How to choose the right mortgage person to help you purchase or refinance

Didier Malagies • May 12, 2025


When choosing a mortgage lender, it's important to carefully compare several key factors to ensure you get the best deal and the right fit for your financial situation. Here’s who you might consider and how to evaluate them:


1. Types of Lenders to Consider

Banks: Traditional option; may offer relationship discounts if you have accounts there.


Credit Unions: Often have lower rates and fees; membership may be required.


Mortgage Brokers: Shop multiple lenders on your behalf but may charge a broker fee.


Online Lenders: Often streamlined and convenient; compare their rates carefully.


Non-bank lenders: Can be more flexible for unique financial situations.


2. What to Look For

Interest Rates: Fixed or variable—get quotes from multiple sources to compare.


Fees: Application, origination, underwriting, appraisal, and closing costs.


Loan Types Offered: Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, etc., based on your eligibility.


Customer Service: Look for responsive, transparent, and helpful communication.


Reputation: Read reviews and check ratings from the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot.


Preapproval Process: A good lender should make this easy and informative.


3. Best Practice

Get at least 3 quotes from different lenders.


Ask for a Loan Estimate from each so you can compare total costs side-by-side.


Consider long-term value, not just the lowest monthly payment—compare APRs.



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By Didier Malagies November 10, 2025
✅ the principal you borrowed ✅ all interest paid over the years ❌ It does NOT include taxes, insurance, or HOA unless noted. Because longer terms spread payments out more slowly, they lower the monthly payment but massively increase total interest paid. Below is a simple example to show how total payments change by loan term. ✅ Example: $300,000 loan at 6% interest 15-Year Mortgage Monthly payment: ≈ $2,531 Total paid: ≈ $455,682 Total interest: ≈ $155,682 30-Year Mortgage Monthly payment: ≈ $1,799 Total paid: ≈ $647,514 Total interest: ≈ $347,514 40-Year Mortgage Monthly payment: ≈ $1,650 Total paid: ≈ $792,089 Total interest: ≈ $492,089 50-Year Mortgage Monthly payment: ≈ $1,595 Didier Malagies nmls212566 DDA Mortgage nmls32432 Total paid: ≈ $956,140 Total interest: ≈ $656,140 ✅ Summary: Total Payments by Loan Term Term Monthly Payment Total Paid Over Life Total Interest 15-Year ~$2,531 $455,682 $155,682 30-Year ~$1,799 $647,514 $347,514 40-Year ~$1,650 $792,089 $492,089 50-Year ~$1,595 $956,140 $656,140 ✅ Key Takeaway A longer mortgage = lower payment, but the total paid skyrockets because interest accrues for decades longer. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
By Didier Malagies November 5, 2025
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By Didier Malagies November 3, 2025
Here are the main types of events that typically cause the 10-year yield to drop: Economic slowdown or recession signs Weak GDP, rising unemployment, or falling consumer spending make investors expect lower future interest rates. Example: A bad jobs report or slowing manufacturing data often pushes yields lower. Federal Reserve rate cuts (or expectations of cuts) If the Fed signals or actually cuts rates, long-term yields like the 10-year typically decline. Markets anticipate lower inflation and slower growth ahead. Financial market stress or geopolitical tension During crises (wars, banking issues, political instability), investors seek safety in Treasuries — pushing prices up and yields down. Lower inflation or deflation data When inflation slows more than expected, the “real” return on Treasuries looks more attractive, bringing yields down. Dovish Fed comments or data suggesting easing ahead Even before actual rate cuts, if the Fed hints it might ease policy, yields often fall in anticipation. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
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