What your loan broker is not telling you

Released on = May 18, 2006, 7:51 pm

Press Release Author = David Whiteside CLTC LTCP

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = Hidden bonuses drive up interest rates for unsuspecting
consumers

Press Release Body = What your loan broker will not tell you Part 1

Lender bonuses cost YOU thousands of dollars in interest, and hundreds of dollars in
monthly purchasing power.

Independent mortgage reps have a built-in incentive to offer higher interest rates
than otherwise available on home loans. Lenders pay brokers increasing "rebates" or
"yield spread premiums," the higher the interest rate on the loan. Federal
regulations currently require NO disclosure of this incentive, and State
requirements vary widely. Some lenders disclose, but not always clearly.

The incentive can range from less than a quarter point to over three points (and
varies by lender). A "point" is 1% of the loan amount. Each lender has a "par"
rate (no rebate) with each rate above that yielding progressively more rebate. Most
borrowers don't know about this disadvantageous system, and wind up paying
origination fees on top of the broker's rebate; that is, the broker typically
receives much higher compensation than disclosed.

These so-called "fluffed" interest rates cause higher monthly payments, and cost
borrowers unnecessary interest. A broker who induces a client to take a 7.00% rate
instead of an available 6.00% rate, on a $500,000.00, 30-year-fixed loan, has
created $118,354.00 of extra interest payments over the loan term.

Rebate-chasing also reduces the borrower's buying power. In the scenario above, the
borrower can buy $500.00 LESS house per month - if he accepts the higher rate.

Prospective borrowers should insist on full disclosure of the lender's adjusted par
rate and rebates. ("Adjusted" means the rate reflecting the borrower's credit
score, assets, income, etc.) They should aggressively cap the broker's maximum
compensation (total received from fees + rebate), and closely examine their
estimated and final closing statements to detect any variance. Many borrowers don't
realize that they can say "no," and ask for reduced fees, anytime. If the broker
refuses, borrowers should not hesitate to shop around.


Web Site = http://www.LTCquest.net

Contact Details = 8380 Melrose Ave #303
Los Angeles, CA 90069
323-966-2669
http://www.LTCworks.com
info@LTCworks.com
http://www.BenefitQuest.com

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