Barrett Sotheby's International Realty
Mary-Lou McDonough, Barrett Sotheby's International RealtyPhone: (617) 947-9279
Email: [email protected]

Mortgage banker vs mortgage broker: Understanding the difference

by Mary-Lou McDonough 04/15/2024

When seeking financing to buy a home, many homeowners work with either a mortgage broker or a mortgage banker. While the terms are often used interchangeably, brokers and bankers play different roles in the mortgage industry. 

Here is a quick guide to mortgage bankers to help you learn more:


Mortgage banker vs mortgage broker

While they have similar names, mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers have very different jobs. A mortgage broker will assist you in finding a good deal on mortgage loans from multiple lenders. A mortgage banker actually originates and funds the loan.

Unlike banks, mortgage brokers are not financing loans themselves — they simply help you choose a loan that best suits you. A lender uses their cash to provide borrowed money, while the broker provides only assistance from the lender to the borrower.


Understanding mortgage bankers: What do they do?

Mortgage bankers usually work for banks in a specific lending department. Their work involves evaluating mortgage applications to determine if a potential borrower meets the financial institution requirements. Some mortgage bankers specialize in a specific type of mortgage, which can be helpful for borrowers with unique circumstances.


Other services & responsibilities

Mortgage bankers may also service or sell loans. As a loan servicer, they handle the payment processing aspect of the loan. This can include managing escrow accounts and providing payoff letters.

Some mortgage bankers sell loans to third-party servicers. This gives them a better opportunity to provide loans to additional borrowers, since it frees up their cash on hand.

How do you choose between a mortgage banker and a mortgage broker? There are advantages and disadvantages to both options, and much of the choice comes down to personal preference. 


However, understanding the way a mortgage banker works in comparison with how a mortgage broker works will help loan applicants make the best decision for their financial future. 


About the Author
Author

Mary-Lou McDonough

With strong connections to her community, Mary-Lou has held fund-raising events for The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, The Kids in Need Foundation and Dress for Success. This sense of personal responsibility extends to her professional life, and she continuously strives to exceed her clients’ expectations, empowering them throughout selling or buying process. "Only a well-informed client is prepared to make the best decisions on their own behalf, so the role of Market Expert is one I take very seriously.” It is this sense of personal accountability that drives Mary-Lou; keeping her focused on her clients and providing them with highest level of professionalism, solution-focused service, and sound guidance from start to SOLD!

Mary-Lou McDonough is Professionally Affiliated with The MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® The GREATER BOSTON REAL ESTATE BOARD, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Women’s Council of REALTORS®, The State and National Association of Certified Residential Specialists and The REALTORS® Political Action Committee

Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.