How many of you just pick who you want to do business with blindly? Do you do research? Were you referred to them? Do you go with the person that promises you the best rate or no costs? Someone that promises you the best price for your house? Or do you steer away from those that sound like a sales person....just going with that person that sounds sincere, genuine, yet knowledgeable.
In my 15 years in the mortgage business, I sometimes wonder how people choose those to help them when it comes to their financing options. What do you look for when picking someone to help you with one of your biggest financial decisions in your life?
WARNING..... If I could give any advice that you would listen to, please pull up a seat and listen to this. Beware of those late night infomercials. Think about this.... why are they usually on after midnight? Usually those that are up late trying to find out how to make a quick buck. Besides, it's the cheapest time to advertise.
I have seen 60 minutes and Dateline, in which both of these shows went behind the scenes to uncover such scams and those that advertise ways to make money, lose weight, and buy homes with little to no money out of pocket. If it was that easy, we all would be doing it. Especially those that work in the mortgage or real estate business, because we know how the system works.
Summary : Don't fall for those that make it look so easy. Right now, there is a gentleman that sells a CD program on how to raise your credit scores. That the mortgage company that sponsors them, can save you from those companies that charge you $10,000 in fees. That their company can guarantee you the best rates and the lowest fees. Just these words that were mentioned are Red Flags!!! There is also a company that advertises free credit reports. Nothing is ever that free. Read the small fine print. You need to sign up for a service to get this so-called free credit report. And you need to give your credit card. And they tell you that you can cancel at any time. Well, they are hoping that you forget, so they can make money off of you. And lastly, be very careful of those companies on TV or online that tell you that they will have 4 companies compete for your business, giving you the best pricing. Lending Tree is one of the bigger ones. This is very expensive from the lenders that use this service. Who do you think eats the cost? It's passed onto the consumer, no matter what they tell you. You usually don't end up with the best deal, let alone a good deal. Just be careful.....if it looks to good to be true, it usually is. Working with a professional is so key and not someone on TV with a bunch of promises or gadgets.
Read this to understand that all lenders start off getting the money from the same place. That rates are basically the same, depending on that companies profit margin. Mortgage Interest Rates - Up or Down?
Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages -- Mortgages 
I call who I call after looking at their work history on the BBB site.
Take care!
RJH