Compare Mortgage Companies Using The Internet

Savvy tips and tricks make shopping for the best mortgage lender easy. Search smart for a mortgage company online while protecting your credit at the same time.I'm frequently asked how to find the best mortgage lenders. It comes with the territory. As a former bank loan officer and owner of my own mortgage company, I have an insider's perspective regarding the mortgage lending business. So I know what I would look for in a mortgage company and try to pass that on to people.Here are a few simple yet effective principles that I encourage my friends to use.First, look for a mortgage lender with a stellar reputation. Question neighbors, relatives and your buddies. Ask who they've used and if they'd return for their next mortgage. Make a mental note when you hear a company mentioned a few times.Second, listen for individuals. Is a specific loan officer often mentioned? Banks and mortgage companies usually employ a number of loan officers. Trust in a loan officer is as crucial as your confidence in their company.Third, compile your list of 3 to 5 recommended mortgage companies and trusted loan officers.Fourth, take action. Begin the conversation with a quick overview of your goals. It is better if you write out your purpose ahead of time so you won't feel flustered or forget important ideas. It also helps clarify in your own mind what matters the most to you.In one sentence be able to describe your purpose. Are you a first time buyer who needs help with pre approval? Do you need cash to update your kitchen or replace the roof? Are you expecting your ARM to increase at its next adjustment? Do you want a 30 year fixed rate mortgage with stable payments? Whatever your reasons to seek financing, be straight forward and to the point with the mortgage representative.Fifth, after describing your goals, it's time to allow the mortgage broker to speak. She may ask you more questions. This is a good sign. It points to thinking creatively.Sixth, ask for her recommendation based on current lending programs. Important! Take notes.Seventh, check your response. How did speaking with the loan officer make you feel? How you react can have an affect on the outcome of your mortgage transaction. Remember, a gut feeling matters.Eighth, rate each of the mortgage lenders you added to your list. By paying attention to their responses, rank them based on whether they sounded knowledgeable and if you liked them.There is one more important element to finding your best mortgage lender, the internet. Online mortgage applications are being encouraged by most lenders. Although I prefer direct contact with my mortgage broker, I think it's an accepted fact that mortgage lending is moving to the internet.For most of us, applying for a mortgage online may seem a little uncomfortable but there are great benefits included. Reducing expenses to lenders results in lower closing costs to borrowers.So take advantage of the search function of your online service provider and your preferred search engine such as Google, Yahoo, Windows Live, Ask.Type in your search words. Type in "mortgage payments", "home finance", "best mortgage rates", or simply your purpose such as "buying a home". Now you can relax while the search engines do your research.Here is another little idea that may help you find lenders closer to home. Type in the name of your city after your search word.Then follow a similar process that I outlined above except instead of talking to a loan officer, search through each website.If you decide you want more information from a specific lender, you will probably have to fill out a brief online application. That is OK but be cautious. Before entering your social security number, ask yourself first if this is a lender you're truly interested in.There are two reasons for this. One is for security purposes. Safeguarding all three credit scores is the other.Warning! Ordering your credit history usually follows releasing your social security number to home loan financial companies. It seems reasonable to provide a lender with your social security number and once your final determination for a mortgage lender has been made, it will be necessary to give your social security number to proceed.But here are the facts. Credit inquiries from a mortgage lender can lower credit scores, creating a detrimental affect on the amount of money you're qualified to borrow. So be safe and be smart. Wait until you've chosen a lender before providing your social security number.By the way, before you apply for a mortgage, did you know you can use a credit monitoring service such as Equifax to check for any errors in your credit history.Use these easy steps for finding a mortgage lender. Follow my 8 easy steps. Take advantage of the internet to search online. Protect your privacy and credit score. You will greatly improve your chances of finding the lender that is best for you.Best wishes shopping for a mortgage company.