Mortgage Broker Loan

Q: I am buying a new home and want to know if there is an advantage to getting the mortgage through a mortgage broker vs. one of the big banks in town.

A: A mortgage broker represents what we call "end" lenders. These are companies that invest in mortgage loans. Some of these end lenders can even be big banks. So the mortgage broker arranges for you to get the financing you need to buy your house, and then checks to see which end lender is interested in buying the paper on that loan. You could go to a mortgage broker in your city and end up with a loan from one of your big banks in town.

When you use a mortgage broker, you get your money, and the investor gets an investment. The broker gets a fee for providing the loan. In some cases, if you pay points to reduce the interest rate on your loan, some of that payment may compensate the mortgage broker. But generally, the end lender pays a fee to the mortgage broker to get you as a customer.

Once your loan is sold off to another lender, you may find that your loan is serviced through a different company. That company is there to collect the monthly payments you owe and to service your loan

A mortgage banker (your big local bank could be a mortgage banker) also works on the origination side of the business. The mortgage banker may give you the loan and in some case may even keep the loan and service it. If you have a question about your loan after you close on the loan, you'd call the bank. In other words, a mortgage banker might do everything from arranging the loan, closing on the loan, providing the financing, servicing your new mortgage, and making sure your real estate taxes are paid.

In many cases, the mortgage banker might turn around and sell your loan to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or another investor that is interested in buying that kind of investment. The mortgage banker may still service the loan but the loan is actually held by an investor or other company.

From your point of view, it shouldn't matter whether you use a mortgage broker or a mortgage banker. What you need to do is find a lender that provides a great rate, a loan program you like, and terrific customer service. You shouldn't feel pressured by the lender, and if you do, you should walk out and find another lender.

NOTE: Ilyce R. Glink's latest ebooks are "Credit Scoring Secrets" and "How to Find a Great Real Estate Agent," which are available at her new, all-video website, www.expertrealestatetips.net. If you have questions, you can call her radio show toll-free (800-972-8255) any Sunday, from 11a-1p EST. You can also write to Real Estate Matters Syndicate, PO Box 366, Glencoe, IL 60022 or contact her through her website, www.thinkglink.com ©2008 by Ilyce R. Glink. Distributed by Tribune Media Services.