Brokers vs. Bank and Credit Pulls

[Anonymous]

Which is quicker and easier if I'm interested in an FHA loan with 3.5% down, using a broker or going to a few different banks? Does going to a broker mean only one credit pull vs several if you go to different banks? Seems easier to have a broker doing to work for you.

[Booner72]

I used Academy Mortgage and they were amazing.  Two total pulls. 

However, even if you did go rate shopping at all the banks you wanted, FICO would only ding you for one pull if you did it within 30 day window.

[BrianB_The_Loan_Professor]

You need to find someone you are comfortable with - going to multiple banks or to multiple brokers will not matter much if the person you use is someone you are unsure of during the process. There are good and there are bad bankers just like there are good and bad brokers. Getting a discount and suffering an ulcer is not worth the saved dollars  - credit pulls are part of the process and not a huge hit to your scores - I wouldnt let that drive my decision on who to use

Good Luck

Brian