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I concur with the other 2. First, talking to several lenders within a month to 6 week period only counts as one hit on your credit report normally, since they understand that you will only be purchasing one home, so don't let that scare you into not getting a second opinion. Second, find someone who does a lot of FHA loans. (right now, most of the good lenders are doing FHA loans). The bigger mortgage companies and banks will have one or two "specialists" who handle most of their FHAs and answer the questions for the rest of their "team". When you approach a bank or mortgage company, ask to talk to the manager, then ask that person for their FHA specialist, not the next agent in line to get the next walk in. Many mortgage companies and real estate companies will hold buyer seminars, go to those. Many community colleges and local municipalities will hold finance seminars as well (call the local university of Missouri extension dept and ask them when their next seminar is, they probably have one). If they don't have one themselves, they'll know someone who does. DO NOT go to the ones that promise you a free dinner if you attend. Those are sales pitches. Go to the ones run by reputable government type institutions or large corporations, not one salesperson with his pitch.
Wed Jun 18 2008, 21:14