When it comes to finding a mortgage broker there is a huge difference between finding one that is looking out for their clients best interest verse one that is looking to pad their own pocket.  One way to start the process of finding a mortgage broker that is reputable, reliable and working to ensure you get a mortgage that best fits your needs is to ask your real estate agent,  friends, family, co workers and other homeowners for recommendations.

It is crucial that you look for a specialist that is offers experience on top of patience.   This is especially true if it is your first time looking to finance a home.  Working with a broker that takes their time and can explain complicated financing in terms you can understand is vital.  A broker that doesn’t take time to help you understand the home loan process as well as the different loan options available isn’t worth a dime of your money.

From the recommendations you are given start out interviewing two or three prospective mortgage brokers.  Find out about their past experience and certifications.  Ask about the number of residential mortgage loans they have brokered specifically for homeowners in situations similar to your own.   Will they be able to broker a deal on an FHA loan or a government backed home loan?  When interviewing perspective brokers ask for the names and numbers of references.  Make the call to ask the references how satisfied they were throughout the process and if they are happy with the loan options they were given and finally settled upon.  Talk about their communication with the broker.  How accessible was the broker at various times during the mortgage process.

Many new homeowners don’t understand the difference between mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders.  Some homeowners choose to work directly with a bank, credit union or commercial lender.  If you decide to get a mortgage directly through a financial institution you will be dealing with one person, mortgage banker or loan officer.  The duties are similar to that of a mortgage broker however they don’t search for loan throughout the entire loan market.  Instead a loan officer only offers mortgage options from the financial institution they represent.

The loan officer, like a mortgage broker will help facilitate paperwork, applications and appraisals.  Once you choose a bank to work with however you are stuck with the loan officer they give you unlike if you were working with a mortgage broker.  There is not as much client control or personal contact when working with a loan officer.  Many work mainly from email.  Whereas when working with a mortgage broker you get plenty of individual contact as the broker works directly with you to understand your specific situation.  They build a list of options from several lenders for you to choose from, offer the benefits and drawbacks of each mortgage option.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.