If you’re planning to buy a house, most probably you will need to obtain a home loan. In today’s constantly rising housing market, it has become complex to secure a mortgage on your own. There are several financial institutions and various mortgage policies which makes it difficult to choose the right option. So, to secure the best deal in quickest possible time, smart homebuyers work with a mortgage broker.
A mortgage broker is a professional that helps homebuyers in finding and securing the best mortgage rates and terms. As a financial expert, a mortgage broker can assist you in the home buying process, as well as can guide you in the right direction. However, it’s important to find a professional who’s right for you. The broker you hire should meet the industry standards to carry these services. The mortgage broker you choose should work independently so that you get access to a number of deals from multiple lenders. Besides this, there are some other key features to look for in a good broker. In this post, we’ve compiled some qualities to look for when choosing a mortgage professional. Read further to know more!
Licensing
Before you hire a broker, make sure to check the legal guidelines of your state. In most regions, mortgage brokers need to obtain a license to perform their services. It is essential to find a fully-regulated, independent broker to avoid fraudsters. The best brokers are also a member of some industry association and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Make sure to check industry certifications and licensing on the mortgage broker’s website.
Reputation
When it comes to choosing a broker, reputation matters a lot. You can’t trust any random professional for such crucial matters. The mortgage broker you hire should have a good track record and goodwill in the industry. To check if the mortgage firm is reliable or not, you need to do some online research. There are some trustworthy websites that provide customer reviews and ratings of the mortgage brokers. You can check websites such as Google Business, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and Zillow to see what the broker’s previous customers have to say.
Independent Mortgage Brokers
Another important quality to look for is independent operations. You should avoid brokers who work solely for one or a small panel of lenders. Such brokers offer only a limited number of deals that are available with their partner companies. To get the best rates and terms, you need a broker who can offer a wide range of products. Mortgage brokers do not lend money themselves. They work with wholesale mortgage lenders and offer their products. So, to make sure that a broker works for your interest, you should consider independent brokers. These professionals help you to get the best terms on your mortgage loan by offering multiple options to choose from.
Check the Fees
Before you hire a mortgage broker, understand their charging policy. Some brokers offer free advice while others will charge a big amount which is typically hidden in the contract. The broker can charge an arrangement fee which is just a way of charging you for the privilege of taking out a mortgage. Usually, most mortgage brokers charge up to 1 percent. Make sure you know how much the broker charges before making a decision.