The direct answer to that is mortgage rates are always negotiable. The secret for negotiable mortgage rate is just a matter of convincing the bank, broker, or lender to take less commission. If you have a profile as a strong borrower, it means you have got good credit, plenty of assets, and the ability to document income, you will have much more leverage. In general, it does not matter what you are buying, if a salesperson involved, the price is almost always negotiable. The mortgage is no exception.
Before starting negotiate, have the understanding about the gain that you aim. Invest in spending an hour to save 10 basis points (0.1%) off the rate is worth it. The amounts equals to roughly $470 less interest over five years for every $100,000 mortgage (given a 25-year amortization), which this is a lot of money to save.
In comparison with calling every broker in range 500 miles to sage one basis points (0.01%) means you may wasting the time. It is better to invest the time searching terms and features that favourable. In most cases the contract restriction that you will face after closing that really cost you.
In addition to that it is necessary to learn how the system works, so the borrowers do not fall prey to sales speak. Here is what you can do in order to negotiate the mortgage rate.
Ask, collect and compare multiple mortgage rate quotes
A pure form of negotiation involves comparing rates for the same product from a variety of different banks and lenders. What need to do is asking for a series of interest rate/cost combinations. For instance if the mortgage broker or loan officer offers a rate 4.75% on 30 year fixed with $2,500 in closing cost, ask for other options. It is advisable to ask to them various possibility, whether the mortgage without closing cost or as very minimum closing cost; how is the rate if having $5,000 in closing cost. After getting all those quotes, jot them down, then shop around with other lenders to see who has the best rate and lowest fees.
Once the ‘shopping’ is complete, return to the lender who offered the best deal and ask for a slightly lower rate or reduced closing costs, using another bank or broker’s offer as leverage, even if it does not really exist.
Notice and use the mortgage landscape and competition
The mortgage industry is a very competitive world, so mortgage lenders and their representatives will always be willing to work with to snag business, assuming their potential client is actually qualify.
They may make a little less in the way of commission, but still enough to want to close your loan. Often case they will tell you that they are just breaking even or nor making enough for the negotiation, but it is recommended to be always aware that it could be their justification to make more money while you pay more. A noteworthy reminder during negotiation is always remembering that they need your business more than you need theirs.
There are also loan originators who work on volume, so for them, just getting your deal, even if they are not making a whole lot on the loan itself, could boost their profits and be well worth their while.
It is recommended to compare mortgage rate quotes online, visit local banks, and speak to a few mortgage brokers. It is a big deal to get a mortgage and having multiple quotes are no harm indeed, in fact it is advisable to do so. Negotiating is a lot easier when you are comparing multiple lenders against one another.
During the agreed negotiation, making sure that locking your mortgage rate is essential. If it is not locked, the interest rate is not guaranteed and if anything, it is more than likely going to rise from the quote you originally receive. This is the quite frequent “bait and switch” story borrowers express after the fact.