SHOPPING AROUND?



HERE'S THE INSIDE SCOOP ON HOW TO DO IT RIGHT!

First: make sure you are working with an experienced, professional loan
officer. The largest financial transaction of your life is far too important
to place into the hands of someone who is not capable of advising you
properly and troubleshooting the issues that may arise along the way. But
how can you tell?

Here are a few things to keep an eye out for and if it doesn't feel right or
sounds to good to be true.RUN.DON'T WALK. RUN.TO A LENDER THAT YOU ARE
COMFROTABLE WITH!

Be smart... Ask questions. Get answers!

More than likely, this is one of the largest and most important financial
transactions you will ever make. You might do this only four or five times
in your entire life. but we do this every single day. It's your home and
your future. It's our profession and our passion. We're ready to work for
your best interest.

Once you are satisfied that you are working with a top-quality professional
mortgage advisor, here are the rules and secrets you must know to "shop"
effectively.

First, IF IT SEEMS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS . But you didn't
really need us to tell you that, did you? Mortgage money and interest rates
all come from the same places, and if something sounds really unbelievable,
better ask a few more questions and find the hook. Is there a prepayment
penalty? If the rate seems incredible, are there extra fees? What is the
length of the lock-in? If fees are discounted, is it built into a higher
interest rate?

Second, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR . If you are looking for the cheapest deal
out there, understand that you are placing a hugely important process into
the hands of the lowest bidder. Best case; expect very little advice,
experience and personal service. Worst case, expect that you may not close
at all. All too often, you don't know until it's too late that cheapest
isn't BEST. But if you want the cheapest quote - head on out to the
Internet, and we wish you good luck. Just remember that if you've heard any
horror stories from family members, friends or coworkers about missed
closing dates, or big surprise changes at the last minute on interest rate
or costs.these are often due to working with discount or internet lenders
who may have a serious lack of experience. Most importantly, remember that
the cheapest rate on the wrong strategy can cost you thousands more in the
long run. This is the largest financial transaction most people will make in
their lifetime. That being said - we are not the cheapest. Of course our
rates and costs are very competitive, but we have also invested in the
systems and team we need to ensure the top quality experience that you
deserve.

Third, MAKE CORRECT COMPARISONS. When looking at estimates, don't simply
look at the bottom line. You absolutely must compare lender fees to lender
fees, as these are the only ones that the lender controls. And make sure
lender fees are not "hidden" down amongst the title or state fees. A lender
is responsible for quoting other fees involved with a mortgage loan, but
since they are third party fees - they are often under-quoted up front by a
lender to make their bottom line appear lower, since they know that many
consumers are not educated to NOT simply look at the bottom line! APR?
Easily manipulated as well, and worthless as a tool of comparison.

Fourth, UNDERSTAND THAT INTEREST RATES AND CLOSING COSTS GO HAND IN HAND .
This means that you can have any interest rate that you want - but you may
pay more in costs if the rate is lower than the norm. On the other hand, you
can pay discounted fees, reduced fees, or even no fees at all - but
understand that this comes at the expense of a higher interest rate. Either
of these balances might be right for you, or perhaps somewhere in between.
It all depends on what your financial goals are. A professional lender will
be able to offer the best advice and options in terms of the balance between
interest rate and closing costs that correctly fits your personal goals.

Fifth, UNDERSTAND THAT INTEREST RATES CAN CHANGE DAILY, EVEN HOURLY . This
means that if you are comparing lender rates and fees - this is a moving
target on an hourly basis. For example, if you have two lenders that you
just can't decide between and want a quote from each - you must get this
quote at the exact same time on the exact same day with the exact same terms
or it will not be an accurate comparison. You also must know the length of
the lock you are looking for, since longer rate locks typically have
slightly higher rates.

Again, our advice to you is to be smart. Ask questions. Get answers.

As you can imagine, we wouldn't be encouraging you to shop around if we
weren't pretty confident that we feel that we can give you a great value and
serve you the very best.

Please call us with any further questions you may have at this time - we are
ready to work for your best interest!