how do you go about finding a lender for a home purchase?

Answer 1

The best way to do it is to ask friends & family, if they've had good experiences anywhere.

If that doesn't work, make sure you check the company out thoroughly - check their Better Business Bureau rating, see if there's a bunch of complaints or not, also see how long they've been in business, etc.

Answer 2

I work at a mortgage broker shop. Do not go onto Lending Tree unless you want to be on the phone every night for hours with 3-4 different people. Every day after you apply on their web site they sell your info to lenders across the county. Lending Tree loan officers are very persistent that always say they have the best programs. I recommend asking someone in your family or a few friends that own homes and see how they liked their experience. Watch out for DISCOUNT POINTS and always compare the rate AND closing fees when shopping. Pull you credit now and get all three credit bureaus so you know what you scores are before talking to anyone, or If you need anymore help feel free to contact me and I could get you more advice and a free copy of you report to have. GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

The best change that you have for the best interest rate is with your bank. However they may require a higher down payment. If this does not work for you then try a local Mortgage Broker but they charge a lot more in fees. You can shop around for a good deal. Make sure that you choose who you will use before you let them pull your credit. The more people that pull your credit the better change you have of your credit score going down. I HIGHLY recommend LendingTree. They are a NATIONAL Mortgage Broker and can probably get you the best deal with the least amount of fees. The people on the phone do not always know what they are taking about but the managers do. LendingTree does sell their loans to CountryWide but LendingTree usually initially offers a better deal than CountryWide.

Answer 4

All banks just about offer the same products and loan programs with the different qualifications in each of their programs.

Your interest rate is based on your credit score and how well you have paid your consumer debt over time.

In order to find out the type of loan programs you are qualified for you will have to fill out a loan application, with a mortgage broker, which you can find one in your local telephone book.

He will fill out this application, which takes awhile so grab your favorite beverage and sit down. Once you have completed the application, he will run your credit report which will have your credit scores. These credit scores will determine your interest rate.

The amount of your monthly debt payments you are required to pay as per your credit report and the amount of mortgage you can take on based on your income will determine the amount of house you will be able to purchase.

When you speak with the mortgage broker you will need the following documents to complete the loan application

#1 One month of pay stubs for each person that will be on the mortgage.

#2 Six months bank statements from each bank in which you bank as well as statements from any 401K from you place of employment.

#3 Two years of federal income tax along with the W-2 that match.

Once he has all that he need to do he can then issue you a pre-approval letter so you can purchase a home.

In this pre-approval letter will be the amount of house you are qualified to purchased.

Once he gives you this pre-approval you may now find a real estate agent to find yourself a home or he might have a referral.

Once you have found a home the real estate agent will then prepare a contract for you and the seller to sign.

Your mortgage broker will now order an appraisal to show proof of the property value.

The mortgage broker might ask for additional information or documentation, don't get all up tight this is normal, just supply the information or find the documents needed.

After the appraisal has been completed you will be called by your mortgage broker to sign your loan docs so you can take possession of your new home.

I this has been of some use to you, good luck

"FIGHT ON"

Answer 5

I'm a Mortgage Broker. That's what I do (8yrs). I help people find the best loan. I match customers with lenders and facilitate the loan process. You can do a search in your area for Mortgage Brokers or lenders in your area.

Answer 6

Just to clarify a previous answer...Lending Tree is NOT a national mortgage broker! They are a company that sells your name to 4 (sometimes more) mortgage brokers who then in turn try to sell you on their loan programs. Of the 4 (or more) brokers who "buy" your name from Lending Tree, none are screened for being the lowest or best rated....they just happened to be "next in line" to buy you as a lead. Be careful...ask lots of questions and don't commit to a guy on the phone unless you can get the deal in writing...insist on a GFE and even then that could change at closing....remember, not all loan officers have to be licensed...who knows, last week their job may have included the phrase "Do you want fries with that?"

Answer 7

If you don't have a house picked out yet think about taking a free 1st time homebuyer seminar offerred by your city or a non-profit in your area. Spending a few hours learning about the entire process will make it easier and save you money.

If you want to just jump in, go to Countrywide.com (the largest residential lender in the country) and get pre-qualified there. You don't have to use them but it will give you a good place to start.

Beware of ABC mortgage company who promise everything when you are a newbie.

Answer 8

Your best bet is to go with a mortgage broker when it's your first time. Ask friends and family who they've had experience with, and contact them. Steer clear of Lending Tree, Ditech, and all the other places that advertise 800 numbers, because chances are, the person on the other end of the line won't know the first thing about mortgages, and the pitfalls to obtaining one.

Answer 9

Friends and family...I can't believe how few people ask their relatives about this.