Side by side
| Mortgage broker | Bank | |
|---|---|---|
| Loan options | Dozens of lenders and programs, including non-QM (DSCR, bank statement, fix & flip) | Only the bank’s own products |
| Who helps you | One dedicated licensed loan officer from application to closing | Branch or call-center staff; your file may change hands |
| Investor & self-employed loans | Full non-QM menu: DSCR, bank statement, 1099, asset depletion, LLC closings | Usually limited to standard QM loans |
| Availability | Brokers like us work 24/7 by phone | Branch hours; limited evenings and weekends |
| Pricing | Competes lenders against each other; paid by lender-paid compensation disclosed on your Loan Estimate | Sets its own rates; may discount for existing deposit or wealth clients |
| Speed | Can close quickly by choosing the fastest lender for your scenario | Large pipelines; timelines vary by branch volume |
| Accountability | Independent; if one lender stalls, your broker moves the file | One institution; fewer alternatives if the process slows |
Figures are typical market ranges as of October 2026. Actual terms depend on the lender, your credit, the property and the program, and are confirmed on your Loan Estimate or term sheet.
Where we fit
Instant Money Mortgage is a mortgage broker: one dedicated licensed loan officer (Juan Fernando Romero, NMLS 2557318) shops your scenario across many lenders, including the full non-QM menu. Meet the team, then explore the programs most borrowers compare:
DSCR Loans
A DSCR loan is an investment-property mortgage that qualifies you on the property’s rental income divided by its monthly payment (the debt service coverage ratio).
Bank Statement Loans
A bank statement loan is a non-QM mortgage that calculates self-employed income from 12 or 24 months of personal or business bank deposits instead of tax returns.
FHA Loans
An FHA loan is a government-insured mortgage that allows 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher, or 10% down with a score from 500 to 579.
Conventional Loans
A conventional loan is a mortgage not insured by the government that follows Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines.
FAQ
Is a mortgage broker cheaper than a bank?
Often, yes, because a broker can compare offers from many lenders instead of quoting one institution’s rate sheet. But compare the actual Loan Estimate line by line: rate, lender credits, and closing costs. The cheapest headline rate is not always the cheapest loan.
Is it safe to use a mortgage broker?
Yes, as long as the broker is licensed. Look up the company and your loan officer on NMLS Consumer Access (nmlsconsumeraccess.org) before you share personal information.
When does a bank make more sense?
If you already bank there and they offer a real relationship discount on your rate, or you strongly prefer keeping your mortgage with your existing institution, a bank can be the simpler choice.
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