First, take the time to shop around for a variety of Florida mortgage lenders and then compare the offers made to you. MortgageLenders.org can help you with this by connecting you with a variety of Florida mortgage lenders offering numerous different mortgage programs.

Review the Terms
Always ask about the total cost of the loan up front, including fees required regarding the origination of the loan and any ‘paperwork’ fees such as recording fees and notary costs. Obtain a Good Faith Estimate from each mortgage lender and use it to compare the terms and costs of each loan.

Negotiate
Don’t be afraid to negotiate the terms offered by lenders. In many cases, terms of the loan and event the fees associated with it are negotiable. Examples of fees which may be negotiable include origination, settlement and application fees. If a particular loan product doesn’t meet your exact needs, work with the lender to negotiate the terms until it does meet your needs. For example, it may be possible to negotiate a lower rate with the lender in exchange for paying discount points.

Take your Time
Don’t allow yourself to be rushed into anything. In particular, do not agree to pay any fees up front other than a fee for the credit report and appraisal. If the lender requires an application fee up front always ask whether the fee is refundable in the event you are not approved for the loan.

Ready to start shopping around for Florida mortgage lenders? MortgageLenders.org can help you get started by connecting you with a variety of lenders to find the best lender to suit your needs.