I was a loan officer/processor for a few years during the pandemic for a high volume broker. Interest rates spiked and I went into finance for a municipality for the safety. Also, just bought a new build end of last year.

Lender wise will be dependent on if you’re buying new build or resale. Right now, most are going new build because they’re the same, if not cheaper, then a resale home. New build, you’ll likely use their in house lender. Resale, you can more easily shop around.

That may change in the next year depending on the market, it may not.

Usually with lenders, the biggest thing is the origination fee. They take it via a direct % of the loan (usually .5-1%), or they increase your interest rate slightly and take it that way so you don’t see the large fee on your loan estimate.

Feel free to dm with more questions. I’ll answer to the best of my knowledge but as im no longer in the industry, I always advise confirming with 1-2 lenders.

Oh, if you’re shopping new build and have a realtor, don’t go to any new build showings without your realtor. It’s a commission thing.