Mortgage Shopping Can Save Thousands: Many Borrowers Still Skip Comparing Offers

Many homebuyers spend weeks searching for the right property but only a few minutes comparing mortgage lenders. According to a new study, that decision could end up costing them tens of thousands of dollars over the life of their loan.

The research found that borrowers who compare multiple mortgage offers before choosing a lender can save an average of $62,572 over the life of a typical 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Despite the potential savings, many borrowers still fail to shop around or negotiate for better terms.

As housing affordability remains a challenge across much of the country, comparing mortgage offers may be one of the simplest ways for buyers to lower their long-term costs.

Mortgage Shopping Can Lead to Significant Savings

The study found that borrowers who secure the best available mortgage offer instead of accepting the highest-rate offer could save approximately:

• $62,572 over the life of the loan
• $2,086 per year
• $174 per month

While these savings are lower than estimates from early 2025 due to narrowing mortgage rate spreads, they remain substantial for most households.

Even a small difference in mortgage interest rates can have a major impact because homeowners make payments over decades.

A fraction of a percentage point can translate into thousands of dollars in additional interest costs over time.

More Mortgage Quotes Mean More Savings

The analysis found that borrowers who gather more mortgage offers generally have access to better opportunities.

Among all borrowers, the average difference between the lowest and highest offered interest rate was 0.79 percentage points.

However, borrowers who received six or more mortgage offers saw an average spread of 0.98 percentage points.

That larger spread increased potential savings to approximately:

• $227 per month
• $2,724 per year
• More than $80,000 over the life of some loans

The findings suggest that expanding the number of lenders considered can significantly improve a borrower’s chances of finding a better deal.

Where Borrowers Could Save the Most

Potential savings vary considerably depending on location and loan size.

Borrowers in some of the nation’s most expensive housing markets stand to gain the most from comparing lenders.

States with the highest potential savings include:

• Hawaii — $89,621
• New Jersey — $81,955
• California — $81,705

Higher home prices typically result in larger loan balances, making interest rate differences even more valuable.

Meanwhile, borrowers in states such as New York, West Virginia, and Mississippi showed lower overall savings potential, though the amounts remain meaningful and can still have a significant impact on household budgets.

Many Borrowers Compare Rates But Avoid Negotiating

While comparing lenders has become more common, negotiation remains less common.

The study found that:

• 66% of mortgage holders compared multiple lender quotes.
• Only 54% attempted to negotiate their mortgage terms.

Many borrowers may assume rates are fixed or believe lenders will not adjust their offers. Others may feel uncomfortable negotiating financial products or simply want to move through the process quickly.

However, the data suggests that negotiating often produces positive results.

Negotiating Rates Can Lower Monthly Payments

Among borrowers who negotiated their mortgage interest rate:

• 93% successfully reduced their monthly payment.
• 37% lowered payments by at least $100 per month.

For many households, reducing a mortgage payment by even a modest amount can free up cash for savings, investments, home improvements, or other expenses.

Because mortgages are long-term commitments, even small monthly savings can accumulate into significant amounts over time.

Closing Cost Negotiations Also Matter

Interest rates are not the only area where borrowers can save money.

Many lenders are willing to discuss:

• Origination fees
• Application fees
• Underwriting fees
• Discount points
• Other closing costs

Among borrowers who negotiated lender fees:

• 34% reduced upfront costs by at least $2,000.
• 12% saved $5,000 or more.

These savings can lower the amount of cash needed at closing and improve overall affordability.

Younger Borrowers Are More Likely to Negotiate

The study revealed notable differences among age groups.

Younger borrowers were significantly more likely to negotiate with lenders than older generations.

Approximately 70% of Gen Z and millennial borrowers attempted negotiations, while only 18% of baby boomers did the same.

The findings suggest younger buyers may be more comfortable researching financial products online, comparing offers, and asking lenders to improve terms.

Why Many Borrowers Skip Shopping Around

Despite the potential benefits, many consumers still choose the first lender they encounter.

Common reasons include:

• Lack of awareness about potential savings
• Uncertainty about how to compare lenders
• Trust in referrals from real estate agents or friends
• Fear that negotiating could hurt approval chances
• Time constraints during the homebuying process

Unfortunately, failing to compare options often results in higher long-term borrowing costs.

How Many Mortgage Quotes Should You Get?

Financial experts generally recommend obtaining multiple mortgage quotes before making a decision.

At minimum, borrowers should collect offers from at least three lenders.

Comparing several quotes helps buyers understand:

• Current market rates
• Available loan programs
• Closing cost differences
• Rate lock options
• Total borrowing costs

The more offers a borrower reviews, the better the chance of identifying meaningful savings opportunities.

What This Means for Homebuyers in 2026

With mortgage rates remaining above pandemic-era lows and affordability challenges continuing across many markets, finding savings wherever possible has become increasingly important.

While buyers cannot control broader economic conditions, they can control how thoroughly they shop for financing.

Comparing lenders, reviewing multiple loan offers, and negotiating both interest rates and fees can potentially save tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a mortgage.

For many homebuyers, spending a few extra days gathering quotes could become one of the most valuable financial decisions they make during the homebuying process. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.