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Insights on money, career and trading

What to Look For in a Mortgage Broker

Posted on January 13, 2014 by Daniel at 11:47 am

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Unless you are planning to pay cash for your next real estate purchase, you will probably want to work with a mortgage broker in order to secure the best loan for your residential or commercial property investment. A mortgage broker acts as a intermediary between the loan applicant and the various banks and lending institutions, and they can help you find the best possible loan for your needs, your credit score and your budget. However, not all mortgage brokers are the same. This guide, along with resources like commercialview.com.au, can help you determine what key things to look for in a mortgage broker.

A Full Panel of Recognised Lenders

One of the most important things to look for when choosing a mortgage broker is someone who offers an array of loans from several banks and lenders. Some brokers are actually mortgage bankers, which means that they represent a single institution. This limits your options significantly, so ensure that anyone you work with has a variety of options from recognized lenders that can suit your needs. For example, there are different alternatives for veterans when it comes to loans and mortgages which is why it is important to have the right broker.

Several Years of Success in the Industry

While you don’t necessarily need to work with someone who has been a mortgage broker for decades, you also don’t want to select a person with limited experience. Don’t be afraid to ask, and ensure that any potential mortgage brokers have been in the field for a minimum of two years. This ensures that they are familiar with the process of securing a loan and know the extent of the various options. You also might want to find one that is an expert in your local area, like this Colorado Springs Mortgage Broker, for example, so you can be satisfied that they have experience dealing with mortgages in your state since riles may vary from state to state.

Get Referrals From Previous Customers and Clients

Even if a mortgage broker seems like a great fit, ask around to find out if anyone you know has experience with them. You might also want to check online to read reviews from their previous clients and customers. While the odd unhappy customer shouldn’t be a red flag, an overwhelmingly negative response might encourage you to look elsewhere for a mortgage broker. Fortunately, there are a wide array of brokers such as this mortgage company denver and other states have to offer, so it won’t be hard to find another that meets your needs.

Learn More About Their Commission

In most cases, you won’t actually have to pay for the services of a mortgage broker. Instead, they receive a commission from the lender whenever one of their clients secures a loan. Ask about a mortgage broker’s commission plan, and find out if they will make substantially more money from one lender over another. This can help you determine if they will be unbiased during the selection process or if they will be encouraging you to work with the lender that provides them with the highest commission.

Check For Accreditation and Relevant Education

You definitely want any mortgage broker you work with to have solid training in this field, so look for someone with, at minimum, a Certificate IV or Diploma in Financial Services Mortgage Broking. Ideally, they should also be accredited under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act and be a member of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia, the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd.

Seek Out Excellent Communication and Organization Skills

Finally, what makes a great mortgage broker is someone who values you as a client and is willing to make time to meet or talk with you as needed. The best mortgage brokers are also very organized, and they can stick to a punctual schedule when it comes to applications, appointments and phone calls.

Choosing the right mortgage broker is the first step in securing the right loan for your property purchase. These steps can help anyone narrow down their options and settle on the right fit.

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Insights on money, career and trading