A recent report revealed that commissions were the single most important factor for brokers, when deciding which loans to recommend. And why wouldn’t they be? After all, mortgage brokers are just salespeople for various lenders. Like most salespeople, selling the deal that’s best for them, rather then the consumer, is the highest priority.
This would shock most consumers. The popular view, that brokers are impartial advisers who would helpfully guide borrowers through the maze of home loan choices, is far from reality.
A large number of brokers were interviewed and the majority clearly indicated that the size of the commissions (both upfront and trailing) was the most important factor used to select a particular lender.
Customer interviews revealed less then 10 per cent were aware that the commission structure might influence a broker’s recommendation.
So how should consumers avoid fattening mortgage brokers’ pockets at their own expense?
Firstly, consumers need to rid themselves of the false belief that the advice given to them by brokers is impartial. Outright accepting of what a mortgage broker tells you is a big mistake.
Secondly, make sure you shop around your self. Do a little research and gain an understanding of what sort of loans are on offer in the market place. A second opinion of what is the best deal for you will put you in a better position to make a decision, especially if that second opinion is your own.
The fact is, getting your information about your home loan second hand means there is more room for misunderstanding, misrepresentation and error. Brokers do tend to leave out key information. Unless you ask a lot of questions, this important information won’t come to the surface until after you have signed the papers.
For example, products with similar rates can have wildly varying features, such as massive fees for having defaulted on a payment. Over the long term these differences can leave you out of pocket and be the difference between you being happy with your home loan or not.
To sum it up choosing the right mortgage product is confusing, stressful and time consuming, but it is something you should take the time to look into yourself. At the very least, ask lots of questions and get more then one opinion.
Chris Suffern is the mortgage professional managing the site Refinancing Right. Get more essential mortgage refinance information by visiting the site at www.refinancingright.com/ Any time investing in learning about home loans will reward you by saving thousands over the life of your loan.
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