Tips for Choosing the Right Realtor and Lender
For most, choosing to purchase a home is a big decision. It’s key to find the right real estate agent and mortgage lender that can work together to help make the process easier for you, with each doing their part to get you into that home of your dreams. Look for:
- A real estate professional who knows the ins and outs of the homebuying market to help set you up for success to find the right home;
- A mortgage advisor who understands what it takes to finance a home today, and will guide you in getting your documentation in order to help get your loan approved as quickly as possible;
- A mortgage advisor who can educate you on the loan options available, helping you choose the right loan for your finances;
- A solid partnership between the real estate and mortgage professionals to work seamlessly to get your loan closed quickly and get you into your new home.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right homebuying team:
- Do Your Research
The market is changing every day. That’s why it is wise to shop around and talk to a few local lenders and agents in your area to learn more about the types of loan programs offered, current market rates and current listings available. This will also give you the chance to explain any unique financial needs you may have, along with your timeline and exactly what you are looking for in your new home. Note – while it’s tempting to choose a loan officer that advertises the “best rate,” it’s important to know that all mortgages are not created equal, making it important to take into account the full picture of your loan costs including any fees, as well as the level customer service you’ll receive, the loan officer’s knowledge and experience, and more.
2. Referrals and Testimonials
You can learn a lot about a lender or agent based on online reviews and testimonials from past clients. Happy customers mean top reviews, and can provide important insights into their homebuying journey. Visit lender and agent websites, Google, Yelp or Facebook pages, or even talk to recent clients, if possible, to get an inside look at their experience.
3. Communication
Communication is key during the homebuying process, so having a team that keeps in touch with you to provide updates on the market outlook, status of your loan and any current listing information – while providing honest feedback – is important. When researching lenders and agents, reach out to get a feel for how it’ll be to work with them. Also find out if they have the latest technology required to keep you in the loop 24/7 via text, email and cell phone notifications so you always know where your loan is at, or have the ability to contact them with questions.
4. Knowledge and Experience
Choosing experts in both the real estate market and loan process is important when choosing the right team to help you purchase a home. Whether you’re new to the process or are a seasoned homeowner, your agent and loan officer should be able to guide you through the process, providing you with the information you need based on your needs. Also don’t forget to ask about professional awards, years of experience, licenses and credentials to ensure you’re selecting the right team for your needs.
Start your homebuying journey by contacting one of Inlanta’s expert mortgage advisors today, click here to find a local lender within your area or contact us for more information. And if you don’t have a homebuying agent yet, we’d also love to help connect you with one of our top real estate partners.