Why use a California mortgage broker One application. Many lenders compared.
A mortgage broker compares loans from many wholesale lenders, instead of asking one bank to grade its own homework.
Bank, online lender or broker?
Each can be the right call. A broker's edge is choice: we shop several lenders for you, and explain why one loan fits better than another.
How we're paid. On almost every loan, the lender pays us, not you. You'll see exactly how we're paid on your Closing Disclosure. Some loans are borrower-paid instead. Your Loan Estimate shows origination charges and any lender credits so you can compare costs.
Why more lenders helps you
Wholesale lenders make loans through brokers like us. They differ on price, credits, programs and what files they'll accept. A self-employed borrower's best fit may be different from a VA buyer's.
One credit pull, several lenders compared: we can use the same credit report to price your options. You work with David or Tasha from first call to closing, without handoffs to assistants or loan processors. Our transaction coordinator, the lender's underwriters and third-party title and escrow providers still do their own jobs.
We'll take as long as you need, sometimes a two-hour phone call.
When your bank might be better
If a bank or credit union has a relationship discount or a loan we can't match, that belongs in the comparison too. The right loan matters more than which channel it comes from.
Can a broker beat my bank?
Sometimes, but not always. We can compare several wholesale lenders' rates, credits and fees for the same loan on the same day. Bring your bank's Loan Estimate too; compare it line by line.
A low advertised rate needs context
A lower rate can be a good deal, but check the assumptions: credit, down payment, property, lock period and discount points. Points are money paid up front for a lower rate; 1 point is 1% of the loan amount. A lender credit works the other way, reducing upfront costs in exchange for a higher rate. Neither is automatically better.
Example only, not a quote: pay $3,000 in points to save $75 a month and simple break-even is 40 months. Sell or refinance in 24 months and you save only $1,800. Keep the loan 60 months and the monthly savings total $4,500. Compare points and lender credits.
Example assumptions (Points example): no mortgage insurance; refinance equity not modeled.
Existing/no-points: 6.750% interest rate · 6.750% APR · 30-year fixed · 20.000% / $100,000.00 down · 360 monthly P&I payments of $2,594.39; $400,000.00 loan; $0.00 cash-paid prepaid finance charges.
Replacement/with-costs: 6.466% interest rate · 6.539% APR · 30-year fixed · 20.000% / $100,000.00 down · 360 monthly P&I payments of $2,519.39; $400,000.00 loan; $3,000.00 cash-paid prepaid finance charges.
$3,000 is 0.75 discount point on the $400,000 loan, included in the stated prepaid finance charges; no other loan fees. Existing APR assumes no unamortized charges, not its original disclosed APR; no other loan fees. Simple savings exclude balance differences. Amounts are approximate; single advance, first monthly payment one month later, no balloon. Taxes, property insurance and HOA are excluded; actual housing payment will be higher. Not a quote or approval; rates change daily and actual terms differ.
We compare more than the rate
- Interest rate
- APR
- Points and credits
- Lender fees
- Mortgage insurance
- Cash to close
- Break-even period
- Loan term
- Long-term flexibility
Curious what we'd find?
Bring your current quote and your questions. Let's compare the costs, not just the headline rate.
Rates, terms, and eligibility depend on credit profile, income, property, loan program, occupancy, market conditions, and underwriting approval.