I have access to over 175 lenders through West Capital Lending. My role starts with understanding your goal and helping you explore financing around your circumstances.
What is the difference?
A direct lender makes the loan. A mortgage broker helps connect borrowers with lenders and loan options. Some businesses operate in both roles, so ask who would make your loan and who will guide you through the process.
| Ask about | Bank or direct lender | Mortgage broker |
|---|---|---|
| Loan selection | Which programs can this lender offer for my situation? | Which lenders and programs can you consider for my situation? |
| Costs | What rate, fees, points and lender credits apply? | What rate, fees, points and lender credits apply, and how is the broker paid? |
| Process | Who handles my questions, underwriting and closing? | Who handles each step, and which lender makes the credit decision? |
The type of provider alone does not tell you which offer is better. Compare the actual terms and the service you need.
What I bring to the comparison.
My low-overhead approach supports competitive pricing, and my background includes originating and funding a high volume of mortgages. I’ll stay available throughout the process to answer questions and help you understand the next steps.
What does access to over 175 lenders mean for you?
It gives our conversation a broad starting point. We can discuss your income documentation, the property, your timeline and what you want the financing to accomplish. Those details help narrow which available paths are worth exploring.
It does not mean every lender is contacted for every inquiry, every program is available in every location, or every applicant qualifies. A larger network is not a guarantee of approval or the lowest rate. Ask which options are being considered and why.
Five questions to bring to your comparison.
- Are the scenarios comparable? Keep the loan amount, term, rate type and timing of the estimates aligned. Ask about the rate lock.
- What will I pay upfront and each month? Review lender charges, points, credits and cash to close alongside the payment.
- What documentation does this option require? Explain your situation before assuming a program will accept a particular way of documenting income.
- Who is responsible for the next step? Confirm your contact, outstanding conditions and expected closing timeline.
- What tradeoff am I making? Ask how the choice fits your plans for the property and your expected time with the loan.
When you have written offers, use the Loan Estimate comparison guide to work through the numbers. You can also estimate a monthly housing payment before the conversation.
Want to prepare for a more specific conversation? Start with the self-employed mortgage guide or the first-time homebuyer roadmap.
Bring the situation. We’ll discuss the next step.
Self-employed or working through a scenario another lender could not approve? Start with a conversation about the details. If you received a denial, this second-look checklist can help you prepare. A different review may still reach the same result.
A person to talk it through with.
I’m based in Layton and meet clients by arrangement across the greater Salt Lake City area. Phone and video conversations are also available. Wherever your property is located, contact me to discuss the next step and any applicable licensing requirements.
Schedule a loan-options conversation ↗General educational information. Programs, lender relationships and eligibility can change. Use the secure application for personal financial information and documents.
Sources: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — lenders and brokers, contacting multiple lenders, and comparing loan offers. The lender-network information is provided by Jay Ruess.
Put two offers side by side.
See how the rate, loan costs, repayment term and remaining balance affect the comparison over your timeline.
Use the loan comparison calculator →