Mortgage brokers (real estate, credit, loan)

[icantthinkofanick]

Does anyone know of any good / reliable ones in the burgh?

[UKyank]

I've had better luck skipping the broker & going straight to the bank.

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by UKyank

I've had better luck skipping the broker & going straight to the bank.

Me too!

[icantthinkofanick]

Really? PNC's website for a 150,000 30 year fixed starts at 4%.
https://www.pncmortgage.com/mortgage...&ZipCode=60515

I'm starting to look for places to get preapproval, and have a 20% down payment on a house I think I can afford, plus excellent credit. Now I'm not saying 4 is high, but I've heard of people getting mortgages in the 3.7-3.8 range lately. I'm a real estate newbie; do they Negotiate on those rates posted? Most people have told me to avoid banks as they usually aren't as competitive.

[Love2Golf09]

Originally Posted by UKyank

I've had better luck skipping the broker & going straight to the bank.

If you've skipped the broker, how do you know that you got the best deal at the bank? The point of the broker is to have your application sent to dozens of banks, then choose the best offer. I cannot understand someone not wanting to use one. Besides, if the OP has a potentially difficult application to get approved, like a self-employed individual with trouble verifying income, then a broker becomes essential.

To OP: Contact a real estate agent that you trust for a recommendation. Mortgage Brokers work extremely close to real estate agents to get referrals. If your RE agent is honest, then they will only refer honest brokers to their clients.

[Copanut]

First Choice Mortgage in Cranberry.

Try all options, local banks are good, but sometimes you can get a better rate from a broker.

[greg42]

Looks like 4% is common at some local banks for the 30 fixed. With the completely conforming 20% down, etc, sure, try a broker. Make sure you understand all the fees though. Sometimes the banks can keep the fees lower than a broker. I don't think I understood all mine very well back when I bought. But then, if you save 1/8 or 1/4 of a point that will add up more over time assuming you keep the same mortgage. If you really want to save, try looking into 15 year. The difference in payment is not nearly what you might think, especially since the interest should go down 0.5% or more. One of the 4% banks has 15 year at 3.375%.

[gg]

Most agents use a broker. They have a bunch of banks and the fees are built in anyway. Going direct is very rare with the pros in real estate. If you have a great relationship with a bank fine, but I would call a broker. PM me if you want a name of one. He is sharp and knows what he is doing.

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by h_curtis

He is sharp and knows what he is doing.

Is his name h_curtis?