In both cases, they should bring information on current income from all sources, total available cash, and all current debts including the balance and payment. Some UMBs may require an advance payment on the fee, which will be returned to the customer if the broker is not successful in obtaining a loan. The UMB has given up this right. Its good to have referrals as well. Referrals are not easy to come by in the home loan market, except from real estate sales agents.
Sales agents select their brokers largely for their reliability.
A UMB referred by a sales agent would be a good bet. Even if the referred broker is not a UMB, the broker might deal with you on UMB terms. Until then, you can copy the UMB Commitment from this web site, and ask the brokers you approach if they are willing to do business with you in this way. Upfront customers don't apply for loans with more than one broker . This is deceitful, it wastes your time as well as the broker's, and it is unnecessary.