FAQS
What is Own Up?
Own Up is a technology company designed around people; not lenders. We offer simple online tools to help you find out if you'll be approved for a loan and how much you can borrow, while enabling you to compare lenders and actual pre-qualified loan offers from our trusted network. Because we streamline the origination process, lenders save money, which means they can offer you great terms. Own Up also gives every customer a dedicated mortgage expert who offers clear, unbiased guidance every step of the way.
So how are you able to save customers so much money?
The typical salesperson at a mortgage lender is paid a commission equal to 1.15% of the loan (that’s the industry average). Our system allows us to go directly to the lender and with everything they need without paying a salesperson. For our service, our lenders pay us a fee equal to just 0.45% of the loan amount. Because we save them so much money, many of our lenders reduce their rates for our customers.
Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimates that rates can vary among lenders by as much as 0.5% — sometimes even inside a single organization. By shopping around, we’re able to save our customers time and money; in some cases, tens of thousands of dollars.
Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimates that rates can vary among lenders by as much as 0.5% — sometimes even inside a single organization. By shopping around, we’re able to save our customers time and money; in some cases, tens of thousands of dollars.
So how does Own Up make money?
If you choose a mortgage from one of our lenders, they pay us 0.45% of the loan amount. That’s 1/3rd of what they pay their own salespeople, and the savings are passed on to our customers. If you don’t choose one of our lenders — but use our tools and guidance as reassurance or to negotiate a better rate from another lender — then we make nothing. But that’s okay, because we want happy customers who’ll recommend us to their friends.
So you’re not a lender or a bank?
That’s right. Own Up is a technology-enabled service designed to help customers evaluate lenders, choose the right mortgage, and ensure they’re getting fair terms — we do not provide financing. Instead, we match customers with top-rated lenders and help them compare offers and choose the loan that best suits their needs. We make it easy to lock in an interest rate, and we provide ongoing counsel until you close your loan.
Who are your customers?
Own Up is designed for anyone who is thinking about buying a home or refinancing a mortgage for any type of property. In fact, we think everyone should work with us, because there’s nothing to lose and lots to gain by getting multiple offers to ensure you’re getting fair terms. Even if you just use the loan offers from our lender network for reassurance that your existing lender is not overcharging you, we’re happy to help.
What kind of properties do your customers finance?
We’ve helped thousands of customers finance their first home, as well as people who are buying second homes and investment properties. We’ve got happy customers who own single-family homes, multi-family homes, condos, and townhouses.
So you can help with refinancing too?
Absolutely. We can help you refinance your mortgage to take cash out of your existing property or refinance into a different rate and term. We have lots of happy customers who’ve refinanced their property and saved tens of thousands of dollars.
Will working with Own Up affect my credit?
To check the rates and terms you qualify for, Own Up utilizes a soft credit inquiry that does NOT affect your credit score. We do NOT require you to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) to use our service.
Is my personal information secure?
The security of your data is Own Up’s highest priority. All information transmitted to and from our website is encrypted in accordance with industry standards while in transit and at rest on our servers. In addition, we do not collect sensitive personal information such as your social security number or your personal financial documents. We never share any of your personal information without your express consent and lenders with whom you do elect to share information can only access your data through our secure environment.
Who are Own Up participating lenders?
Own Up works with reputable and financially secure mortgage lenders. Each of our participating lenders undergoes a rigorous screening process and agrees to Own Up’s service level standards. In addition, we share all customer feedback and reviews with our lenders.
How much does Own Up cost?
Own Up is completely free to use. We are paid a fee by our lenders if you close your loan with them. Depending on your loan selection, lenders may charge customary third-party closing costs.
What are third-party closing costs?
Closing costs are the fees associated with closing your new mortgage. These typically include fees for an appraisal, title insurance, title search, transfer taxes, attorney, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and government recording fees. These fees vary depending on the transaction type and the location of the property. Should you complete an application with an Own Up lender partner, Own Up’s lender partner will provide you with a Loan Estimate for your particular transaction.
How much of a down payment is required?
Own Up lenders offer a variety of down-payment options, including low down payment loan programs.