First Steps in Shopping for a Loan

1. Calculate what you can afford Remember to include rates, points and fees.
2. If purchasing a home include insurance and taxes.
3. Get your credit report.
4. Put your financial papers in order.  These would include:
   
   • Bank statements
   • Mortgage papers
   • Insurance papers
   • Car loan papers
   • Other loan documents
   • Credit reports
   • Other out-standing debt.
5. Estimate your monthly/annual income.
6. Income tax payments due.
7. Now figure out your net worth by calculating your assets Include investments, auto, home, CD's bonds stock estates etc.
8. Calculate your expenses.
9. List any outstanding debt.

Now adjust the amount you wish to borrow based on true net worth and or outstanding debt you wish to satisfy. You are now better prepared to ascertain what is needed and what you can afford to request.

Going Online

Thanks to the Internet you can become a part of a highly competitive marketplace of lenders competing for your business in a structured bidding system. One such resource is at http://www.mortgageloansearch.net. Consumers shopping for the lowest rates and attractive loan programs simply complete one application that is submitted securely to several lenders at one time. Lending networks like Loanweb.com offers low rate shopping in a highly competitive bid-for-your-business marketplace.

Lenders who win the bid tend to value their potential customer more and are more often willing to offer you a much better product with greater incentives and lower rates than their competitor. You have more options in choosing the loan that's best for you.

Online Loan Shopping Tips:

1. Don't accept the first or second loan offer.
2. Let lenders know if someone gave you a better offer and let them WIN YOU OVER.
3. Next, check rate trends and calculate loan rates and payments according to the lowest rates offered. Firmly hold to the lowest rates within your reach.
4. Don't give the impression that you absolutely must have this loan now. Your greatest bargaining position is not desperately needing the product being offered.
5. Ask about fees up front. Use the amortization calculator to figure in fees, insurance and tax payments.

FIND THE RIGHT LENDER:

It is always prudent to seek recommendations from credible sources regarding the lenders who make you an offer online. Seek individuals who have experienced the loan process and closing with the lender, broker and loan officers in question. Among the questions you could ask are:

1. Did the loan process go smoothly?
2. Were all your questions answered?
3. Was the process explained to you?
4. Were all fees discussed candidly?
5. Were there any undisclosed fees charged at closing?
6. Was every effort put forth to give you a deal to your satisfaction?
7. Were you pressured to sign anything against your better judgment?
8. Were all papers signed up before funds were issued?
9. Was the settlement package complete?
10. Was there ample time to review all documents before signing?
11. Did you receive funds in a timely manner?
12. Were certificates of satisfaction and deeds of trust properly registered at the courthouse and filed? Were you given originals upon satisfaction of payment?

If you get a positive response regarding the above and you are satisfied with rates and fees offered you're likely to come out the winner.

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