I don't want to decide today

You tell a lender you need to think about their offer before deciding. Instead of respecting your timeline, the lender creates urgency and pressure.

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 pressure immediate decisions.

➡ Three Ways Lenders Pressure Immediate Decisions

Angle 1: Rate Volatility Urgency

Lender says: "What's there to think about? Rates might change tomorrow. I can lock you in at today's rate right now, but I can't guarantee this rate will still be available if you wait."

Most people respond: "Okay, you're right. Let's lock in today's rate."

Don't do that. This lender is using rate volatility to create artificial urgency. While rates DO fluctuate, they rarely change dramatically overnight, and you can request rate locks from multiple lenders simultaneously to compare. By pressuring you to commit immediately, this lender is trying to prevent you from getting competing offers. Rate locks should come AFTER you've compared written Loan Estimates.

Angle 2: Availability Scarcity

Lender says: "What's available today might not be available next week. We have limited capacity, and if you wait too long, we might not be able to take your loan when you're ready."

Most people respond: "I don't want to lose my spot. What do I need to do to move forward?"

Don't do that. This lender is using capacity scarcity to create fear of losing access entirely. While lenders DO have capacity limits, legitimate lenders don't pressure immediate verbal commitments based on vague availability concerns. By making you fear losing your "spot," they're bypassing the comparison process. If a lender truly has capacity constraints, they can hold a position while you review their written Loan Estimate.

Angle 3: Commitment Questioning

Lender says: "Are you really thinking it over, or are you just putting off the decision? I'm getting the sense you're not serious about moving forward. If you're not ready to commit, maybe we should wait until you are."

Most people respond: "No, I'm serious! I do want to move forward. Let me just get the paperwork started."

Don't do that. This lender is questioning your commitment to create pressure to prove you're "serious" by making an immediate decision. By implying that requesting time means you're not ready, they're making hesitation feel like a character flaw. Comparing multiple written offers IS what serious shoppers do—it's not a sign of indecision.

The Pattern

Notice that in all three scenarios, the lender successfully pressured you to commit immediately by making reasonable comparison shopping feel risky, unavailable, or unsophisticated. Take the time you need to compare written offers.

➡ What You Should Say Instead

Regardless of which urgency angle the lender uses, your response remains the same:

I understand your concern about timing, and I appreciate the offer. I am a serious buyer, which is exactly why I want to make an informed decision by comparing written Loan Estimates from a few lenders. Can you provide me with a written Loan Estimate? I'll compare offers and make a decision within a few days.

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

• For Angle 1 (Rate Volatility Urgency): Establishes your timeline rather than accepting artificial urgency
• For Angle 2 (Availability Scarcity): Requests written documentation while committing to a specific timeline
• For Angle 3 (Commitment Questioning): Demonstrates seriousness through structured comparison process, not rushed decisions

The script treats decision timing as YOUR choice to make based on thorough comparison, not the lender's urgency to close.

➡ Key Takeaway

Comparison shopping takes time and is not the same as indecision. Get written Loan Estimates from multiple lenders and make your decision based on thorough comparison—not artificial urgency created by any single lender.