What you pay each month
Check the rate and loan payment. Add taxes, home insurance, mortgage insurance if needed, and any community fees.
Ask: Is this the full monthly cost?
ORLANDO, FLORIDA · BUY OR REFINANCE
Compare mortgage lenders in Orlando.
Know what you’ll pay.
A low rate is just one part of a home loan. See the fees, monthly cost, and cash you need to close - before you choose.
Mortgage Expert is a Florida mortgage broker. Shahram Sondi helps you compare options from the lenders we work with.
No application is needed to start a conversation.
Mortgage experience since 2001Shahram Sondi · NMLS #186790
01 / THE WHOLE OFFER
Look at three things.
Then choose what fits.
Ask for quotes on the same day. Use the same loan amount, down payment, loan type, and term. Match how long the rate is locked, too.
Give each lender the same credit and home details. Say if you will live there, use it as a second home, or rent it out.
What you pay up front
Look at points, lender fees, and other closing costs. Check any credits that lower the amount you owe.
Ask: What cash will I need to close?
How the loan fits your plans
Think about how long you may keep the loan. Ask if the rate can change and what happens if closing is delayed.
Ask: What could change later?
02 / MAKE THE NUMBERS CLEAR
Your Loan Estimate.
Three pages. A clearer choice.
This form lists the loan terms and estimated costs. Put each lender’s form side by side. A formal Loan Estimate comes after you apply. Before then, ask for the rate, points, fees, and credits in writing.
LOAN ESTIMATE1
The loan & payment
- Loan amount, term, and rate
- Monthly payment and what it includes
- Estimated cash to close
Check if the rate is locked and when the lock ends.
CLOSING COST DETAILS2
The fees & credits
- Section A: points and lender fees
- Sections B and C: loan services
- Section J: lender credits
Check taxes and insurance due up front. Escrow is money set aside for future tax and insurance bills.
COMPARISONS3
The cost over time
- APR: a yearly cost measure
- The five-year comparison
- Loan terms and other details
APR means annual percentage rate. It includes interest and certain loan fees. It is not your monthly payment.
A guide to where to look, not a sample loan offer. See the CFPB’s Loan Estimate guide ↗
Don’t mistake a low tax estimate for a cheaper loan.
One quote may set aside less for taxes or insurance. That can make cash to close look lower without cutting the lender’s fees.
See which closing costs are fees, prepaids and escrow deposits.
03 / THE TRADE-OFF
Pay more now, or pay more later?
Ask to see the choices together. Each one may suit a different budget and timeline.
More up front.
A lower rate may follow.
Points are fees you pay to lower the rate. Ask how long the lower payment could take to make up for that cost.
A clear place
to start.
Compare a rate with no discount points first. Other loan and closing fees may still apply.
Less cash up front.
Often a higher rate.
A credit can help cover closing costs. Check the rate and total cost before you choose it.
Learn how points and lender credits work ↗
Read simple examples of rates, APR, points and cash to close. When you are ready to compare your own timeline, try the points break-even calculator.
04 / KNOW WHO YOU’RE WORKING WITH
A bank, a credit union,
or a mortgage broker?
The best fit depends on the offer and your needs. The name on the door does not settle it.
Bank or direct lender
You work with a company that offers loans directly. Ask about its loan choices, fees, and any customer discounts.
Credit union
You work with a member-owned lender. Check the membership rules and compare its written offer.
Mortgage broker
We help you compare the lenders we work with. We do not offer every loan in the market. The lender approves and funds the loan.
“If a bank, credit union, or builder’s lender has the better deal, I’ll tell you.”
05 / THE ORLANDO DETAILS
Check the home’s costs, too.
Your loan is only part of what you will pay to own the home.
Use an estimate for you.
The seller’s tax bill may not match yours. Florida property taxes can change after a sale. Check with the county property appraiser.
Florida’s guide for new owners ↗Get a quote for this home.
Check home and flood insurance needs early. Costs can vary from one property to the next.
Ask about dues and fees.
HOA means homeowners association. A CDD is a community development district. These groups may charge fees for shared spaces, services, or building costs. Check condo fees, too. Some charges are in the tax bill; don’t count them twice.
Read the builder’s offer.
Ask which lender you must use to get an incentive. Check fees, the rate, and how long any lower payment lasts. Get the terms in writing.
Need a price range before you shop?Start with pre-approval →
06 / CLEAR ANSWERS
Questions we hear
from Orlando buyers.
Have a question about your own offer? You can speak with Shahram before you apply.
Let’s talk →How much should I put down?
Compare the down payment, full monthly cost, and savings left after closing. Putting more down may lower the payment, but it can leave less cash for repairs or a job change. Ask which choices you qualify for.
Who is the best mortgage lender in Orlando?
There is no single best lender for every buyer. Compare written offers for your loan, home, and budget. Check the full cost, the loan rules, and who will help you meet your closing date.
Is Mortgage Expert a lender or a broker?
Mortgage Expert is a Florida mortgage broker. We help you compare the lenders we work with. The lender makes the final loan decision and provides the money for the loan.
Can you check an offer from another lender?
Yes. Call or text Shahram to ask for a review. He will explain how to share your quote safely. Do not send a Loan Estimate, bank statement, or other private document by text or regular email.
Should I ask for a quote with no points?
That is my usual starting point. It helps you compare rates without paying extra points up front. Then compare a quote with points or a lender credit. Zero points does not mean zero fees.
Does a lender credit mean no money is due at closing?
No. A lender credit can cover some loan costs. You may still need money for a down payment, taxes, insurance, and other costs. Check the total cash to close on your Loan Estimate.
Is a broker always cheaper than a bank?
No. A bank, credit union, or builder’s lender may have an offer that fits you better. Compare the full written offers. A lower rate can come with higher fees.
Can one lender say yes after another says no?
Sometimes. Lenders may use different loan programs and rules. Ask what caused the issue: credit, income, debt, cash, or the home itself. A different lender is not a promise of approval.
How does Mortgage Expert get paid?
When a loan closes through us, the lender usually pays our company. In some cases, we may compare an option where you pay the broker. The pay is shown in writing. Compare the rate and all fees either way.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Go straight to the help you need.
LET’S LOOK AT YOUR OPTIONS
Have an offer?
Let’s make sense of it.
Call or text Shahram. Start with your goal, the home’s price, and when you hope to close.
If you have a quote, ask for a secure way to share it. Do not text or email private loan documents.
WORK DIRECTLY WITH SHAHRAM
Call Shahram ↗Text Shahram ↗No application is needed to start the conversation.
Loan approval and terms depend on the lender’s review of you and the property.