Not exactly wedding related...

For those of you who have been preapproved or have a mortgage already. . . Can you suggest the best way to find a lender? Did you do your own research, did you go to the realtor, or did someone suggest someone? Also, did you find that many places charge an application fee? Thanks in advance! Nancy

Not exactly wedding related...

We purchased our first home before we were engaged. Our lawyer actually referred us to wash mutual. We were going to go with another company but found out they sold the mortgages off as soon as they got them. I think most places do charge an app fee. Unfortunately, its just part of the whole process Best of Luck To YOU!

Not exactly wedding related...

I actually work for a mortgage bank in Garden City, Long Island (Lincoln Equities Credit Corporation). We don't charge an application fee. Feel free to give me a call If you have any questions whatsoever. My number is 516-222-2296 (Just ask for Tammy:).

Not exactly wedding related...

You can also check with some of your credit card companies programs, your bank, etc. Also if you or your spouse is a member of the armed forces -- or if your parents are you should check out USAA. That's who we have our mortgage with. Good Luck.

Not exactly wedding related...

Are you a member of a credit union? you will probably get good rates from them...although there usually is a fee... I know coldwell banker (and probably some other large real estate agencies) have a preapproved mortgage center - but then you may have to buy from their houses... Also keep in mind what type of mortgage you could be approved for...ie upto 279K versus a jumbo mortgage over 279K good luck

Not exactly wedding related...

We got our mortgage through the company suggested to us by the Realtor, Century 21. We used All Island Mortgage, specifically Peter DiCroce (516-683-0800) and it worked out very well. Once we found out that we couldn't get the SunnieMae mortgage, the standard mortage was processed very quickly. Good luck with the whole process-it's stressful but totally worth all the work in the end! =o)

Thanks-

Thank-you to all that responded. So much information when you start out, it is sometimes hard to sort through and know where to begin! :) We are just looking to get preapproved currently so that we can begin our search. I do belong to a credit union and did check out their rates, and the company they go through seems to have a pretty high rate (about 7%.) As for the loan amount, we live in Buffalo so we will be *well* under 249,000 mark. I know, I have priced houses on Long Island and WOW! Just so outrageous to me ( but then again I have lived upstate all my life :) ) Please, any other helpful suggestions would be much appreciated! Feel free to even email me [email protected] Thanks again! Nancy