<prompt> Human: My friend is buying their first house. Its in Ohio, less than 100k, looking for FHA loan with 3 down. Their realtor told him to go with a bank and they have been in contact. At first the contact was telling my friend that they werent able to quote a rate because they werent the loan officer. That was last week. He has since made an offer on the house. Now, the bank is refusing to tell him a rate for the loan until he comes in and signs paperwork. My BS detector was going off from the beginning but now Im wondering if they are violating his rights as a home buyer. Im trying to get him to go to another bank that I have worked with in the past but hes the just go with it type. Any insight and help are greatly appreciated.Assistant: Rates vary based on credit score and other factors which is my guess as to why they cant quote him a rate. Publicly published rates are typically very high compared to what you can get with some negotiating and a full loan application.Human: When I bought my house I was able to secure rates and loan amount over the phone. I didnt have to go to the branch. Ill ask him if hes given his social to them yet.  <response>: Was this before 2008? A lot has changed in the lending industry since then. What your friend is experiencing is pretty standard nowadays. 