Why Google Isn’t Your Loan Officer – And Never Will Be
The Real Reason Homebuyers Should Rely on Human Expertise Over Internet Advice
Why Googling Your Mortgage Questions Could Be Costing You
In today’s digital-first world, we all turn to Google or AI tools like ChatGPT for quick answers. Whether it's for cooking a turkey or diagnosing a weird rash (thanks, WebMD), it feels faster and easier than calling a professional.
But when it comes to home buying, this DIY approach can seriously backfire.
In the latest episode of The Lofty Lender podcast, Kyle Guldenpfennig (aka #TallMoneyMan) and mortgage strategist Charlie Chedester break down why relying solely on online searches can hurt more than help when it comes to mortgages—and what to do instead.
Generic Answers ≠ Personalized Advice
Let’s get one thing straight: Google doesn’t know you.
It doesn’t know:
Your income
Your job history
Your credit profile
The programs available in your specific state
Your long-term goals
Yet millions of buyers are trusting search engines with one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. That’s like diagnosing yourself with a terrible disease because you read about it in a Reddit thread.
The internet is filled with:
Outdated programs (like FHA loans discontinued in years past)
Location-specific offers not available in your area
Clickbait interest rate ads that are wildly misleading
Overly simplified advice that only tells part of the story
Real Life Example: What You Don’t Know Could Hurt You
Kyle shares a story about a buyer who believed they couldn't qualify for a mortgage because they hadn’t been at their job for two years and had a credit score under 700. Turns out, they were qualified — and actually in great shape — but had been misled by well-meaning friends and internet advice.
The truth? Mortgage rules are complex and constantly changing. Lenders like Kyle and Charlie work every day with underwriters, investors, and guideline changes that never make it to a Google search result.
AI Tools Like ChatGPT Are Helpful — If You Know How to Use Them
Both Kyle and Charlie appreciate the potential of AI tools. In fact, Kyle even tried using AI to uncover a “new” FHA program, only to find out it was outdated by 20 years.
AI is a great companion — but not a replacement — for human expertise. AI pulls from the past. Your lender pulls from current programs and actual experience.
Pro Tip: Use Google for Ideas, Not Answers
Need inspiration? Google is great. But when it comes to strategy, compliance, or qualifying for a mortgage, start by talking to a human first. You can always use AI later to confirm and explore—but without context, those answers can lead you down the wrong path.
The Clickbait Rate Trap
News headlines and social media often shout, “Rates are dropping!” But what they don’t tell you is the whole story:
Rates may have dropped from a recent spike, but they’re still higher than you think.
Advertised “low rates” might come with discount points, higher fees, or only apply to perfect borrowers.
Some lenders advertise artificially low rates just to harvest your data.
Don’t let misleading ads shape your expectations.
Actionable Takeaways From This Episode
Start with a Pre-Approval Conversation
Every loan is personal. Generic advice is not. Schedule a chat with your lender to map out your options.Ask Questions Freely
There are no dumb questions (except the one you don't ask). Your lender is here to educate you—not to judge you.Use AI and Google for Research — Not Final Answers
Let them supplement your learning, but don’t rely on them for the full picture.Understand That Emotion and Context Matter
Buying a home is emotional. Your lender can help you navigate the process in a way that a search engine never will.
Final Thought: Google Doesn’t Know You. Your Lender Does.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Don’t trust it to outdated blog posts or generic Reddit threads. Talk to someone who lives and breathes mortgages every day.
🎧 Listen Now:
Search for The Lofty Lender with #TallMoneyMan wherever fine podcasts are downloaded.
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
Stay Connected
Follow Kyle Guldenpfennig – #TallMoneyMan on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts
Subscribe to The Lofty Lender for weekly tips, stories, and strategies to become a smarter homeowner or investor.
Prefer face-to-face? Let's schedule a call — not a text thread.
TL;DR:
If you're Googling mortgage advice instead of talking to a lender, you’re missing the most important piece of the puzzle: you. Search engines and AI tools provide generic answers that don't account for your unique financial situation. In this episode of The Lofty Lender, Kyle Guldenpfennig and fellow mortgage expert Charlie Chedester explain why it's time to stop relying on clickbait mortgage advice and start a real conversation with a real lender.
