Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing—unless your credit’s already in great shape or you’ve got another lender lined up, most places don’t really care if you walk. I tried the “I’ll just leave” move at a regional bank and they seriously didn’t bat an eye. Ended up just focusing on bumping my score and waiting for rates to dip. Negotiation’s nice, but it’s not a magic bullet if your numbers aren’t there, like you said.
Negotiation’s nice, but it’s not a magic bullet if your numbers aren’t there, like you said.
That’s been my experience too. Even when I’ve got a few projects lined up and decent leverage, if the credit profile isn’t solid, the lenders just shrug. Had a deal last year where I thought my track record would count for more, but nope—credit score and LTV ratios ruled everything. Sometimes you can sweeten things with bigger down payments or cross-collateralizing, but it’s rarely a game-changer unless your fundamentals are tight. The “walk away” tactic only works if they think you’re really taking business elsewhere... and most of the time, they just call your bluff.
Title: Lowering Rates Is Great—But Numbers Still Rule
Sometimes you can sweeten things with bigger down payments or cross-collateralizing, but it’s rarely a game-changer unless your fundamentals are tight.
Couldn’t agree more. Lenders love a good story, but they love a solid credit score even more. I’ve tried the “walk away” move too—usually just gets me a polite smile and a door held open. Still, don’t discount the value of persistence. Sometimes, just asking for a rate review after a few months of on-time payments can shave off a few basis points. Not glamorous, but hey, every little bit helps.
Honestly, I’ve tried the “I’ll just take my business elsewhere” routine too, and yeah, it’s mostly met with a shrug unless your numbers are already sparkling. I did manage to get a tiny rate drop once after six months of never missing a payment—nothing life-changing, but hey, it paid for a couple pizzas. Sometimes I wonder if lenders just have a secret “nice try” button for folks like us... Still, can’t hurt to ask, right?
It’s funny you mention that “nice try” button—sometimes it really does feel like they’re just waiting for us to ask so they can politely decline. I’ve had a similar experience: kept my payments spotless for over a year, called in, and got a tiny reduction. Not life-changing, but it made me feel like I was at least doing something proactive. Honestly, I think persistence helps, but lenders definitely seem to have their own playbook. Still, better than just sitting back and accepting the status quo, right?
