Know who you are working with
A mortgage broker helps connect borrowers with lenders. A lender makes the loan. Some companies perform more than one role. Ask who is providing advice, who will underwrite and fund the loan, and who is responsible for your application.
Verify the individual and the business
Check the company and professional in NMLS Consumer Access and with the appropriate state regulator. Confirm the relevant state, license status and associated company; an identifier alone is not proof that every activity or location is authorized. Commercial financing can involve different state requirements.
Discuss access and compensation
Ask which lenders the broker works with, how they are compensated, which fees you would pay, and what limitations apply to their comparison. Access to several lenders does not mean access to the whole market. Obtain written terms before making a decision.
Compare the same scenario
Keep the property, loan amount, down payment, loan type, term and rate-lock assumptions consistent. Review rates, points, fees, credits, payment changes and cash to close. The lowest advertised rate alone does not settle the comparison.
Where Mortgage Boutique fits
Use our guides, calculators and local resources to prepare. Broker introductions are not currently available through this website. We do not list an unverified firm as a partner or claim that a provider has accepted your request. You can still build a private planning brief and use independent verification resources.