11.   Banks still give mortgages, but many would rather let the mortgage broker stand between them and the customer.

12.   Besides, Ranson says, he thought an independent mortgage broker would ferret out the cheapest bank and the best deal.

13.   Borrowers should also decide initially what they most want from a mortgage broker and base their questions on those needs, too.

14.   Borrowers are often told that going to a mortgage broker is a no-lose proposition.

15.   Brady, the mortgage broker, said that before the new neighborhood can work, there must be a critical mass of affluent residents.

16.   A good mortgage broker will even make a prior credit check and help the borrower clear up any problem areas before the credit record is seen by a lender.

17.   About six months ago, a mortgage broker approached the bank about a loan on a small retail building in the Inwood section of Manhattan.

18.   Brokers also are required to identify themselves as mortgage brokers and to disclose all fees tied to the loan.

19.   But many of these neighborhoods are still dominated by mortgage brokers offering subprime loans.

20.   But most mortgage brokers said that the Clintons would not be required to put down a large down payment.