Answers by Sherri McNeely

Yes, mortgage rates are often negotiable, and comparing multiple lenders is one of the best ways to secure a better deal. Most credit scoring models treat multiple mortgage inquiries made within a short shopping period as a single inquiry, so obtaining several quotes typically has little impact on your credit score. When comparing lenders, focus not only on the interest rate but also on lender fees, closing costs, APR, and available lender credits. A little shopping can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Sherri McNeely Broker Owner Locals Realty Serving Bradenton, FL and St. Louis, MO

Hi Marc, this is a situation I help with often. In order to sell the home, your parents will need to be the ones signing all of the documents unless you have legal authority, such as Power of Attorney, that allows you to act on their behalf. Without that, everything must be signed directly by them. The good news is, you don’t have to navigate this alone. You’ll want to work with a real estate agent who is willing to meet your parents where they are—someone who can come to the home, walk them through the process in person, bring all necessary documents, and make things as simple and stress-free as possible for them. If you’d like, I’d be happy to help you find the perfect agent to guide you through the next steps and coordinate everything so it’s handled the right way from the beginning. Where is the home located?