As a Real Estate Agent here in East Texas — and a former licensed loan officer — I get this question a lot:

“What’s your opinion on searching for a lender online?”

My honest answer?

It can be risky.

Let’s talk about why.

Websites, like LendingTree, market themselves as places where “lenders compete for your business.” It sounds great in theory. Who wouldn’t want multiple lenders fighting to give them the best deal?

But here’s what many buyers don’t realize:

Sites like this are primarily lead generation systems.

When you enter your personal information, you’re not just comparing rates. You’re often authorizing the site to sell your information to multiple lenders. That can lead to:

• A flood of phone calls, emails, and texts
• Multiple credit pulls
• A potential drop in your credit score
• Your personal information circulating far beyond what you expected

Yes, disclosures are technically there — but often in very small print.

And when you’re about to make the largest purchase of your life, that’s not a great way to start.

Every time your credit is pulled for a mortgage inquiry, it can affect your score.

Some local lenders and credit unions can perform a soft pull first. A soft pull allows them to review your credit profile without negatively impacting your score. That gives you clarity without risk.

Many large online lead platforms don’t work that way.

If your credit score drops even slightly, it could impact:

• Your interest rate
• Your loan program eligibility
• Your monthly payment
• Your closing costs

Why risk that just to “see what’s out there”?

If you want to research rates online, use informational platforms like Bankrate. These sites allow you to view general rate trends without entering sensitive personal information.

Then, if you see a lender you’re interested in — whether it’s a large company like Rocket Mortgage or a regional bank — go directly to that lender’s official website or contact them personally.

Better yet?

Start local.

After 20+ years in both lending and real estate, here’s my personal preference:

Work with someone you can call.
Someone you can sit across the desk from.
Someone whose office you can walk into if there’s a problem.

Buying a home isn’t like ordering shoes online. It’s the biggest financial decision most people will ever make.

When issues come up — and sometimes they do — you want:

• Direct communication
• Accountability
• Relationship-based service
• A professional who understands the East Texas market

Local banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders often provide that.

Searching for a lender online isn’t automatically wrong.

But handing your personal and financial information to a lead-generation website without fully understanding how it works? That can create unnecessary risk.

This is your home.
Your credit.
Your financial future.

Choose someone you trust. Choose someone you can meet face-to-face. Choose someone accountable.

If you’re buying in East Texas and want recommendations for reputable local lenders, I’m always happy to connect you with professionals I know and trust.