Top 5 Mortgage Rate Negotiation Methods

Mortgage Rate Negotiation Methods

Lenders are becoming smarter and more aggressive when dealing with clients and borrowers. They always anticipate you as an experienced haggler. These institutions predict that you are great at making sequential counter-offers until a certain amount is agreed upon.

As a result, there’s a possibility that they could increase the rate by a few ticks with the expectation of you lowering it. Without proper knowledge in bargaining your mortgage application, there is always a possibility that you’ll tend to pay more and charge higher than the usual rate.

This article will help you to become a great negotiator when dealing with mortgage brokers, retail estate professionals, lenders, banks, and financial institutions using the following approaches.

Read on…

  1. Look, Inquire, and Explore Multiple Lenders

Most of the time, people have a tendency to feel FOMO (fear of missing out) or a sense of urgent necessity. Hence, they will immediately grab the offer once they feel secure and readily consider any available terms and interest rates presented to them.

However, this is the last thing a wise mortgage client will do. You can always get a better offer even if you have a recommended broker and a reasonable offer as well.

Comparing loans and rate offers from several lenders gives you an edge at choosing the right and most suitable deal on your current situation. Mortgage fees, charges, penalties, and other costs may vary from one lender to another. Having an idea about what they could offer may give you the most competitive terms on the market.

  1. Beating Their Best Offer Using Loan Estimates

Every broker and mortgage application is between 3 and 5 days before getting approved. There is, however, a minimal time frame where brokers can pull up your credit score to give you a loan estimate.

This loan estimate could be your negotiating power when talking to multiple lenders. You can also leverage this amount as your payment on the mortgage so that lenders could extend leniency towards you.

Different lenders will try to beat each other’s offers using their best strategies so that they can win you over. When this happens, you are extending excellent outreach towards lending institutions, deciding on their best offers, getting your loan on time, and building a comfortable rapport with their brokers at the same time.

  1. Acquire Discount Points

Discount points unlock the potential of having the best mortgage rate that you could receive. This lessens the interest rates and lowers your risk when presented to a lender.

Discount points are earned by having a large down payment on the mortgage, increasing your credit score, and adding a co-signer for loan application approval.

You can even apply your discount points as a “buffer” on low-cost mortgages: having a low-interest rate means more flexible loan terms and manageable amortization payments.

  1. Improve Your Chances for Loan Approval

This could be obtained by having an excellent credit score since this is directly tied to your interest rate. Even having a minimal difference in percentages can save you money and can be used as your savings in the long run.

The fastest way to fix and increase your credit score is to clear your negative balances. Minimize usage of your credit utilization ratio (up to 20-30% makes low rates mortgage possible) while you maintain low card balances.

Consider hiring an experienced credit specialist who can help repair your credit, boost your credit score, and bring it to a favorable bargaining value.

Another way to improve your current credit score is not missing your monthly bills and payments. This will create a good credential for lenders. You will not be seen as a credit risk and your loan approval is accomplished faster.

A single payment default can make your score drop by as much as 50 points. To avoid this, we strongly suggest that you opt for automatic payments.

Contact your lending institution and inquire about this special feature to keep your outstanding balances in check.

  1. Make Large Down Payments

The more cash you put into purchasing or refinancing your home, the bigger the impact on your loan-to-value ratio mortgage. This makes your transaction less risky and also comes with a low-interest rate per month.

Adding a co-signer is likewise beneficial when negotiating your desired rate in proportion to your current circumstances.

Not only will you receive value for your loan but also gain clearance in applying for low rates mortgage on your property.

Final Thoughts

Each lender expects you to bargain with their offer and agree at a certain price. However, as a wise borrower and mortgage client, you must learn to anticipate their marketing tactics and meet them eye-to-eye.

Having knowledge about the mortgage industry can save you from fraudulent individuals and costly misjudgments. You have to be vigilant every step of the way if you intend to succeed in your negotiation with your chosen lenders.

Improving your loan application could greatly affect the amount, time and, interest rates that you can receive. Increasing your current credit score, adding a co-signer, and paying higher down payments can help as well in your loan qualification process.


We are your trusted mortgage and credit solutions experts led by our founder, Faizal Garasia. We have access to more than 90 lenders including the largest banks, credit unions, trust firms, and financial institutions in and around Canada.

We help in resolving your issues regarding your mortgages, finances, taxes, and other loan-related commitments and transactions that impact your financial credibility.

Feel free to call (416) 825 0142 or email faizal.garasia@dominionlending.ca to learn more.