With so many lenders in the market competing to get your business, it’s easy to find one. However, who is the perfect lender for you?
The harder part is choosing one that will follow through on its promises, close the deal on time and provide the service you deserve. It’s wise to know the difference.
Moreover, banks are financial institutions offering all kind of services. Mortgage companies offer only home loans. Typically, once a loan is closed, they sell it to investors so they can have more money to lend to other homebuyers. Some banks do the same.
Do your research on each lender
Some loan officers work for banks and are able to offer only the products their banks offer. Brokers work for themselves and have relationships with several lenders, so they can scout the market for the best deal.
However, they charge a commission, generally 1% of the loan amount, so you could be paying more at the settlement table.
One of the choices you’ll also want to consider is your builder’s affiliated lender. Many builders these days have relationships with mortgage makers, if not directly, then indirectly with ones they know can get the job done. Some builders even have their own in-house lending operations. These affiliates may charge a bit more, but they usually have better control of the process.
There’s nothing wrong with any of these possibilities; each has its strengths. Moreover, there’s not much difference these days in any of the rates they charge. So, here’s how to find a lender that works for you:
Start by asking friends and family members who have gone before you for their recommendations. They’ll be glad to offer their opinions on the lenders they did or did not choose. Also, talk to a trusted realty professional. Real estate agents can offer recommendations on lenders that offer top-notch service like Kenya Homes.
Questions to ask friends, family & your lender
Here’s what to ask family, friends and professionals you are working with:
- Did the lender close on time and at the same rate and terms as originally quoted?
- Did documents you were asked to supply go missing?
- Were there any last-minute hitches? If so, what were they?
Once you have identified two or three choices, you’ll want to interview the lenders. You are considering “hiring” one, so be thorough. And remember, you don’t have to actually fill out an application to ask these questions:
What will the lender do for you?
Will the lender provide status reports telling you where your application stands at any given time? For instance, you’ll want to know if the information you were asked to provide has been received and sent to the proper party.
Can you be pre-approved; that is, will your lender clear you in advance for a mortgage up to a certain amount? Based on verification of the information you supply — employment, bank accounts and so on — most lenders can tell you that you are okay for a loan up to “x” amount, the only caveat being an appraisal to support the loan amount. “Even before an offer is accepted, everyone in a transaction depends on the buyer’s pre-approval letter
Is the lender local or is the underwriting department located somewhere in the lands?
Will the lender keep the loan or sell it on the secondary market? Either way is okay, but it’s nice to know ahead of time that the lender won’t be the outfit that administers your loan; that is, collect the payments and pay the property taxes and insurance on your behalf.
What type of contract shall you get?
Will there be a single point of contact and who will that be? You’ll want someone who you can reach out to for help for support anytime during the process. There’s nothing worse than having to chase down an unresponsive lender.
What are your product options? Here you’ll want someone who can explain the different kinds of loans and loan terms available. If you don’t understand something, say so; there’s no dumb question. And if something isn’t explained to your satisfaction, find someone who can explain things in a way you understand.
What will you need for the loan?
Will you have to physically provide the required documents — two years’ worth of tax returns, for example, or pay stubs for the last few months — or can the lender retrieve them electronically once you sign the proper release forms?
What will be your total cost be for the loans that fit your needs the best?
Will you be required to pay one-twelfth of your annual tax and insurance bills each month along with principal and interest or can you pay those on your own once a year? Allowing the lender to escrow the money is often your best option because that way you won’t be hit by large payments of thousands of dollars. But some folks would rather keep their money until the bitter end.
