Why Use a Direct Mortgage Lender?
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
Direct mortgage lenders differ from using a mortgage broker. A broker is independent of a specific lender and can actually work with multiple lenders, comparing their rates, service, and turn times. A direct lender, on the other hand, works directly with a borrower. Both brokers and direct lenders may utilize loan officers who may be the actual person with whom the borrower works. A direct lender can also be a wholesaler that works through intermediary brokers.
Realtors may direct a first time home buyer towards a mortgage broker with whom they have a working history. This does not mean that the buyer is precluded from contacting a direct mortgage funding source on their own. The buyer has the ability to work directly with a lender. You can walk right in to a financial institution and make an application for a first mortgage or do so online. Using a search engine on the Internet can help you find a direct lender. Regardless of the realtor’s recommendation, you can approach a direct lender on your own.
A purchase mortgage for a property is not the only types of loan available from a direct mortgage institution. Direct lenders may also provide financial products for refinancing. Refinancing an original mortgage that has a high rate of interest can be very attractive when current interest rates are much lower. This refinancing option can sometimes lower mortgage payments and may be an option worth considering for homeowners, especially if they have an adjustable rate mortgage (also called an ARM). As with purchases, it is easier to refinance a home with good credit scores.
Another option for utilizing a direct mortgage lender is to obtain a loan collateralizing the equity of your current property. For example, if the current fair market value of your home is much higher than the principal balance of your mortgage, that equity can be used as the basis for a loan. These types of loans are often used for major home repairs or renovations. These loans might be called a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Financial institutions making these types of collateralized loans will have a set of criteria to test the applicant’s ability to repay the note.
Whether you are seeking a first mortgage for a new home or just trying to fund some major renovations, you can work with either a broker or a direct mortgage lender. Both utilize a common application form known in the industry as a 1003. Remember – it’s your choice who you use for a home loan.