or by the borrower, or it can be split. I don't charge junk fees and I don't cover any third party vendor fees. I am very honest and take very good care of my borrowers. The reality is that referral business is more important than the one time shot.I hope this helps.
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