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The right Redmond mortgage broker can find the best mortgage rates possible and make the entire mortgage process a breeze. So it is in your best interest to find a local mortgage broker that is right for you, and in this article, we’ll go over how to do just that.
If you are thinking about working with a mortgage broker to help you find the best home financing option for your needs, then you should work with someone who is right for you.
As with any type of industry professional, mortgage brokers must meet certain specifications, which the ideal mortgage broker should surpass (licensing, reputation, etc.). That said, there are a few other key features to look for in the right Redmond mortgage broker.
Thus, in order to help you find a mortgage professional, here is a shortlist of tips for finding and choosing the best Redmond mortgage broker for your needs.
But before getting into these 5 crucial tips, it is important to have a good idea of what your particular market looks like. Currently, the Redmond housing market, like the rest of the country, continues to have notably higher home prices.
In fact, statewide home prices decreased. And in Redmond, home prices decreased 9.3% year over year, and the median sales price is approximately $1,365,384. Thus, if you are thinking about purchasing a home in Redmond, WA having ample mortgage and house hunting assistance is definitely a must.
Mortgage brokers are, in many ways, the link between homebuyers and lenders. What’s more, a mortgage broker, in general, can substantially improve your chances of securing the perfect mortgage for you. Thus, working with a Redmond broker is a must because they are skilled at navigating a competitive field, and their involvement can save you precious time and money.
In order to find said mortgage broker then, a good place to start is with at least 3 referrals and independent third-party reviews. More than likely, you know someone (real estate agent, friend, relative, or neighbor, etc.) who knows an excellent Redmond mortgage professional.
Similarly, targeting brokers or companies with glowing reviews can help steer you even further in the right direction. It is also highly recommended that when shopping around for the right home financing partner that you keep an eye out for the 3 C’s—communication, clarity, and courtesy. Clearly, the right local broker should be able to effectively communicate with you while simultaneously being clear and courteous.
What’s more, dealing with financial matters can be complicated and frustrating at times. As a result, a good broker will not shy away from complex issues, going over possible fees, or unique financial situations. It is also worth mentioning that your mortgage broker should be able to check in with you often, whether by email or phone, to provide a quick status update.
In addition to the above-mentioned suggestions, you also want to ensure that you choose a mortgage broker that can help you save money. In fact, the true value of a mortgage broker is that they can usually help you get a more affordable loan than you would have without their assistance.
Along those same lines, your prospective Redmond mortgage broker should offer a wide range of products. This is not an unreasonable request since most brokers partner with multiple mortgage lenders and companies so that they can provide an extensive selection of loan options. Nevertheless, if you stumble across a local broker who “specializes” and only offers a few types of loans, then you know right off the bat that this is not the mortgage broker for you.
Moreover, you should find a broker you can see yourself working with for not just this loan but for any or all home financing in the future. Obviously, you cannot predict the future, but you should feel comfortable working with your broker and asking any and all questions.
So, when it is time to move to a bigger house, refinance to a lower rate, or buy that vacation home you always dreamed of, you know exactly who to reach out to—a mortgage professional who is already familiar with your financial situation and homeownership dreams.
This is especially important if you happen to be a first-time homebuyer. First-time buyers often become move-up buyers or refinancers, so the chances of you using your broker’s services again in the future are pretty high. Therefore, you should keep that in mind when narrowing down your options and choosing a Redmond mortgage broker.
Finally, there are several benefits to using a mortgage broker, besides better rates. For instance, when you work with a reputable broker, you can apply for several mortgages within a short period of time. This is a smart move from a credit-score standpoint since applying for multiple mortgages within a short period (30 to 45 days) generally only counts as a single inquiry, thereby preserving your credit score. Without the help of a Redmond broker, you might struggle to get all your applications in quickly enough to avoid the hit.
As suggested, brokers build relationships with lenders that translate into major savings for you, and the right Redmond mortgage broker knows how to negotiate and navigate the industry.
Thus, by hiring a Redmond mortgage broker, you can score a lower interest rate on your home or mortgage loan than you would if you had not. What’s more, the right local broker can often negotiate lower fees or even closing costs. Furthermore, with a reputable mortgage broker in your corner, you ultimately gain access to a wider network of lenders, which means you will likely end up with a more affordable mortgage across the board.
Overall, finding a reputable Redmond mortgage broker is likely the best move for your upcoming home purchase. Ultimately, by following the above-mentioned tips/suggestions and doing your due diligence, you should have no trouble at all finding the right local mortgage broker.
When you apply for a home loan, there is a limit to how much you can borrow based on type of mortgage you’re taking out and the county that you are buying your home in. If the loan amount you apply for exceeds this limit, the loan will be considered a “jumbo loan.”
Both conventional and FHA loans have their own specific loan limits that are modified every year to reflect the rise in home prices.
For VA loans, loan limits were eliminated in 2020. But some borrowers may still have to comply with loan limits if they have an active VA loan or a previous default on a VA loan.
Check out our mortgage loan limit tool for conventional, FHA, and VA loans.
If you need the assistance of a seasoned mortgage professional, Sammamish Mortgage can help. We are a local, family-owned company based in Bellevue, Washington. We serve the entire state, as well as the broader Pacific Northwest region that includes Washington, Colorado, California, and Oregon. We offer a wide variety of mortgage programs and products with flexible qualification criteria since 1992. Please contact us if you have mortgage-related questions.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.