1. What Are My TOTAL Points and Loan Fees?
Some companies only quote the "Discount" Point(s) associated with the loan and do not include the "Origination" Point(s). Other companies charge a flat "Broker Fee" or "Origination Fee." With us, the Rate and Points are as posted, and there are no "hidden" origination fees or points.

2. Can You Fax Me a Rate Lock Disclosure?
This goes hand in hand with the first question. Many companies are willing to fax over a Good Faith Estimate of Costs because it is just that - an estimate that is subject to change. Too many times, trusting customers go to settlement only to find undisclosed points and / or fees. A rate lock disclosure, on the other hand, is a more binding document that will insure you the rate and TOTAL points. Be sure to ask your loan to specifically itemize the "origination" and "discount" points on the rate lock disclosure. This will protect you in the event you get to settlement and there are additional points. If a company is unwilling to fax over a rate lock disclosure along with the Good Faith Estimate, do yourself a favor and go to a company that will.

3. May I Lock My Rate Over the Phone?
If you are being quoted a "lower than market" rate that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Ask the representative if you can lock in this rate over the phone or if you must make application prior to locking your rate. While most mortgage companies have some restrictions in locking in rates over the phone, be on guard when a company is not willing to do so. This may be an indication that they are playing a game of "bait and switch," or quoting a rate that doesn't exist. If a company IS willing to lock over the phone, be sure to get the rate lock disclosure prior to committing to them or giving out a credit card number (see question #2).

4. What is My APR?
The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the effective rate after all the fees associated with the loan are treated as interest and amortized over the term of the loan. Companies with high fees will typically have higher APR's at the same note rate as a company with lower fees. This question will help compare the true "cost" of the loan.

5. Can I Reach You After Hours?
When you are going through the mortgage process, you need answers NOW. Waiting until Monday morning for an answer is unacceptable in today's fast paced environment. Our Loan Experts are available after hours, and will readily give you their home phone number.

6. Do You Represent the Lender?
We are a Broker, which means that we are not obligated to any particular Lender. When you deal with a bank or most mortgage companies, the loan you are dealing with is acting as an AGENT OF THE LENDER. Our loan s act INDEPENDENTLY of the Lender and will work to get YOU the best deal available.

7. Must I Apply Online?
Many of today's "online" mortgage companies force you to apply online and discourage direct contact with the loan or processor. While we utilize the most advanced technology to deliver your mortgage, we still understand that the mortgage process is very personal, and still do business "the old fashioned way" - one on one with personalized service. For those of you who are comfortable with applying online, we accommodate for that as well. The choice is up to you, OUR CUSTOMER.

8. How Long Will The Process Take?
Speed is essential in today's real estate market. Once you've made a full mortgage application, we can get your mortgage approved in as little as 1 hour with minimal documentation required. This alleviates stress in wondering if your loan is going to be approved, reduces the amount of paperwork you need to provide, and allows you to go to settlement QUICKLY, sometimes in as little as 7 days.

9. How Much Experience Do You Have in the Mortgage Business?
With many new companies and originators entering into the marketplace recently, you want to be sure you are dealing with a PROFESSIONAL with EXPERIENCE. Our staff has an average of 10 years experience in lending, with the minimal amount of experience being 5 years. This assures you that you are dealing with a reputable loan that knows the industry inside and out. Make sure you are dealing with a mortgage company that is promoting their services on the internet, not an internet company that decided to get into the mortgage business.

10. Can I Meet With Someone Face to Face?
We believe that service is essential in the mortgage process. There are some "online" companies that reduce their fees for making an application over the internet, but they typically do this because they have eliminated the human element of the process. Ask the loan if you can sit down with them face to face and listen to their response. We welcome you to come in and make application with a loan because we believe service is number one.

11. How Big Is Your Company?
Do you want to be known as a name or a loan number? The size of the company you deal with can effect the quality of service you receive. We have purposely remained a small, community oriented company to assure the highest level of service. When you call us, you will be known by your name, not as a number, and any one of our highly trained representatives will be able to assist you immediately.

12. What Are My Options If I'm Not Approved?
While this doesn't cross the mind of most customers, it is something to consider. With credit standards getting ever tighter in the mortgage industry more customers are being denied conventional loans then ever before. Since we are a broker, even if your loan is denied by one lender, we can submit your loan to other lenders and work to get you a conventional loan program. At most banks and mortgage companies, if your loan is denied there are no other options.