Working with Mortgage Lenders in Minnesota

What to expect from a Minnesota mortgage lender

By Emmet McMahan
Your expectations when working with mortgage lenders in Minnesota depend on the type of lender. A lender that works directly for a lending institution will provide all of the options that particular lender allows and that you qualify for. Other lenders actually work as brokers that shop your loan to a variety of lending institutions.

Mortgage brokers in Minnesota can provide access to more lenders but may not share your best interests. Brokers usually receive a commission from the lender and will tend to push mortgages that offer the greatest profit for them.

There are three points you should discuss with a mortgage lending company in Minnesota when considering which one to use:

1. Interest rate on Minnesota mortgage loans. Rates change quickly in the volatile housing market and your credit rating will also affect the rate you can expect from Minnesota mortgage companies.

2. Points on the loan. Prepaid mortgage interest points will lower your interest rate but other types of points may not benefit you at all.

3. Closing costs. Lenders charge fees for various services and you will want to know what they are as soon as possible.

 

Get loan offers through Minnesota mortgage brokers

Talk with several of the broker's recent clients before getting a loan through that broker. Find out if the broker was able to meet all of their expectations.
Try: Tradition Mortgage is located in Edina and provides a complete range of mortgage broker services. PRC Funding is based in Bloomington and offers many different loan programs for customers in Minnesota.

Obtain a referral for mortgage lenders in Minnesota from a real estate agent

Real estate agents usually send a substantial amount of business to their preferred lenders. A smart mortgage lender will take good care of these referrals.
Try: Prodigy Real Estate is in Maplewood and has agents who are experienced in all phases of the real estate, mortgage and title processes. Midwest Realty in Mankato performs real estate services and also offers financing for home purchases.

Solicit quotes directly from mortgage companies in Minnesota

You may want to contact a lender directly if you are already comfortable with one. Local lenders should be familiar with specific factors that affect the housing market in your area.
Try: American Family Mortgage is in Minneapolis and has a short online application form along with information on current mortgage rates. Monster Mortgage in Oakdale offers both short and long application forms online.

 

  • Minnesota mortgage lenders may sell your loan to another company. Don't be surprised if you receive a notice from both the old and new lending company advising you of the change and providing instructions for making your payments to the new lending company. The right to service your loan also includes managing your escrows for insurance and property taxes.