The Good Faith Estimate Scam

Here's the truth.

A loan officer can out right lie on the GFE.

Surprised? Don't be.
They can and some will lie to you for one reason, to get your loan.
There are a lot of bad people out there in all aspects of the real estate world, and there are a lot of good people as well.

The government had a great idea in mandating the GFE to all borrowers. Unfortunately they also some left very large loop holes.
The Good Faith Estimate does not have to be accurate - AT ALL!

Some of the most common tricks are

  • Points and Fees can be grossly under estimated
    or even omitted,
  • Rates can be based on extremely short
    Lock Periods,
  • Intentionally quoting Programs that they know the
    borrower won't qualify,
  • 3rd Party Fees can be grossly under estimated
    or even omitted,
  • Prepaid Expenses (Taxes, Insurance) are often
    manipulated to their minimum,
  • Title and Escrow charges can be grossly
    under estimated or even omitted.
The loan docs you sign in the end may have
absolutely no resemblance to the original
Good Faith Estimate.

Good Faith Lies

What can the consumer do?

How do you protect yourself?
How do you compare?
How do you shop?
There are so many hidden items stacked against you.
So many things that you would never know.
The best thing I can say is that still in this day and age, you have to trust your instincts.

A REAL Good Faith Estimate is based on

  • a REAL Interest Rate,
  • with a REAL Lock Period,
  • for a REAL Loan Program,
  • scheduled to close on a REAL date,
  • with REAL Prepaid Estimates,
  • and REAL Fees.

We prepare a REAL Good Faith Estimates for all our Clients! Not just one GFE, but a new, updated, accurate GFE every time the loan parameters change. By the time we get to the closing table you know exactly what you'll be signing!

We even Guarantee Our Closing Costs in writing! (GFE Section 800 *)

* (Section 800 contains all lender fees)

Are you ready for a REAL Good Faith Estimate?
Mike@PatagoniaFinance.com or (925) 288-9977 Ext 104

 

Related Posts: The 7 Deadliest Mortgage Mistakes

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This post brought to you courtesy of Mike Mueller.
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6 Comments on Shopping by Good Faith Estimate? - You Lose!

JUN
02
2008
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

I watched the whole thing. Fantastic. I would refer any client of mine who had questions regarding a GFE to your blog. EXCELLENT post as usual.

8:43am • #1
213,533 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Karen - Thank you!  Although I stick to lending only in the State of California, the rules for the Good Faith Estimate are Federal Law so this is true everywhere.

Active Mike

9:17am • #2
414,218 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Will it never end? How many ways ARE there for lenders to take business that is not rightfully theirs?

9:28am • #3
263,417 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Mike - How about some of these documents that are hiding under a different name?  Closing Cost Estimates, Cost Break-down, etc ... when I see these I automatically throw up a red flag.

11:16am • #4

Mike,  Do you ever have clients walk in with their own version of the GFE?  Something they understand and can make comparison between you and the guy down the street?  That is something that I would want to do next time (if) I ever buy another house.

12:59pm • #5
294,136 Points 100 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Mike, I watched the video & I thought it was very informative.  But what are your thoughts in responding to a buyer who feels that at least the GFE gives them something tangible?  Otherwise, what other tool is there to try to make a determination of what might be in one's best interest as a buyer?

7:40pm • #6

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Mike Mueller

Walnut Creek, CA

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