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Why Picking the First Lender Can Cost You Big
✅ Key Takeaways:
- 💰 Comparing lenders could save you $80,000+ over 30 years.
- 🔍 Just getting one more quote can cut your interest rate by up to 0.28%.
- 📉 Monthly savings often add up to $100–$200 or more.
- 📋 Sites like LendingTree, Freddie Mac, and National Mortgage Professional say borrowers pay the price when they skip the shopping step.
🏦 Does it Pay Off to Shop for the Best Rate?
Absolutely. Think of your mortgage like buying a car. Would you go with the first price a dealer throws out? Probably not.
Well, mortgages work the same way. But unlike a car, this one decision could cost or save you more than $80,000 over time. That’s because a lower interest rate means smaller payments month after month, year after year.
📊 Real Talk: How Much Could You Save?
If you’re getting a $300,000 loan and the rate drops just half a point—say, from 7.5% to 7.0%—you’re saving over $30,000. Add in closing costs and fees? Even more.
And according to Freddie Mac, people who compare at least 4 lenders can save more than those who don’t. Some folks even shave off nearly a third of a percentage point on their rate just by asking one more lender.
🛑 Most People Don’t Do It
Studies show over half of buyers only get one quote. That’s like accepting the sticker price on every car lot. Don’t be that buyer.
📱 What Should You Do?
- ✅ Get at least 3 or 4 quotes—more if you can.
- 🔗 Use rate comparison sites like LendingTree or ask lenders directly.
- 🧠 Don’t just focus on rate—ask about fees, APR, and points too.
🏁 Bottom Line
You don’t need a fancy degree to make a smart money move. You just need to compare. And in this case, it could put tens of thousands back in your pocket. Easy win.
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