Video — Should You Consider A New Home Preferred-Lender Arrangement?

A builder can help make the home-purchase process easier and faster by making arrangements to have a lender on-hand who is already familiar with the project and/or models. The question the home buyer must answer for themselves is, is this "preferred lender" the best choice for them.

The most effective way to do this is probably to obtain loan terms from other lenders. With multiple Loan Estimate forms in hand, you can easily compare apples-to-apples and see what advantages the preferred lender has to offer.

In addition, you should be aware of current market conditions for transactions like yours.

Compare all terms carefully; if in doubt, or if some aspect of a builders offer are only available with the preferred lender, ask for clarification in writing.

Should you feel pressured toward one particular lender, ask for written confirmation that no parties are receiving monetary benefits from any other parties. That is illegal under RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) regulations!

The desire to close quickly is natural, but make sure your long-term financial interest and home choices are not compromised for short-term speed.

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