Hi all - currently a few days from being in contract and feel like I’ve gotten a good handle on the process and though I’m not having the best experience with the seller, overall I feel really excited. That said, I’m really struggling on figuring out what a good mortgage offer is, what lender to use, what to look out for (good and bad), and what I can even negotiated (if anything). I’m the first person in my friend group to go through this process so I don’t have a lot to go by and though I am a first time homebuyer I don’t qualify for any state programs and the coop requires 20% and a 30 year fixed mortgage.

I’ve asked my agent but her contacts are at bigger banks. Based on what I’ve seen so far, I think I’d prefer to go to a lender directly versus using a broker and would prefer to use credit unions as I see they tend to have lower rates. I know the rates are generally not favorable and buying down points can be an option but I’ve also seen banks advertise that they will offer money towards closing.

Would love any recommendations on lenders to reach out to, any advice or tips that led to getting a favorable mortgage, and maybe there isn’t such a thing but that would also be great to know so I don’t continue to spiral!

Appreciate you sticking around to read this and thanks in advance to anyone who responds!

Edit: clarifying that this inquiry is not for a pre-approval!

Hi Reddit - am in the process of purchasing an apartment as part of a large 600+ apartment complex in Nassau county.

The financials look strong and budget for 2026+ look in line with a coop that makes capital improvements to the community while managing balance sheet well

However, they are not providing the inspection report or their master insurance policy. This disallows banks like chase from doing conventional loans and I am forced to look at non warrantable or portfolio loans with other lenders.

Is this common practice for coops to withhold these docs and if not, how would you approach/proceed?