Generally speaking, a 'direct lender' is a lender who lends his own funds. Some mortgage lenders use this term to differentiate themselves from mortgage brokers, who arrange loans between you and a lender. A direct lender should have control over the loan process from start to finish, but simply being a direct lender doesn't guarantee that you'll get great pricing or great service.
Mortgage rates fluctuate from day to day, depending on a number of factors related to the economy and to choices made by investors. While some mortgage money comes from deposits held by banks and credit unions, most of the funds for borrowers come from investors in capital markets.
Read MoreInvestment properties usually run about one percentage point higher than owner-occupied residential mortgages.
Read MoreThis question used to have a simple answer, since there was a "bright line" definition -- the conforming loan limit....
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