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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.

About the author

mortgage-rates.ai

DISCLAIMER: mortgage-rates.ai is an independent information platform created to promote greater transparency in the mortgage market for the benefit of borrowers. mortgage-rates.ai is not a lender, mortgage broker, or financial advisor, and is not registered with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS). Nothing contained on this website shall be construed as an offer to lend, solicit, or extend credit of any kind.

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