Written by Sean Pollock

Tuesday, 15 June 2010 22:36

Choosing your Mortgage Broker is just as important as choosing your new home. There is nothing worse than after going through the feelings of comfort and joy, to find out that your dream home turns out to be a financial nightmare.

The word Broker suggests that he/she will be able to provide you with a range of lenders, provide estimates well before closing known as 'good faith estimates' enabling you to make the best in time decision.

A good, reliable and trustworthy broker will be able to demonstrate to you why option A,B, or C will be good for you; by taking into account your financial circumstances now, for example in relation to your deposit. He/She would also consider how long you intend to stay in the house, your income and take account of liabilities you may have. There be distinct advantages of you not committing all of your deposit and paying down existing credit facilities.

The Broker must also consider for you, the opportunity of locking your rate to provide you the known costs per month. Variable rate loans fluctuate with the volatility in the markets on Wall Street. So locking you rate could be a way of fixing your month on month budget. It does have to be said though by locking your rate you cannot take advantage when the market adjusts downward, making you home loan cheaper. Conversely, not be penalized if rates move higher. This is an important part of securing the best home loan deal, as they tend to be long term, sometimes it is worth looking at the total cost of the loan over the typical term of 25 years, then make a decision.

Last but not least, the market is suggesting that there is value to be had. By that brokers are open to negotiate their commissions. Remember though, that this is about your long term stability not necessarily about a cheap deal. The most important ingredient is the quality of advice you receive and whether the above has been explained to you fully. The role of the Broker is also that of financial planner who should be looking to provide the best solution for now and considering your future.