Top Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Lender Before Applying

Choosing a mortgage lender is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make during the homebuying process. Before committing, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to avoid costly surprises and ensure your lender is a good fit for your needs. Whether you’re purchasing a first home, upgrading, or refinancing, Mortgage lender can influence how confident and prepared you feel when approaching lenders. Being informed is your best defense—and your strongest advantage.

1. What types of loans do you offer?
   There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all mortgage. Ask whether the lender offers a variety of options like conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, or first-time buyer programs. A flexible lender or broker like Duane Buziak of Coast2Coast Mortgage has access to multiple loan products and can guide you toward the one that best fits your financial situation.

2. What are your current interest rates and APRs?
   Interest rates affect your monthly payments, while the APR includes additional costs like fees and points. Ask for both numbers and compare them across lenders. More importantly, request a Loan Estimate to understand the full breakdown of costs.

3. What are your lender fees?
   Get clarity on all fees, including origination, underwriting, and application fees. A transparent lender will break down these charges up front. Duane, for instance, clearly explains every fee and even helps you evaluate which ones can be negotiated or waived.

4. Do you offer rate locks? If so, for how long?
   Interest rates can change daily, so locking in a rate can protect you from fluctuations. Ask how long the rate lock lasts and whether there are fees to extend it. Some lenders, like Duane, even help you time your lock for optimal savings.

5. Can I get pre-approved without hurting my credit?
   A soft-touch credit pull is a smart way to see where you stand without impacting your credit score. Duane specializes in soft-pull pre-approvals, which give you a clear picture of your mortgage readiness and buying power without a hard inquiry.

6. What will my monthly payment be—and what’s included?
   Monthly payments aren’t just principal and interest. They also include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and possibly mortgage insurance. Make sure your lender gives you a full breakdown so you can budget accurately.

7. How much down payment is required?
   Many buyers assume they need 20%, but that’s not always true. Ask about low down payment options and whether you qualify for programs with as little as 3% down—or even 0% for certain VA and USDA loans.

8. How long will the loan process take?
   In a competitive housing market, speed matters. Ask for average time-to-close and what you can do to help speed things up. A responsive lender like Duane can often close faster than larger institutions bogged down by red tape.

9. Can you beat other lenders’ offers?
   If you’ve been rate shopping, show your lender what you’ve found. Duane encourages clients to bring their best offers—he’ll do his best to match or beat them to save you money and offer better terms.

10. What makes you different from other lenders?
    Finally, ask them to sell themselves. A lender’s response to this question can reveal a lot about their approach, transparency, and commitment to your success. With someone like Duane Buziak, the difference lies in personalized service, expert advice, and a local touch you can trust.

By asking these 10 essential questions, you’ll not only feel more confident—you’ll also be empowered to choose a mortgage lender that truly has your back.