re: Should we use a mortgage broker?

Seems like that depends on how long you plan on staying in the house. If you plan on staying a while, I'd pay the closing costs myself and get the lower rate. If you only plan on being there say 3 or 4 yrs, I'd probably save the closing costs and just pay the higher rate. I had my mtg broker just run the numbers both ways. In my case it was better for me to pay closing and get the lower rate. Just don't get fooled into thinking a no closing deal is that great. You could have gotten a better rate if you just pay the fees up front.