What Is a Mortgage Lender?
A mortgage lender is an individual or company that provides loans to people for the purchase of real estate. These loans usually involve a percentage (usually 3%- 20%) from the home’s overall value and set monthly payments over several years with interest.
These companies provide a plethora of options, making it difficult to decide which is best suited for you. Understanding the distinctions between lenders will help you focus your search and ensure you receive a loan tailored specifically to meet your requirements.
Retail, wholesale and portfolio lenders
Retail lenders work directly with consumers. They offer mortgages that they fund themselves or borrow money from other lenders. Retail lenders usually offer lower-interest rates than banks or other large institutions, as well as more flexibility in deciding who qualifies for a particular type of loan.
Credit unions, on the other hand, don’t lend their own funds but instead provide loans to people. They evaluate your credit and income to decide if you qualify for a mortgage and may require more documentation than banks require.
Brokers are businesses or individuals that facilitate home loan negotiations from multiple lenders. While this can save you time by comparing quotes for multiple loans at once, brokers usually charge a fee to do so.
Hard money lenders, on the other hand, provide their own funds to borrowers and can be an attractive option for those aiming to renovate or flip a property quickly. These lenders may be found both private and public sectors and often provide competitive terms to those looking to invest in their next big venture.
Mortgage Bankers
In the United States, mortgage bankers include large banks and online mortgage lenders. These firms originate and sell conventional mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as well as refinance loans. Furthermore, they specialize in working with borrowers with poor credit or other unusual circumstances.
Servicers
Your mortgage lender typically sends you monthly statements and other documents related to your loan. They’ll manage your escrow account, answer any queries about it, and in some cases may even commence foreclosure proceedings if you’re behind on payments.
Your servicer might be the same company that made your loan or an entirely separate institution. No matter who it is, knowing your lender’s name and address is essential if you move or switch jobs.
The Division of Banks licenses and inspects mortgage lenders, brokers and loan originators to ensure they meet certain qualifications. They have a proven record for providing safe and sound mortgage credit solutions to low-income neighborhoods and consumers.
A trusted mortgage lender will take the time to help you comprehend all your available options and explain how different loan programs can help you buy the home of your dreams. They also explain the costs associated with homeownership and how it may impact your budget. Finally, they provide you with a mortgage pre-approval letter – which is the first step in purchasing a home.