How to Choose a Mortgage Lender: 5 Things to Look for in a True Partner
Buying a house is one of the biggest investments a person will make in their lifetime, which can make the entire process feel intimidating and overwhelming.
So, what’s the key to navigating the home buying process with ease? Finding a mortgage lender who will be attentive to your needs and work with you every step of the way. We know this is easier said than done, so to help you out, we’ve compiled a checklist of things to consider when choosing a mortgage lender.
Where do you start?
Start by asking your real estate agent, friends and family for recommendations. We highly recommend doing your own research, too. Search for local mortgage lenders in your area and look at their online reviews.
Take the time to contact multiple lenders and get to know them better. Ask about the types of loan programs they offer and inquire about their interest rates and closing fees. While each lender’s costs may vary, it’s important to evaluate their character, as well. Ultimately, you’ll want to work with someone who has your best interest at heart and will be a true partner in the process.
Find the right type of mortgage lender for you.
There are three different types of mortgage lenders: mortgage bankers, big banks and mortgage brokers. As a first-time home buyer, the number of options available may seem overwhelming, but there are big differences between all three that you’ll want to consider.
Consider the perks of working with a local company.
A local company is more likely to be informed on regional program changes and housing trends, which makes a difference when it comes to finding the best loan option for your lifestyle.
Evaluate the types of loans lenders offer.
Speaking of loan options, purchasing a home is a major investment where one-size-fits-all solutions do not apply. There’s more to choosing a mortgage than deciding between a fixed or adjustable-rate mortgage and getting a 15-year or 30-year loan. Everyone’s financial situation is different, and it’s in your best interest to work with a lender that can help you find a loan that fits your financial needs.
Find a company with an efficient lending and approval process.
Because mortgage bankers specialize in home loans, they handle every aspect of the mortgage process in house, including loan origination, processing, underwriting and closing. At Ross Mortgage, we have the ability to manage every step of the mortgage process, which allows us to move a loan from application to closing in a quick and efficient manner.
Work with someone who can be your lender for life.
Great service shouldn’t stop once everything is finalized at the closing table. Whether you’re looking for a new house that can accommodate your expanding family, want to purchase a vacation home or are interested in downsizing after the kids leave the house, a great lender will be there for you along every step of your life journey and keep you informed on ways you can use your mortgage to your advantage.
Are we the right mortgage company for you?
At Ross Mortgage, it’s our mission to make the mortgage lending process simple and easy to understand. We treat each loan as if it were our own and believe that every client deserves to receive a personalized experience. Our team of experienced loan officers will work closely with you to find a customized financing solution tailored to your needs.
As a family-owned and operated company, we pursue each loan with a hands-on approach. When you work with our team, you’ll never feel like another number on a loan application. You’ll have a dedicated lending team working on your behalf and work one-on-one with the same loan officer throughout the entire process.
As our world becomes increasingly digital, so has the home buying process. While we place a high value on personal interaction with clients, we realize that technology is playing a bigger role in the home buying process than ever before. For that reason, we have created a secure online portal that enables customers to apply for a mortgage online, as well as an app that gives customers the ability to manage the status of their mortgage loan on-the-go.
Our customers’ financial security is of the utmost importance to us, which is why we’ve invested a significant amount of resources toward implementing processes and procedures that safeguard our customers’ personal information.
Our personal approach to lending has helped us earn the trust of Michigan homebuyers for nearly 70 years. You can depend on our statewide team of lending professionals to provide you with competitive rates, quality service, fast response and a smooth experience.
Get to know us better.
Feel free to browse our blog for tips on how to get the most out of your mortgage and take a moment to read what some of our previous clients have to say about working with us.
“I had an excellent experience working with Ross Mortgage. Their excellent communication and expertise in financing a home was fantastic. The ease of use of the digital tools used to submit necessary documents made this process a breeze. The Ross Mortgage team went above and beyond to get ensure we closed on our new home on time, and directly after the sale of our previous home. – Kerrian M., Facebook
“This was our second time using Ross Mortgage. We purchased a home almost 4 years ago and Ross directed us on what to do; they went through everything with a fine-tooth comb. This year, when we decided that we wanted something larger, we called Ross Mortgage and things started to move immediately. Everything moved so fast, we couldn’t believe it. We’re still in shock of how well and how fast everything was completed. We went through the entire process in a month and are now new homeowners. Thanks Ross Mortgage!” – Barb D., Facebook
“I seriously couldn’t believe how amazing my experience with Ross Mortgage was. My loan officer and her staff were absolutely amazing in their duties and communication. Thank you for helping me and my family get into our new home!” –Aaron B., Facebook
“I want to thank the entire team at Ross Mortgage for making the purchase of my new home a pleasant and stress-free buying experience. From the very start, I knew Ross Mortgage was different than others – they were clear, organized and had all the answers to my many questions. My loan officer was easy to contact and her response time incredible. The entire process was kept on track with frequent status updates and constant communication. Even my relator was impressed and told me she was one of the best in the industry and will recommend her for future clients. I can’t say enough great things! If you need a mortgage, there is no one better. Highly, highly recommend!!!” –Pamela A., Facebook
Have a question? Send us a message, and we’ll connect you with a lending expert on our team who can help you take the next step on your journey to homeownership.