Dave,

Simple question—should I shop around for a lender? I’ve heard it’s smart to interview a few real estate agents before starting the home buying process. Is it the same with lenders, or are they all basically the same because of regulations and such?

Thanks man,
Gregg, Fruita

Gregg,

Yes—you should absolutely shop around for a lender! And not just for the best interest rate—although that matters, too. Just like real estate agents, no two lenders are alike, and working with the right one can make or break your experience.

While regulations may keep things somewhat standardized on paper, what really separates lenders is experience, service, communication, and problem-solving. A lender might offer you a great rate, but if they’re disorganized or slow to respond, it could cost you big in the long run.

I’ve seen buyers lose homes or get pushed into last-minute panic mode because their lender didn’t deliver when it counted. That’s why I say: rate matters—but reliability matters more.

Here are some smart questions to ask when evaluating a lender:

1. What kind of experience do you and your team have?
   If they don’t have a team, that’s a red flag. There are too many moving parts in a mortgage to rely on just one person.
2. Can I get references?
   If they hesitate or dodge the question, move on.
3. How long does it take you to close a loan?
   Anything over 45 days is a red flag. Most solid lenders can close in 30–45 days.
4. Can you guarantee an on-time close?
   They should be able to commit—assuming you’re timely with your paperwork. Pro tip: Delays aren’t always the lender’s fault. Buyers who drag their feet on submitting documents are often the real culprit.
5. What are my total estimated closing costs?
   They should give you a clear, written estimate up front. Surprises later usually mean someone didn’t do their job well.

Yes, of course, compare interest rates and fees—but don’t overlook service. The lowest rate in town won’t matter if your loan crashes days before closing and you lose the house. You’ll wish you had someone with experience and a reputation for getting tricky deals across the finish line.

I’ve always said that in crunch time, you’ll happily trade a fraction of a percent in rate for a lender who can solve problems, communicate clearly, and hit deadlines. Ideally, you’ll find one who can do both!

Also—read online reviews and ask your Realtor for lender recommendations. Most agents work closely with lenders and know which ones actually deliver versus just make promises.

Bottom line: Do your homework, ask questions, and don’t assume all lenders are interchangeable. They’re not—and choosing the right one will make the entire homebuying process smoother and less stressful.

I guess I didn’t keep it short after all—but hey, I tried!
Hope that helps.

—Dave Kimbrough
The Kimbrough Team – RE/MAX 4000
Have a Question? Ask Dave!
dave@thekimbroughteam.com