When it comes to buying a home or renegotiating your mortgage come renewal time, you have a couple of options. You can visit the bank that currently holds your mortgage and speak with a mortgage specialist. Or, you can visit a mortgage broker, who will look at current rates from lenders across the country and offer you a few options to choose from.

So which is better?

It’s really a personal preference. A mortgage broker is a trained professional who will represent you and find the best borrowing rates from hundreds of lenders such as chartered banks, credit unions, trust companies and private lenders. Their services are free to homebuyers as they are paid by the lender, and therefore privy to the lowest borrowing rates.

A broker may be particularly beneficial to buyers with lower credit or high debt as brokers are often able to secure loans from alternative lenders. In addition to their connections and experience, they also offer convenience. Brokers do the legwork for you. They can help with every aspect of a mortgage, from determining out how much you can afford, to choosing the best mortgage product, to finding ways to save money and pay off your mortgage faster. Something to keep in mind: since brokers are paid by the very lenders who you are trying to get the best deal from, lenders may pay financial incentives to brokers who send them a certain amount of volume. In addition, if you are a long-term customer with a financial institution, you may have already developed a strong relationship with your own bank. As a loyal customer, you may be rewarded with lower borrowing options, special interest rates or waived home appraisal fees, as gratitude for committed service.

When it comes to choosing a mortgage broker, talk to someone in the know. Ideally, contact your real estate salesperson and ask who their preferred vendors are. They will be able to provide you contact information for one or two reputable brokers in your area.