One calculator and a readiness check
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Ready to meet a broker?
Check whether you're actually prepared for a productive first conversation with a mortgage broker or lender.
Assumptions this uses
- Assumes a standard US residential purchase or refinance conversation, not a commercial loan
- Documents referenced are pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements typical of US mortgage underwriting
- Does not check your actual eligibility for any specific loan program
Limitations: This checklist confirms you're prepared to have a productive conversation — it does not evaluate your creditworthiness, income, or eligibility for any loan.
Runs entirely in your browser.
Ask for the NMLS number before the pitch
Every licensed loan originator in the US has an NMLS number, and it's public record. Ask for it in the first email, then look it up yourself before the first call. It takes two minutes and tells you whether they're licensed in your state, in good standing, and how long they've been doing this.
Broker fee vs. direct lender fee
Compare a broker's fee structure against a direct lender's to see which costs more over time.
Assumptions this uses
- Treats any recurring servicing or account fee as the 'monthly fee' field
- Treats one-time or annual charges like origination or broker fees as the 'other annual fees' field
- Does not account for interest rate differences between the two options — compare rate separately
Limitations: This tool compares fee totals only. It does not calculate total loan cost, interest paid, or account for how a lender credit might offset an upfront fee.
Runs entirely in your browser.
The Mortgage Broker Readiness Guide
A worksheet and question list for choosing and vetting a mortgage broker before you commit.
Get the free guide →