If you are a homeowner looking for a 2nd mortgage or wanting to refinance your existing mortgage you’ll need to find a good mortgage lender. The Internet has simplified the process of getting a great mortgage loan. Here are some tips to help you find a reputable mortgage lender using the Internet.

Talk to Your Friends about Their Mortgage Lenders

Many of your friends and neighbors have already used the Internet to refinance or take out a 2nd mortgage. Ask these people how the process went for them and what recommendations they have for you. Referrals from people you know are a good way to learn about the good and bad experiences different people have had with different mortgage lenders and brokers.

Mortgage Brokers and Lenders Don’t Have Your Best Interests at Heart

A predatory lender is anyone trying to take advantage of a homeowner and their mortgage loan. Mortgage brokers are notorious for this. Brokers are in their business to make a buck; the loan they may be pushing you to accept may simply have a kickback for them. Often, the points you are being required to pay at closing are simply a bonus for the mortgage broker. Don’t fall for high pressure sales tactics or a fast talking snake oil salesman. Some lenders tack unnecessary mortgage fees on their loans and lie or withhold information from the borrowers. These practices are illegal; however, that does not seem to deter many lenders and brokers. Carefully review all of the fine print associated with a loan and ask questions about the fees. If you think you smell a rat, you probably do. Mortgage brokers and lenders are a dime a dozen, take your business somewhere else.

Check With The State and Better Business Bureau

Mortgage lenders and brokers are required to be licensed in the States they operate. Make sure your lender or mortgage broker is legitimate and properly licensed before doing business with them. Any mortgage broker or lender that has allowed their license to lapse is a warning sign for you to take your business elsewhere. There are consumer protection organizations such as the Better Business Bureau that can help verify credibility. These organizations maintain records of complaints against unscrupulous mortgage brokers and lenders. Do your homework and shop around for your new mortgage and you will avoid being taken advantage of by predatory mortgage brokers and lenders.

Louie Latour has twenty years of experience in the mortgage industry. He is the owner of Mortgages for Dummies, a mortgage help site devoted to saving homeowners money with a free guidebook "Five Things You Need to Know Before Refinancing a Mortgage." Sign up for your free guide today at: http://www.refiadvisor.com