Go through a lender? Or, go directly to the bank?

[Victor So]

Hello BP community! For a conventional mortgage, is it better to go directly to the bank in order to avoid the lender fees or will the banks charge all sorts of fees as well? Any advice would be appreciated! Victor

[Merritt Noel]

Banks typically can only offer the products and rates they have in house. A lender typically works with a number of different banks/investors and is able to shop rates and loan programs to find the right fit. That being said sometimes a local bank or smaller regional bank can make more common sense decision where lenders have to follow the rules of the investors and product guidelines they work with. Lastly, if you are looking to get something down more quickly banks tend to be much slower when compared to lenders. How this helps. Good luck!