Choosing the best mortgage deal possible, whether it’s buying or refinancing a home, is often one of the biggest decisions a person will ever make in his/her life.  The article’s author explores what the best way to do that is as there is certainly no shortage of choices when it comes to lenders, mortgage financing products, pricing options, rate locking, rate quoting, closing costs estimates, and so forth.  It’s not a bad idea to consult with friends, family members, and other trusted contacts who have already been through the process and vetted their “guy.”  Start with a big list and pare that list to a small number of financing targets that can be manageably vetted.  Call each of the candidates and see what the two sides can do for each other.  On the borrower’s part, he or she can offer advocacy and endorsement.  Make it known that you will actively refer people in your orbit whenever the opportunity arises.  Then ask if there is room for any of the fees to be negotiated or if the lender can do better on the interest rate being offered.  The article’s author concludes, “Break down your top choices into a quantitative comparison, stir in the qualitative differences, and close out your decision.” | Read More