These days, everyone is looking for a good deal, and they certainly deserve the best! In a competitive marketplace, everyone is trying to distinguish themselves with the best fees and service. I believe those are a given, and the best way to provide even greater value is to offer priceless guidance based on experience and expertise. Not everyone can offer that! With this in mind, I offer the following insider secrets that can benefit everyone looking for a mortgage.

Credit Upgrades

One of the opportunities of working with a lender like us is that we are flexible in regard to the restructuring of loans and offering alternatives without having to unravel a loan completely. Because we are doing our own underwriting we can simultaneously process and approve a loan as-is—but be in a position to improve the loan whenever possible. A great example would be in a situation where we suggest credit-improvement opportunities that can help upgrade a credit score, thereby offering a better rate or a reduced fee. For most brokers or commercial banks, this would not be possible—or at the very least would require a new loan application from start.

Rate Lock Policies

The financial markets are incredibly volatile, and locking down that rate lock at the right time is now more critical than ever. Some banks lock in a loan automatically at the start of a loan application, while others will do it only upon request or at a designated time before closing. It is crucial for you to find out what your lender’s interest-rate policies are and to find out what their extension policies are in case the loan doesn’t close on time. Understanding the formal rate-lock policy will save you significant time and money when it counts the most and will prevent unnecessary miscommunications and frustrations.

Mortgage Reset

One of our most appealing mortgage offerings is the loan-recasting feature that most of our mortgages now allow after closing. Many people are familiar with paying down principal, which is a great option that helps reduce the long-term interest that a homeowner will pay by shortening the loan term. Our approved mortgage reset allows you to pay down a portion of principal and request that the payments are adjusted lower based on the new outstanding principal balance. As a disclaimer, there is a small one-time fee, and the mortgage does need to have a satisfactory payment history to be eligible. Assuming one is in a position to prepay some principal, and if you can benefit from a lower monthly payment, this is a great option!

Rate Float Down

Not all banks offer this feature, but you should certainly try to work with a lender like Approved Funding, that does offer float-down interest-rate options. This means once your loan is locked in you are protected from increasing rates, but if rates go down you can get the benefit of the lower rate when applicable and eligible. Find out what your lender’s policy and procedures are to utilize this feature and the best way to monitor the markets to see when you would be eligible.

As I have said repeatedly, getting the mortgage to closing is a given; it’s the advice and guidance before, during and after the loan closing that truly distinguishes one mortgage professional versus another. Unfortunately, most loan officers aren’t experienced enough in the industry or at their company to know the true ins and outs to maximize these insider tips. Reach out for a no-obligation consultation and more industry insider tips!

Shout out and happy birthday to Tamara Attali, Steve Fox and Yehuda Hecht.

By Shmuel Shayowitz

Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is president and chief lending officer at Approved Funding, a privately held local mortgage banker and direct lender. Approved Funding is a mortgage company offering competitive interest rates as well as specialty niche programs on all types of residential and commercial properties. Shmuel has over 20 years of industry experience including licenses and certifications as certified mortgage underwriter, residential review appraiser, licensed real estate agent, and direct FHA specialized underwriter. He can be reached via email at [email protected].