Always Be Honest with Your Doctor and Your Mortgage Broker – Here’s Why

A survey by WebMD suggests that nearly half of all patients lie to their doctors. Why? Fear. Embarrassment. Concerns about being judged about how they eat, what they drink, what they do (or don’t do).

The problem with lying to your doctor is that it can have adverse consequences. If you’re not honest about what you eat or drink or the medications you take, then your doctor can’t recommend the best regimen, prescriptions, or tests. Sure, you might save yourself from embarrassment in the short term, but as for the long term? Well, you can use your imagination.

What’s interesting is that I find people are sometimes equally as nervous when it comes to talking to mortgage brokers. Of course, I can understand why—opening up your financial life to someone can feel daunting, and it’s easy to worry about being judged. But just like with the doctor, if we don’t have complete information on your financial picture, we can’t provide the best “prescription” for your situation.

Here’s the GOOD news, however. Unlike a doctor who might scold your lack of exercise or fast-food diet, mortgage brokers don’t make any judgments, and there’s no need to justify anything to us. Our job isn’t to “fix” anything that’s broken (for example, if you have credit card debt). Instead, our job is to guide you, educate you, and help you understand what makes sense based on your financial goals and circumstances. That’s all.

Now, don’t you feel better?