Had a lender call my bluff once—awkward doesn’t even cover it. I’d mentioned another offer, and they just straight-up asked for the details. Here’s what I learned: if you’re gonna play that card, have your numbers ready. They’ll sometimes match or beat it, but only if you can back it up. Timing helps, but being prepared is what really seals the deal. And yeah, nerves of steel don’t hurt either...
- Been there, sweated through that. Lenders can smell hesitation like a dog with bacon.
- If you’re gonna name-drop another offer, you better have screenshots, emails, or at least a convincing fake spreadsheet (kidding… mostly).
- Sometimes I’ll even toss in a little “Oh, and they’re waiving appraisal fees” just to see if they flinch. Half the time they do, half the time they call my bluff and I have to Google what an appraisal fee even is.
- Timing is everything, but honestly, nothing beats having your paperwork in order. I’ve had lenders try to trip me up on tiny details—like, “What’s the origination fee on that other offer?” and I’m just sitting there, praying I guessed right.
- Also, don’t be afraid to play the “I’m shopping around” card, but yeah… only if you can actually back it up. Otherwise, it’s just awkward silence and a lot of backpedaling.
- Nerves of steel? More like nerves of jello, but hey, whatever works to shave a quarter point off that rate...
Nerves of steel? More like nerves of jello, but hey, whatever works to shave a quarter point off that rate...
Man, I once tried to bluff my way through a “competing offer” and the lender called my bluff by asking for the other lender’s direct number. I nearly choked on my coffee. Ended up babbling about “privacy concerns” and changed the subject to closing costs. Still got a slightly better rate, but I swear I aged five years during that call. Sometimes it’s less about nerves of steel and more about creative panic management.
