Knowing how to compare good faith estimates from mortgage companies will help you make an educated decision when deciding which lender to use.
Lender Fees: Lenders sometimes display their fees as one bundled fee or break them down so you can see where the money is being allocated. When comparing good faith estimates for the same rate from different companies you should start by focusing on the total lender fees. Points, origination, discount, processing, administration fees, appraisal fees, underwriting all fall into the top section of the estimate.
Title and Escrow Charges: These fees are not charged by your lender but they can be a determining factor to use a specific lender based on the rates they have negotiated for these services on your behalf. Some lenders will tell you that these fees are the same no matter who you choose. That just is not the case.
Different title and escrow companies have different rates. The difference in savings can come down to who your lender has chosen to work with. Some companies have negotiated rates that include the signing service as part of the fees which saves you up to $200 which is a typical fee for a notary.
When the third party fees are all coming from the same company lenders are able to negotiate better deals for their clients. When title, escrow, and notary are all coming from the same place the company is able to get a little more aggressive with each piece.
The total fees on your transaction should be your main concern. A lender that has gone the extra mile to deliver third party fees that are cheaper has you in mind.
Estimate Date: With rates changing so often make sure you are getting estimates from the same day to be able to accurately compare companies. Rates change daily; sometimes multiple times a day.
Trust: You must ask yourself. "Has this company presented themselves in a way that I feel comfortable?" A good faith estimate is just an estimate and sometimes can change. You should work with a company that has a reputation for fair lending and honest accurate good faith estimates. Currently there are 8 Certified Upfront Mortgage Lenders in the country. This is a great place to start. These companies have been accredited with this certification based on their honest and upfront business practices and a strict set of loan presentation guidelines.
With the right information and expectation getting a mortgage can be a breeze. - 16752
Lender Fees: Lenders sometimes display their fees as one bundled fee or break them down so you can see where the money is being allocated. When comparing good faith estimates for the same rate from different companies you should start by focusing on the total lender fees. Points, origination, discount, processing, administration fees, appraisal fees, underwriting all fall into the top section of the estimate.
Title and Escrow Charges: These fees are not charged by your lender but they can be a determining factor to use a specific lender based on the rates they have negotiated for these services on your behalf. Some lenders will tell you that these fees are the same no matter who you choose. That just is not the case.
Different title and escrow companies have different rates. The difference in savings can come down to who your lender has chosen to work with. Some companies have negotiated rates that include the signing service as part of the fees which saves you up to $200 which is a typical fee for a notary.
When the third party fees are all coming from the same company lenders are able to negotiate better deals for their clients. When title, escrow, and notary are all coming from the same place the company is able to get a little more aggressive with each piece.
The total fees on your transaction should be your main concern. A lender that has gone the extra mile to deliver third party fees that are cheaper has you in mind.
Estimate Date: With rates changing so often make sure you are getting estimates from the same day to be able to accurately compare companies. Rates change daily; sometimes multiple times a day.
Trust: You must ask yourself. "Has this company presented themselves in a way that I feel comfortable?" A good faith estimate is just an estimate and sometimes can change. You should work with a company that has a reputation for fair lending and honest accurate good faith estimates. Currently there are 8 Certified Upfront Mortgage Lenders in the country. This is a great place to start. These companies have been accredited with this certification based on their honest and upfront business practices and a strict set of loan presentation guidelines.
With the right information and expectation getting a mortgage can be a breeze. - 16752
About the Author:
Before committing to a mortgage company visit this site to compare mortgage rates and request a good faith estimate.