How To Find the Best Mortgage Lender in Your Area

Shopping for the best mortgage lender in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois will save you money and a lot of stress. It seems like every big bank and mortgage lender promises the lowest rate and fastest close. So how can you really tell who to trust when it comes to finding the best mortgage lender?

Mortgages aren’t one-size-fits-all anymore. Taking time to learn and find the best mortgage lender can save you money and ultimately secure a better mortgage. The good news is it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

This quick article can help.

When It’s Time to Find a New Mortgage Lender

Here are some common situations when it might be time to reconsider your options and shop for a new mortgage lender:

• Getting ready to buy your next home
• Considering a second home or rental property
• Shopping for a vacation home
• Refinancing your mortgage
• Relocating to a new area

If you’re a homeowner or looking to buy a home in Oakbrook Terrace, it’s a smart move to do some comparison shopping this time around.

Related: Wondering how much you can afford? Use our free mortgage calculator

3 Smart Tips to Finding the Best Mortgage Lender in Oakbrook Terrace, IL

1. Loyalty is Overrated in the Mortgage Business

If you have a mortgage lender you really trust and who has helped you through a few mortgages or a refinance, keep it up!

But a lot of homeowners make a few common mistakes when they buy a house in Oakbrook Terrace for the first time:

• Using a big bank just because they have other accounts there
• Following a friend’s referral without doing any research
• Using a lender the realtor suggests (to keep things moving fast)
• Choosing an online lender to take advantage of super-low advertised rates

Sometimes it’s a good fit. But more than 45% of homeowners usually end up using a different lender at some point. Why? A home mortgage is still one of the biggest financial commitments most people make in their lifetime. Doing a little homework to choose the right mortgage lender can save you a lot of money.

2. Find a Mortgage Lender in Oakbrook Terrace Who Does Custom Home Loans

This might seem obvious. But mortgages are not one-size-fits-all and finding the lowest rate online won’t always get you the best mortgage.

Loan programs are becoming more and more specialized to meet the growing needs of homeowners and a housing market that changes quickly.

Consider just a few costly variables that go beyond the advertised “low mortgage rate” you might see from lenders:

• Fees
• Points
• Closing costs
• Adjustable terms
• Variable terms
• APR vs. Interest rates
• Balloon payments
• Private mortgage insurance
• Prepayment penalties

These are just a few of the variables that could end up costing you a lot of money in the long term. Every mortgage has fine print and there are a lot of hidden costs to consider.

The bottom line: Work with someone who listens to your situation. A qualified mortgage lender in Oakbrook Terrace can show you custom home loan options to reach your financial goals.

3. Find the Best Mortgage Lender By Doing a Test Drive

Take advantage of your network and start with referrals. Check in with a trusted realtor, a few business colleagues, or friends you might have in the industry.

Once you have a few referrals, do a little research by taking a test drive.

Read customer reviews, get in touch and ask a few questions.

Do the potential lenders:

• Respond quickly?
• Answer your questions with relevant info?
• Work quickly without making you feel pressured?
• Explain the process so you know what to expect?
• Have a LOT of happy customers?

Loan programs are becoming more and more specialized.

There are so many options that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Find a mortgage lender who communicates clearly and makes things easier for you.

Final Takeaway

The first time you bought a home, you may have spent most of your time going to open houses and comparing properties. Maybe you picked a lender too fast. This time around, you’ve got some extra time and a lot more knowledge.

It’s wise to work with a local mortgage lender whenever possible. An experienced mortgage lender will discuss your best options and offer mortgage solutions that are designed to save you money. The Claudio Prunotto Team can help you reach your homeownership goals right here in Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Taking Action

Shop around, read customer reviews, connect with a few mortgage lenders in Oakbrook Terrace and find one who listens well and is committed to helping you with your financial goals. Take a test drive and discuss the next steps. Spending a little time to find the best mortgage lender can save you money and get you a better mortgage. We can help.