Direct mortgage lenders differ from using a mortgage broker. A broker is independent of a specific lender and can actually work with multiple lenders, comparing their rates, service, and turn times. A direct lender, on the other hand, works directly with a borrower. Both brokers and direct lenders may utilize loan officers who may be the actual person with whom the borrower works. A direct lender can also be a wholesaler that works through intermediary brokers.

Any consumer can use a direct mortgage lender. Instead of using a mortgage broker, who in turn would go to several different lenders, you may approach a mortgage lender or bank directly. Many realtors have a professional relationship with a mortgage broker. They will often recommend a broker to their clients. This however, does not prevent you from going into a bank and making an application for your new mortgage directly to the institution.

A purchase mortgage for a property is not the only types of loan available from a direct mortgage institution. Direct lenders may also provide financial products for refinancing. Refinancing an original mortgage that has a high rate of interest can be very attractive when current interest rates are much lower. This refinancing option can sometimes lower mortgage payments and may be an option worth considering for homeowners, especially if they have an adjustable rate mortgage (also called an ARM). As with purchases, it is easier to refinance a home with good credit scores.

Another option for utilizing a direct mortgage lender is to obtain a loan collateralizing the equity of your current property. For example, if the current fair market value of your home is much higher than the principal balance of your mortgage, that equity can be used as the basis for a loan. These types of loans are often used for major home repairs or renovations. These loans might be called a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Financial institutions making these types of collateralized loans will have a set of criteria to test the applicant’s ability to repay the note.

It’s up to you to decide whether to use a broker or a direct mortgage lender. Either way, there is a similar application form commonly known as a 1003. Remember, you can walk into a local bank branch, fill out your home loan application online, or work with a broker – the option is yours.