📊 The Spreadsheet is Undefeated: Why Our Mortgage Process is Built Different

If you’ve ever wondered what makes one mortgage lender stand out from the next, you’re not alone. That’s exactly what we dove into in this episode of The Lofty Lender, titled “The Spreadsheet is Undefeated.” I sat down with my colleague and friend Charlie Chedester to unpack what makes our mortgage process unique — and how one simple tool (yes, a spreadsheet!) can transform the entire homebuying experience.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, investor, or just someone mortgage-curious, this episode is full of insight that will help you make smarter financial decisions when it comes to your next home purchase.

🔑 Why the Spreadsheet Wins Every Time

At the heart of our mortgage planning process is something surprisingly simple: a custom-built mortgage spreadsheet.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: Really? A spreadsheet?

Yes — and here’s why it’s a game-changer.

Most lenders give you a quote and leave it at that. Maybe you’re told what your monthly payment will be after you find a house. Maybe you get a vague approval number, but no clarity on what that really means for your budget. That’s risky, confusing, and frankly, outdated.

Our approach? We build your mortgage plan up front. Using real numbers, customized inputs, and your goals in mind, we create a visual tool that shows:

• ✅ Estimated monthly payments

• ✅ Cash-to-close breakdowns

• ✅ Multiple loan comparisons (FHA vs. Conventional, for example)

• ✅ How putting more (or less) down affects your payment

• ✅ Taxes, mortgage insurance, and HOA fees — all factored in

• ✅ Your personalized financial comfort zone

Charles puts it best: “Every mortgage lender is gonna be very, very similar. We all have basically the same options. Not every lender knows how to use those options to get all the benefits out of it.”

That’s where we’re different.

🤝 Budget First, Pre-Approval Second

Rather than throwing out pre-approvals left and right, our process is grounded in education and planning. When you first reach out to us — whether through a phone call, online survey, or walk-in (rare, but it happens!) — we’re immediately thinking about your budget, goals, and comfort level.

Even with just a few basic details (like credit score, monthly income, and down payment plans), we can start mapping out realistic, side-by-side options on our spreadsheet.

This helps you see exactly what you’re signing up for before you fall in love with a home outside your price range.

"That spreadsheet broke down options for me. It showed me different ways to do this. It helped me figure out what made the most sense — and ultimately that’s why I chose to work with you.”
— A recent happy client

🧠 FHA vs. Conventional? Let’s Do the Math

In this episode, we also talked about how the spreadsheet helps uncover surprising truths. For instance, many buyers assume conventional loans are always better, especially if they have great credit.

Not necessarily.

Sometimes, an FHA loan actually results in a significantly lower monthly payment — even for buyers with high credit scores. Why? Lower interest rates, lower mortgage insurance costs in some cases, and more flexible underwriting.

The only way to know what’s best? Plug it into the spreadsheet and compare.

🧾 Real Numbers Beat Verbal Quotes

Verbal quotes are confusing and often misleading. Even as mortgage pros, Charles and I agree that when someone rattles off interest rates and fees over the phone, it’s hard to keep track.

We believe you deserve to see the full picture, and that’s why our spreadsheet is so effective. It’s:

• ✅ Transparent

• ✅ Tailored

• ✅ Visual

• ✅ Easy to update as things change

We’re not just quoting you numbers — we’re building a financial strategy.

💡 No Stress, No Surprises

Another benefit of our spreadsheet process is that it helps eliminate surprises at the closing table. We regularly review our predictions versus actual closing numbers and aim to project conservatively — meaning you often end up bringing less money to the table than expected.

It’s all about keeping your stress low and your confidence high.

“We projected that your cash to close was going to be $35,820. You brought $35,200. I'd rather be a little high than surprise you with more.” — Kyle #TallMoneyMan

🙋 Why Work With Us?

We’re not here to pressure you.

We’re here to give you knowledge, clarity, and the power to make decisions that are right for you. Our spreadsheet is just one piece of that. But behind it is a team that cares about your long-term success, not just closing a deal.

When you work with us, you get:

• 🎯 Clear expectations

• 💬 Honest advice

• 🔍 Side-by-side comparisons

• 🧠 Budget-driven strategy

• 📉 Potential cost savings (yes, even just $20 here and there adds up!)

“We’re not just doing your mortgage. We want to help you budget better, build credit, avoid stress, and reach financial freedom sooner.” — Charles Chedester

🚀 Ready to See the Spreadsheet in Action?

Visit TeamChedester.com and take our short homebuyer survey to get started. Whether you're actively house hunting or just planning ahead, we’ll build a custom mortgage plan that gives you the full picture.

And if you want to dive deeper into conversations like this one, search for The Lofty Lender podcast with #TallMoneyMan wherever fine podcasts are downloaded. 🎧

👉 Don’t forget to follow us on social media:

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🧠 Search: #TallMoneyMan or The Lofty Lender

The Spreadsheet is Undefeated.
The best mortgage decisions start with a plan — and we’re here to help you build it.