I have tried to write about this many times, but I always get so upset that I don’t report the story accurately. This is a great example (be sure to read part 2) of why Realtors cringe when a client comes to them ‘pre-approved’ through any lender whose business name ends in ‘.com’.
The local lenders I work with are here for the long haul. They know that if they screw up and something doesn’t fund on time, or a surprise fee comes up, or they’re difficult to get a hold of, I won’t work with them again. The Internet lender doesn’t care if I don’t work with them again because there are a ton more fresh never-been-suckered-before agents out there who will work with them.
Ask your agent whom they recommend you get your loan through. It saves time and money and stress, which there is already enough of in any real estate transaction.