There are a few common reasons why borrowers switch lenders before closing. Sometimes it’s because the borrower is no longer satisfied with the rate or terms from their original lender. In other cases, the borrower might have had a negative experience with their original lender, such as poor customer service or a long processing time. Finally, some borrowers switch lenders because they want to work with a specific lender that is not affiliated with their original lender. Regardless of your reasoning, if you think switching lenders might be your next step, here are a few things to consider before making the switch:
Compare Rates and Fees
If you’re considering switching lenders, you should comprehensively compare their rates. This would provide you with more information on whether you’re getting a good deal from your current lender or if it’s time to switch. Some factors to compare regarding rates and fees include the interest rate, the annual percentage rate (APR), the loan and downpayment amounts, the term of the loan, and closing costs. Finding the right rates is key to helping you fund your home purchase without going beyond your budget. This is why it’s important to get the best mortgage rates and fees that would work for you and your financial situation. Doing so will help you make informed decisions, especially since it concerns your finances and future home.
Service and Efficiency
If you’re not happy with the service or efficiency of your current lender, it might be time to switch. However, it’s important to weigh all your options before making a decision. Comparing rates and fees is one way to do this, but you should also consider the quality of service and how smoothly the process will go if you switch lenders. How quickly does the lender process applications and respond to inquiries? Are the representatives knowledgeable about their products and services? How smoothly does the closing process go? By determining the answers to these questions, you can get a better idea of how smoothly your entire home buying process will go with specific lenders.
Results of Making the Switch
If you switch lenders, you should be aware of what it would imply for your process and know how to prepare for them. One instance is that switching lenders can lengthen the time it takes to close on your home. This is because you would have to start the loan application process all over again. It includes reviewing a new round of credit checks, providing documentation, and waiting for loan approval. This would take time that could potentially push back your closing date.
Additionally, suppose you’ve already paid specific fees to your original lender. In that case, you might not be able to get a refund if you switch. These fees might include loan applications and appraisal fees. So before making the decision to switch lenders, make sure you are aware of what might happen afterwards.
Weigh Your Options Well
After comparing rates and services, as well as understanding how the switch can affect the process, you have to think about what’s going to work well for you in the long run. You might also consider how far you are already in your current loan application and if the house you’re aiming for would still be available if you took more time to look for a better deal. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you think would be in your best interests. Weigh all of your options and make the decision that is right for you and your needs.
When deciding about your future home, you can also consult with someone you trust. They might be able to provide you with some helpful insights that you didn’t consider and can help you make informed decisions. Some people you might ask would include your spouse, parents, financial advisors, or real estate agents. Here are some questions you might consider asking them:
- How do they feel about your original lender?
- Do they think another lender would be a better fit for you?
- Have they gone through the process of switching lenders themselves?
- What were their experiences like?
Moreover, if you’re married, having your spouse’s input regarding your home loan is essential since they will also be affected by these decisions. Hence, you should ensure that you are on the same page before making any decisions.
The accuracy of your information when switching lenders will help you make the right decisions, especially regarding your finances. It can be difficult to decide, but what’s essential is that you feel confident about the decisions you make regarding your loans.
