As exciting as it can be to buy a new home and dream about the adventure you will have and the future memories that will be made there, all the new terms can be confusing.
For instance, a mortgage broker.
A mortgage broker could play a significant role in your home-buying process. So, what are they? What do they do? Where can you find one? How can a mortgage broker help you?
Before you go any further on your quest, let’s talk about mortgage brokers.
What is a Mortgage Broker?
If you have put forth any effort to find a lender, then you know it can be tough to decide where to start. After all, all lenders are not created equal. There are hundreds of lending institutions that each have their criteria for borrowers. The idea of trying to find the right fit for your situation and needs can be a bit overwhelming.
In its simplest definition, a mortgage broker acts like a middleman. They work with many different lenders on your behalf to find the right lender for you. When you apply and are approved, the mortgage broker becomes the originator of the loan.
A good mortgage broker will have a large network and an understanding of the application criteria for many lenders. This means staying on top of competitive rates and prices, too. They will easily be able to link you with a lender that is the best fit.
You can expect your mortgage broker to:
- Simplify the loan process
- Help you determine the size and type of mortgage you will qualify for
- Have a wide variety of mortgage options for you to choose from
Your mortgage broker will charge a commission fee for their services, but it is worth noting that this fee is often paid by the lender – not the borrower.
Is a Mortgage Broker a Lender or Loan Officer?
No. The roles of a mortgage broker, a lender, and a loan officer are all different and distinct.
Mortgage brokers do not lend money to borrowers. Instead, they link them with the funds. They are considered the originator of the loan and they close mortgages, but they do not lend the actual funds. The funds come from the lender.
A loan officer is an individual that works for the bank. They work with borrowers looking to take out a mortgage, but they are only able to offer the loan products that their financial institution offers. Due to this limitation, loan officers are often not as well-versed as mortgage brokers when it comes to getting borrowers a mortgage that fits.
Advantages of Working with a Mortgage Broker
Many new homebuyers find themselves working through the tedious loan application process – spending a lot of time and not even knowing if they will get approved by the lender. Getting rejected can have a slight impact on your credit, but it can have a bigger impact on you.
Your time is precious and finite. And your hopes and dreams of your future home are right in front of your eyes. Working with a mortgage broker means that you will no longer need to work through multiple applications hoping to get approved by at least one. Or put all your energy into one – only to get rejected because it wasn’t a good fit.
Take advantage of working with a mortgage broker.
Save money
In some cases, mortgage brokers may be able to help you save money by getting the lender to waive some of the fees that are charged when taking out a mortgage, such as the application fee, appraisal fee, and origination fee, which can save you hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars.
Save Time
As previously mentioned, you can save time with a mortgage broker. You won’t have to worry about doing all the heavy research or applying with multiple lenders.
Get the Right Loan
When you have the right mortgage to fit your situation and needs, you can also save money. Not every loan is right for every borrower – and choosing the wrong loan can cost you down the road. Mortgage brokers match you with a loan that is the best fit for you.
If you have special circumstances, such as poor credit, unique income, or a property that is out of the ordinary, you may have trouble gaining loan approval with all types of lenders. A mortgage broker will know the right lender for your circumstances.
Choosing the Right Mortgage Broker
You will want to choose a mortgage broker that is knowledgeable and experienced in the field – which means they will have a lot of knowledge about available loans from different lenders.
To find the right mortgage broker, do your research. You can always ask your friends, family, or realtor for referrals. Or do an online search. Just be sure to do your own research once you have the names. You want to make sure that the broker’s goals align with yours.
Read reviews, ask questions, and get a feel for the mortgage broker before you move forward. Since you are the borrower, you have the choice of finding the person you feel comfortable with – and want to work with.
Learn About Your Mortgage Options at Option Funding
Are you ready to invest in your new home? Are you overwhelmed with where to start? Having a pre-approval in hand before you begin your search can give you the greatest advantage when competing with other offers. And having the right team on your side can give you access to the best mortgage options.
That team includes Ahmad Azizi and the entire team at Option Funding, Inc.
We are a direct lender and a mortgage broker. That means we have access to a variety of mortgage options and are sure to find one that is perfect for your needs. This allows Ahmad Azizi to close 95% to 100% of all deals that come his way.
If you are ready to see what your options are – from the one who has many to choose from – contact Ahmad today!