Where to check the home loan rates for comparison

[Anonymous]

I need some advise regarding the current rate for home loans. I got a reference for a lender from my real estate agent because of he knows him and they know how to move things faster, whatever. Of course they say I am free to use whoever I want but he recommends this lender. So I called the lender and he jumps on it and sends me a prefilled application with the GFE and all. So he throws "today's rate is X"... which he wants me to lock on asap. He says if the rate goes down he'll adjust but it can't go up. When I search rates online, or for example in real estate sites like redfin and trulia they show you estimated monthly payment assuming some "current" rate, the rates appear to be at least a quarter of a point lower than what this guy says. So I ask why I can see lower rates online and he comes up with... "we'll this is what I see now, you have to careful with what you see online, they are usually not accurate of have hidden fees", etc. etc.
So the question is, how do I know that this guy is truly telling me the lowest rate he can give me? He's a broker so he's "selling" me a loan with a commission that is likely tied to the rate he gives me. Where can I check a reliable source that I can use for my negotiation or that I can actually use instead of this lender. I am growing very weary of real estate agents and lenders which seem to be looking after their own interests and not mine. Now i'm even worried that I decide not to go with this lender the agent will somehow screw me somewhere just to say "i told you should have gone with my buddy...".... aghh. this is so emotionally tiring.

I'd appreciate any advice.

[Anonymous]

bankrate.com is my go to site. It varies day by day, but I like the fact that is has local banks and lenders. I also like the fact that it gives you an idea of the fees involved in the loan. They can vary significantly and you need to factor this in to your intitial costs.

You can always find a few brokers/ banks who you feel are trustworthy and call them daily to find out rates and it can't hurt to ask one if they will match the rate the other is quoting if their fees are better.

FWIW, you can also negotiate the loan costs in this economic climate.

[Anonymous]

Websites are not a good way to comparison shop, checking with 2 or 3 lenders (on the same day) is.

I would call the following people, who I always find to be extremely competitive and 100% reliable. I'd be shocked if all 3 don't have a lower rate:

1) Jennifer Landgraff at First Financial Service 202-249-9871

2) Scott Shepard at First Place Bank 301-257-8681

3) Gregg Busch at First Savings Mortgage, 202-256-7777