If you’re among the millions of Americans that will be purchasing a home or refinancing this year, chances are you’ll need financial resources like a mortgage to help you achieve your goals. With so many different mortgage products on the market, however, shopping for the right one is a lot easier when you have a mortgage banker on your side. From the start of the initial application until closing, the right mortgage banker can make your home buying (or refinancing) experience a smooth one.
Not sure what a good mortgage banker looks like? Here is a list of things you can expect from the best.
Options for the Best Loan Programs Possible
When working with a mortgage banker, you will be asked a series of questions as they pertain to your personal finances, the property you’re interested in purchasing, and the type of mortgage you’re looking for. A highly-qualified mortgage lender will use this information to determine which mortgage programs are best suited for your personal and financial needs. Whether it’s a first time home buyers offer, a second home loan or a refinance, you’ll be made aware of the various options available so you can make the most informed decision.
Loan Offers That Work Best for You
There are some mortgage bankers that will simply try to do whatever they can to get you locked into a mortgage to earn their pay, then there are others who really want you to succeed as a homeowner. A great mortgage banker is going to do their best to make sure that the options they bring to the table are options that you can afford. They will not try to pressure you into something more expensive for their own financial gain.
Communication You Can Understand
Ever try to research mortgages, interest rates, or real estate on your own? Unless you happen to work in that industry, chances are you have a hard time understanding all the lingo. A reputable mortgage banker is so well-versed in their products that they are able to communicate to you in a way you can comprehend.
Mortgages and other associated paperwork are all part of a legally binding contract between the borrower and the lender. Failure to have a full understanding of what you’re signing could cause issues down the line. A mortgage banker wants to ensure this doesn’t happen by going through each form, contract, or application with you in detail.
Efficient Problem Solving
Most people don’t realize just how much goes into the mortgaging process. It’s not always as cut and dry as apply, wait, and approve. There are often bumps in the road or other requirements that could cause the loan process to be slowed down significantly. A loan program you applied for may not be available any longer, interest rates based on your credit score may increase, the underwriter might need more information on your credit history, or a number of other related issues causing the approval process to stall.
A professional mortgage banker has no problem rolling up their sleeves and getting right down to the nitty-gritty with you. They can help you in finding programs to assist you with cleaning up your credit, look for alternative loan programs that still give you what you need without breaking you financially, they are even willing to help you in securing documentation or explanations you need to provide to the underwriting team.
The right mortgage bankers understand that the sooner you get approved the sooner you can secure the house you’re interested in (not to mention save a lot of money as closing on a house late can cost you more money), so they will do what they can to eliminate the issues so you can get your loan decision sooner.
Purchasing a home is a serious step that comes with a significant amount of responsibilities. As applying and getting approved for a mortgage is not a simple process, it’s often best to work with a trusted mortgage banker. Essentially it’s the most efficient way to secure the proper mortgage for your new home.