Make no mistake, there's a lot involved in getting a mortgage loan. You wouldn't be here on our website if you could fill out a simple online form and, presto, get a mortgage the next day. Automated pre-approval systems can check your credit scores and, based on the income you enter, give you an indication of a loan amount you might qualify for. But that's worth about as much as a pat on the head. Getting reassurance on your approval prospects from a multi-purpose loan officer at a local bank or credit union often proves to be no better. On the flip side, you can also be turned down or put off in these encounters, without even understanding why.

Mortgage loans these days are more involved than ever. Loan files are subject to stringent underwriting and wide-ranging policies and regulations. Getting reliable feedback and guidance for your particular situation requires dynamic interaction with a competent, conscientious professional who will treat you as a client, not just another borrower. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a savvy real estate investor, figuring out the right approach to buy or refinance a home is serious business.

You want to work with someone who understands the relevant issues, takes note of your facts and circumstances, and guides you through an action plan that achieves your goals. Telemarketers and websites can't do that. Loan officers at your local bank or credit union who open checking accounts and do auto loans are not in a position to do that either. For the best results, for the best experience, you want to work directly with people who are in the mortgage business full-time, people with the resources and up-to-date knowledge to help you with just about any situation.

From the get-go, the loan process involves lots of confidential information, and before it's over, you'll have considerable time and effort invested as well. Work with people you can trust. Be cautious about shopping for rates and fees, which is often a fool's errand when it comes to mortgages. To get a fair deal, to avoid nasty surprises, to get the most appropriate loan and the best advice for your situation - shop for competence, character, and commitment. Mortgage loans are originated by individual licensed professionals like James Wheeler. Talk to the person who will be originating your loan, talk to people they've worked with in the past, and get a sense of what you can expect.

Even if your loan originator has all the qualities you're looking for, it's important to make sure they also have the flexibility you might need. For instance, if you go to someone who does only FHA loans, then you may not know if a USDA loan or a special conforming loan program backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac might be better for you. If you go to a jack-of-all trades at a too-big-to-fail bank, they might not have any experience with the ins and outs of, say, the VA loan program, or they might have corporate restrictions that require bigger down payments or better credit than most loan programs actually require. That's hardly the sort of thing anyone advertises. To find out, don't hesitate to ask questions. You owe it to yourself.