71.   Skip the after-Christmas sales and save the returns until later, say economists, mortgage brokers and lenders.

72.   So even the best mortgage broker can never provide access to a truly comprehensive universe of lending.

73.   Some are the sites of direct lenders, while others are run by mortgage brokers.

74.   Similarly, interest rates are better if borrowers pay nonrecurring costs like mortgage broker and other fees rather than have these added to future monthly payments.

75.   Sometimes the real-estate agent and the mortgage broker are in cahoots, and the guileless buyer appreciates what seems like one-stop shopping.

76.   Some brokers said they often refer buyers interested in negative pledge loans to banks and mortgage brokers that they know offer them.

77.   Some states have long required mortgage brokers to have an office in the state.

78.   That investigation focused on mortgage brokers, loan officers and real estate lawyers.

79.   The brokers then contacted the consumers with offers of a loan, without identifying themselves as mortgage brokers or disclosing the referral fee.

80.   The contractors work in conjunction with mortgage brokers who refer the loan to high-rate lenders.