Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make—and choosing the right mortgage lender is just as important. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just need a fresh start, the right questions can make all the difference. It’s not just about the rate. It’s about the person on the other end of the call—do they understand your needs? Can they explain things in a way that makes sense? Are they ready to walk this journey with you?
At Ramon Espinoza Home Loans, we believe in transparency, education, and putting you in the driver’s seat. If you’re talking to a lender—especially if you’re thinking of getting a second opinion—these are the questions that’ll help you cut through the noise and find someone who’s truly on your team.
How Long Have You Been in the Business?
Experience matters. A lender who’s been in the industry for over five years has likely seen different market cycles and handled a wide range of transactions. It’s not just about time—it’s about how many real deals they’ve guided clients through. We always say, you’re not really seasoned until you’ve worked through at least 50 purchase transactions. With that kind of experience, a lender can help you navigate whatever twists and turns the market throws at you.
Do You Specialize in Purchase Loans or Refinances?
There’s a big difference between someone who focuses on purchases and someone who mainly does refinances. A call center lender might be great at refi’s, but that doesn’t mean they know the ins and outs of helping you buy a home—especially if it’s a more complex case like an FHA or USDA loan.
If you’re buying your first home, you want a lender who knows purchase lending inside and out. Someone who understands the steps, the stress, and all the options available to make it work for you.
What Loan Programs Do You Offer—and Which Ones Have You Actually Closed?
A lot of folks hear about loan programs from friends or radio ads and think they know what they want. But every loan comes with specific rules—some depend on income limits, property locations, or even population size (like USDA loans, which are for rural areas only). That’s why your lender needs to not only know about these programs, but know how to qualify you for the right one.
What’s the Difference Between a Bank and a Broker?
This one’s big. Think of it this way: Banks are like going to one store with one brand of cereal. Brokers? We’re like a full supermarket with dozens of options. As mortgage brokers, we work with multiple lenders to find the best fit for your situation. We’re not tied to one company’s limited offerings—we’ve got options. And that means better rates, better flexibility, and a better shot at closing on time.
What’s Your Approach to Helping Me Qualify?
One of the most important questions to ask is: What do I need to buy a home? A good lender won’t just quote you a rate—they’ll sit down and break it all down:
- Income: What’s needed to qualify, and what types of income count
- Credit: Where your score falls and how it affects your loan options
- Down Payment: What programs do you qualify for, and what’s really required
- Closing Costs: The hidden number that trips up many buyers—and how sellers can help cover it
You should walk away from that conversation knowing where you stand and what the plan is to get you where you want to be.
Do You Offer Soft Credit Pulls for Pre-Qualification?
Multiple hard credit checks can drop your score and lower your buying power. We always use soft pulls when pre-qualifying buyers—so you can explore your options without hurting your score. If you’re shopping around, this matters more than most people realize.
Final Thoughts: Your Lender Should Work For You
At the end of the day, this isn’t about a loan—it’s about your life. Your home. Your future. The right lender doesn’t just hand you a number and disappear. They ask the right questions. They listen. They guide. And most importantly, they show you how to get where you want to go—even if you’re not quite there yet.
So when you talk to a lender, make sure they’re doing more than just running your numbers. Make sure they’re showing you how.
We don’t say “no”; we say “how.”
Ready to ask the right questions? Reach out to the REHL Team Clemente at: clemente@ramonespinozahomeloans.com or Ramon at ramon@ramonespinozahomeloans.com.
Se habla Español.
