Call me back with the best quote

You mention to a lender that another lender told you to call back with your best quote so they can beat it. Instead of providing their own written offer, the current lender questions whether that other lender is trustworthy.

But, here's what's really happening...

Now that you understand the tactic, let's look at the three most common angles lenders use to create doubt.

➡ Three Ways Lenders Create Doubt

Angle 1: Questioning Sincerity

Lender says: "Are you sure they'll actually beat it, or are they just trying to get you to commit to their process first? Most lenders who say they'll beat any quote are counting on you not being able to get back to them with a better offer."

Most people respond: "You're right, that does sound sketchy. What can you offer me?"

Don't do that. When you accept this doubt, you've validated their criticism without requiring them to compete. The critical lender is correct that "call me back" tactics are problematic—but their criticism doesn't make their own offer better. Both lenders are avoiding transparent pricing.

Angle 2: Questioning Documentation

Lender says: "That's interesting they told you that. Did they give you a written quote to compare? Because if they're not willing to put their offer in writing, they're probably not serious about beating other offers."

Most people respond: "No, they didn't give me anything in writing yet. What can you offer?"

Don't do that. This lender is using the other lender's lack of documentation as a deflection—while also not providing their own written quote. They're criticizing the other lender for the exact behavior they're currently demonstrating.

Angle 3: Questioning Transparency

Lender says: "Here's the thing: If they're really confident they can beat any offer, why wouldn't they just give you their best offer right now? The fact that they want you to come back suggests they're not being transparent about their pricing."

Most people respond: "That's a good point. They should just give me their best rate now. What's your rate?"

Don't do that. The lender making this argument is also not giving you their best written offer right now. They're pointing out a flaw in the other lender's process while engaging in the same behavior.

The Pattern

Notice that in all three scenarios, the critical lender successfully avoided providing a written Loan Estimate by focusing your attention on the other lender's flaws. Judge lenders by their written offers, not their criticism of competitors.

➡ What You Should Say Instead

Regardless of which doubt-creation angle the lender uses, your response remains the same:

I appreciate your perspective on quote matching. I'd like to get written Loan Estimates from all lenders to compare total costs. Can you provide me with a written Loan Estimate that includes the interest rate, monthly payment, and all closing costs?

Here's why this response works for all three angles:

• For Angle 1 (Sincerity): Dismisses doubt-creation without defending the other lender
• For Angle 2 (Documentation): Calls out that THEY should provide written documentation too
• For Angle 3 (Transparency): Forces the critical lender to be transparent with their own written offer

The script treats criticism of competitors as noise and demands written offers from everyone—including the lender who's creating the doubt.

➡ Key Takeaway

When a lender criticizes another lender's matching promise, demand a written Loan Estimate from both. Don't choose between two bad tactics—collect written offers from all lenders and compare.