Archive · 1 Jan 2026
Why Shopping Around for a Mortgage Saves Money
When you're looking to buy a house, it's important to get a mortgage.
But you shouldn't just go with the first lender you find.
By comparing offers from different lenders, you can save a lot of money.
On average, people can save about $80,000 over the 30 years of a mortgage by shopping around.
That's like finding $2,667 under your pillow every year!
The interest rates can be very different from one lender to another, sometimes by as much as one percent.
Even a small difference, like half a percent, can save you thousands of dollars.
When you compare offers, look at the APR, which includes fees and gives you a better idea of the total cost.
Also, don't forget to check the closing costs, as some lenders might charge a lot in fees.
It's a good idea to compare at least three lenders, including smaller banks and credit unions, to get the best deal.
Shopping around for mortgages can save borrowers an average of $80,024 over 30 years.
Interest rates can vary by up to a full percentage point among different lenders.
Comparing the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is crucial as it includes fees and gives a complete cost picture.
Closing costs can significantly impact the overall cost of a mortgage, sometimes more than small interest rate differences.
Experts recommend comparing at least three lenders, including smaller banks and credit unions, for the best deal.
- Who
- Homebuyers seeking a mortgage
- What
- Shopping around for mortgage offers to save money
- When
- During the home buying process, before finalizing a mortgage
- Where
- United States (general advice applicable to mortgage market)
- Why
- To potentially save significant amounts of money over the life of the loan
- Average Savings
- $80,024 over 30 years or $2,667 annually
- Potential Rate Variation
- Up to a full percentage point
- Example Savings
- $41,659 over 30 years for a 0.5% rate drop
- Key Comparison Metric
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
- Recommended Lenders to Compare
- At least three, including smaller banks and credit unions