Using mortgage brokers effectively
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
In the vast majority of cases, Mortgage Brokers are free for the borrower. They are typically paid a commission or “trail” by the lender once your loan is settled and funded. This commission structure is regulated to ensure it does not influence the broker’s recommendation against your best interests. You should always confirm with your broker that there are no fees for their service.
You will likely lose any application or processing fees paid to the original lender that are non-refundable. You will also have to pay for a new credit report, a new appraisal, and potentially a new title search.
The standardized format of the Loan Estimate is designed specifically for comparison shopping. You should collect Loan Estimates from multiple lenders and compare them side-by-side, focusing on the interest rate, Annual Percentage Rate (APR), total closing costs, and the estimated monthly payment to find the best overall deal.
A cash-out refinance makes sense when you have a specific, valuable need for the funds, such as home renovations that increase your property’s value, consolidating high-interest debt (like credit cards), or funding a major investment. It’s crucial to have a disciplined plan for the cash and to understand that you are increasing your mortgage debt.
A Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) is a personal finance measure that compares the amount of debt you have to your overall income. Lenders use it to evaluate your ability to manage monthly payments and repay borrowed money.
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