BROKERS CAN NEVER GIVE A RATE LOWER THAN THAT OF A BANK CAN OFFER. EVEN IF THEY USUALLY HAVE MORE INFORMATION FROM DIFFERENT BANKS/FINANCING INSTITUTE, YOU CAN GET THOSE INFORMATION FROM WETSITE/FRIENDS, TOO.
No any charges to get residential mortgages from broker.
With electronic access to dozens of different lenders the broker remains unbiased and will shop the market to find the institution that is offering the best all around deal. i.e.. Rate. Pre-payment privileges, etc.