Background: I've lived in my house for 6 years, a...

Background: I've lived in my house for 6 years, and have known for the past 2 that I should refinance and get a better rate. When we decided to get a pool for that back yard, it was time to go ahead and refinance and get cash out for the project.

I started out working with Mark Amelio via eLend, and was quickly approached by my existing mortgage company (the bank with initials WF, claiming to be Number 1 in lending). I decided to give my existing bank a try (and told Mark I was going elsewhere). I ended up getting a non-workable appraisal, far below other values in my neighborhood for smaller homes, and other challenges with the bank, thus killing the deal with my bank.

I went back to Mark Amelio, and picked right up where we had left off - even able to keep the original rate lock where it was. In fact - they were able to adjust and do better than what my bank had offered. I paid for a new appraisal, and 3 weeks later, we closed without a hitch. I never had difficulties getting Mark or anyone else from their organization on the phone. They were very responsive, called when something was needed, were exceptionally professional, and did what my bank couldn't do.

Keep in mind - I fully understand that certain things are out of the control of the original bank, but as a client with years of paying my mortgage on time, exceptional credit, and the goal of reducing my payment, one would think a bank could do more for an existing client. Oh, and the lack of returned calls and other engagement - that came from the big bank.

Thanks AFR. Good job.