Are there downsides to using a loan broker?

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December 06, 2024

by a searcher from University of Texas at Austin in Austin, TX, USA

What are the potential drawbacks of using an SBA loan broker instead of working directly with a bank? How do banks typically view loan brokers in these transactions, and could the broker's commission impact my ability to negotiate better terms?

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Reply by a lender
from University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, USA
Thank you all for the great discussion on SBA loan brokers. As a loan broker myself, I wanted to share some insights ( I might be biased :) Using a broker creates a competitive environment for lenders, motivating them to offer their best rates and terms. For example, I recently closed an HVAC deal at a fixed 7.83% with a regional lender not very active in SBA loans—this lender loved the borrower’s profile and industry. Large SBA lenders like Live Oak and Huntington generally offer the same rates with or without a broker, so there’s no downside to working with one. Here’s why working with a broker can make all the difference:

Guidance Through the Process: A broker ensures your loan application is structured correctly and meets lender-specific requirements. This helps avoid unnecessary delays or rejections.

Access to Specialized Lenders: Brokers have access to a wide range of lenders, including niche regional banks and credit unions, which often offer unique programs or better terms for specific industries or borrower profiles.

Savings On Interest Rates and Beyond: It’s not just about lower rates. We help negotiate better terms like faster close times, additional credit lines or other terms that might be important to you. When lenders compete, you win. Most lenders will say, prime +0% is impossible but it’s not. Is the lender actually going to come through at the end? A broker has seen enough transactions to quickly identity redflags and blackball lenders that don’t come through at the end.

Independent Advice: As an independent broker, I prioritize finding the best fit for your needs rather than being tied to a single institution’s offerings.

Relationships Matter: Brokers maintain strong relationships with underwriters and decision-makers at banks, which can be crucial for approvals on complex deals or securing exceptions for unique situations.

No Risk, High Reward: Our services are completely free to you because lenders compensate us after your loan closes.

On average, I save my clients 0.5% on interest rates and reduce deal closing times by 30%.

If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to reach out for an introductory call here: https://cal.com/ishan-jetley-3d73m8/30min or visit our website: https://gosbaloans.com/business-acquisition/ You can reach me here or directly at redacted
commentor profile
Reply by a lender
from University of Central Florida in Boynton Beach, FL, USA
2 potential negatives come to mind:

1. If a lender is paying a broker, they will need to charge a higher interest rate, around###-###-#### %, to earn the same net yield. That said, some lenders are willing to make less yield for volume so the borrower may not even feel this with many lenders.

2. Using a loan broker to gain access to ALL SBA Lenders is a misnomer. Brokers generally have a network of lenders which may not include lenders don’t pay referral fees (or ENOUGH referral fees.)

Overall if you’re using a very solid loan broker, the pro’s outweigh the cons, especially if this is your first experience with SBA.
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