Insider Discussion – Is Your Lender Moving the Goal Post?
Insider Discussion – Id Your Lender Moving the Goal Post?
Mortgage broker moving the goalpost? Here’s how to stop it!
They said your rate was locked, but now it’s changing? Get everything in writing and compare lenders! Need a mortgage game plan? Let’s discuss!
I hope this information was helpful! If you are considering buying or selling a home, I would love to talk to you. I am a seasoned agent with over 24 years of experience in the local real estate market. I would love to be able to get you the financial result you desire from your current home to get you in to that Dream Home! Don’t hesitate to call me anytime at 260-579-1516 or you can email me at mike@mikearchbold.com.
Mortgage Broker Moving the Goalpost? Here’s How to Stop It
You found the perfect home. You got pre-approved. You were told your mortgage rate was locked. And then—surprise!—your lender says the rate has changed, or that new fees have popped up, or your approval terms suddenly shifted. Sound familiar?
Unfortunately, some buyers experience what’s known as “moving the goalpost”—when a mortgage broker or lender changes the terms of the deal mid-process. It’s frustrating, confusing, and in some cases, it can cost you thousands or even your dream home.
Why It Happens
Mortgage terms can change for a few reasons:
- Your financial profile changed (credit, income, debt).
- The rate was never actually locked—only quoted.
- The lender is taking advantage of a hot market, knowing you’re under pressure.
- Regulatory or investor guideline shifts may alter underwriting standards.
But sometimes, it’s simply a bait-and-switch tactic. That’s where you need to be vigilant.
How to Protect Yourself
1. Get Everything in Writing
If a lender tells you your rate is “locked,” ask for a written confirmation with the lock date, rate, terms, and expiration date. Verbal agreements don’t cut it when money’s on the line.
2. Compare Lenders Early
Don’t settle for the first offer. Shop around and get Loan Estimates (LEs) from multiple sources. This not only helps you spot better rates—it gives you negotiating power if a lender tries to change the deal later.
3. Ask the Right Questions
Ask your broker:
- Is this rate locked or just quoted?
- What would cause the rate to change?
- Are there any lender fees not listed here?
- Who is underwriting this loan and how long will that take?
4. Know When to Walk
If your lender keeps changing terms without solid explanations or tries to pressure you into accepting worse conditions, it may be time to walk away and find someone else.
Don’t Let a Moving Goalpost Derail Your Purchase
Buying a home is stressful enough—you shouldn’t have to play games with your financing too. If you’re unsure about your current mortgage path or just want a second opinion, I’m here to help. Let’s review your options and make sure you’re on solid ground.
Need a mortgage game plan? Let’s discuss!
Why Does RE/MAX Results Stand Out Among the Competition?
Simply put: Relationships. We pride ourselves not only in our professional service but more importantly in the personal touch we bring to our business. Has an agent/lawyer/contractor/vendor ever treated you like you were just another paycheck? The reason our clients come back time and again and refer all their friends and family to us is because they know we are part of the family.
Genuinely caring about the people we serve enables us to do things other agencies can’t. Rest assured, we will ALWAYS have your best interest at heart and work vigorously to get you the best deal possible on your home or business. The relationships we build with our clients enable us to work 100% by referral.
The reason we are able to give top notch service to our clients is because our clients refer us a constant stream of quality family and friends to assist in their real estate needs. While other agents are out making cold calls and chasing “potential” leads, we are freed up by our referral base to service our clients like no other broker can. We are never too busy for your referrals!
Want to experience the difference for yourself? Call or text me today at 260-579-1516.
“Professional Service with a Personal Touch“
We’re Here To Help
Are you or someone you know considering a home purchase? Don’t hesitate to call or text me, Michael Archbold, at 260-579-1516 and I will connect you with the best mortgage professionals in the business who can get you your score, discuss ways to improve it if necessary, and put you on the path to home ownership. Click here to read more about our Buyer Services. Click here to browse listings NOW! Looking to sell your home? Call today to set up an appointment to begin developing your customized marketing plan. Click here to read more about our Seller Services.
Hoosier Home Listings by RE/MAX Results is a full service real estate Web site serving Northeast Indiana. We assist residential and commercial clients in locating, buying, and selling real property in the State of Indiana including but not limited to the counties of Allen, Huntington, Wells, Adams, Whitley, Wabash, Kosciusko, Noble, Dekalb, Lagrange, Steuben and cities including Fort Wayne, Decatur, Bluffton, Huntington, Warsaw, Columbia City, Butler, and Angola. RE/MAX Results is an Equal Housing Opportunity company.
Hoosier Home Listings – Insider Discussion – Is Your Lender Moving the Goal Post?…
… brought to you by Michael Archbold, Hoosier Home Listings, and RE/MAX Results.
The consummate professional, Michael Archbold (Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro) brings a diversified background to the world of real estate. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Mike graduated Wayne High School in 1992. He received bachelors degrees in Accounting in 1997 from Indiana University and Information Technology in 2005 from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mike comes to Re/MAX with more than 20 years of experience in sales and accounting. He began his career in real estate in 2000 as an investor.
