Austin Realty Group
David Metzdorf, Austin Realty GroupPhone: (617) 905-6061
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Mortgage broker vs mortgage banker: What's the difference?

by David Metzdorf 05/25/2023

When seeking financing to buy a home, many homeowners work with either a mortgage broker or a mortgage banker. While the terms are often used interchangeably, brokers and bankers play different roles in the mortgage industry. 

Here is a quick guide to mortgage bankers to help you learn more:


Mortgage banker vs mortgage broker

While they have similar names, mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers have very different jobs. A mortgage broker will assist you in finding a good deal on mortgage loans from multiple lenders. A mortgage banker actually originates and funds the loan.

Unlike banks, mortgage brokers are not financing loans themselves — they simply help you choose a loan that best suits you. A lender uses their cash to provide borrowed money, while the broker provides only assistance from the lender to the borrower.


Understanding mortgage bankers: What do they do?

Mortgage bankers usually work for banks in a specific lending department. Their work involves evaluating mortgage applications to determine if a potential borrower meets the financial institution requirements. Some mortgage bankers specialize in a specific type of mortgage, which can be helpful for borrowers with unique circumstances.


Other services & responsibilities

Mortgage bankers may also service or sell loans. As a loan servicer, they handle the payment processing aspect of the loan. This can include managing escrow accounts and providing payoff letters.

Some mortgage bankers sell loans to third-party servicers. This gives them a better opportunity to provide loans to additional borrowers, since it frees up their cash on hand.

How do you choose between a mortgage banker and a mortgage broker? There are advantages and disadvantages to both options, and much of the choice comes down to personal preference. 


However, understanding the way a mortgage banker works in comparison with how a mortgage broker works will help loan applicants make the best decision for their financial future. 


About the Author
Author

David Metzdorf

Graduate of Burlington High School and UMass Dartmouth. Married with three children to my High School Sweetheart. Multiple years of sales experience including, twenty six years as a full time Real estate agent, fifteen years in the fine wine, spirits and beer industry.

Dale Carnegie sales graduate, certified buyers representative.  Multi Million dollar achiever and Top producer in Real Estate. Burlington Mass resident for 50 years. Former college Basketball player and also coached  Baseball, Softball and Basketball as well as taught CCD. Father to Father and Mother to Mother former member. Burlington Volunteer for a variety of events including Pride Day, Truck day and Fourth of July events.

A portion of each sale David makes is gifted to a local charity.