What's your rate?

When it comes to buying a home, consumers can no longer shop for a mortgage based simply on lowest interest rate quotes. Today's home buyer needs good advice from an experienced, educated mortgage professional who has the consumer's best interest in mind.

For consumers, this means beware of anyone who quotes you an interest rate over the phone or the Internet without asking anything about you, your family, your finances or your lifestyle. Besides market conditions, your mortgage rate is based on a long list of criteria that are unique to your individual financial situation.

Look at the list below of 26 different criteria that affect your mortgage rate. How can anyone quote you an interest rate you can trust without a thorough knowledge of your unique financial situation?

Loan Amount Escrow Preference Residency Housing Ratio Paying Points  
LTV Closing Date Available Assets Improvements Needed Length of Loan
CLTV Loan Type Asset Seasoning Employment Type Relocation
Credit Score Property Type Co-borrowers Employment History Seller Contributions
Credit History Occupancy Type Debt Ratio Documentation Type Gifts
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