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Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate, Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker (Fred Griffin Real Estate)

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Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I prefer to wotk with local lenders, whose underwriting and processing is also local. But that being said, one of my best lenders is Wells Fargo private banking and their stuff is not done locally even though the LO is local. I look for lenders who do a basic underwriting in their pre-approval process, who are responsive, and who don't miss critical dates. Thinking outside the box is also always appreciated.

Jul 27, 2018 09:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

1.Answer my call.

2. Be honest - Yes or No.

If you are in mortgage industry and work in our area - you can give an answer within few days. 

Jul 27, 2018 09:44 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I prefer local but knowledge and strong communication skills are important. I have reached out to some lenders in this forum.

Jul 27, 2018 09:42 AM
Rainmaker
564,494
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

Responsiveness - Excellence in Communication - Honesty - Utmost professionalism - Knowledge that can be clearly explained in easy to understand language - Straight-forwardness - Attentiveness to the file - and a splash of overall 'upbeatness' !!

Jul 27, 2018 09:42 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Residential. One local guy Just. Does. Not. Screw. Up. Ever! He's in mid-40s and has 20+ years in. If his PQ accompanies an offer that crosses the brokers' desks, they go to the top of the pile.

He carefully vets the borrower. Including putting them through UW. He can spot red flags from the get. I call at 7 a.m. he's at his desk and answers his phone. I can text him weekends. His assistant has been with him for so long she's his second wife. Knows everything he does.

A couple of regionals, also amazing. Arizona has peculiar tribal customs, and Mohave County is different then many other areas of the state. We strongly suggest that borrowers 'shop local'.

Commercial, we have 2 local/regional small banks with extreme flexibility in their products--incl SBA. They fund all the development in this town.

One local CRE bank does all in-house funding, no conventional appraisal process but performs an internal review of the property. That's super attractive to a borrower not having to cut a check for $2000-10,000 for commercial appraisal, and if we know the property has the value, it's one less headache for us.

Jul 27, 2018 12:57 PM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Most of our business goes to local lenders who are trusted by other agents. In a hot market, with similar offers on the same property, it is often the lender choice which can make your offer stand out. 

Jul 27, 2018 12:50 PM
Rainer
417,221
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

From the other side- A lender must be deeply knowledgeable in how taxes are read, what products they have that fit, and able to close two days ahead of schedule. This takes a person who runs numbers in their head, has a soulful caring about finding the perfect fit and communicates fast often and true. Not the same personality as a Realtor we often are not the best salesmen. One other vital piece is the person has to know the capabilities of their own platform, i.e: exact turn times.  The mortgage industry is  morphing right as we speak- because the profitability of doing loans has gone down ( it costs $8000 about to do all the hundreds of checks and balances we run for one loan and we charge about $1400 for this). Wells laid off 9000 people, Chase gave notices to 800, small companies like Movement 100 -  in the last 20 days.  Small mortgage companies are consolidating or closing. A few have lost the cash lines that allow them to fund a loan then sell it in the coming weeks (instant death to the company). 

While Richard Branson brags about the tiny company he bought and added an APP (I have heard for 29 years that software and APPS can replace all the monkeys in mortgage) that can approve your loan in two hours. We have the software to pull bank statements now direct from the big box banks - but- the pickle is knowing which one NOT to use. AI will replace me if I go back to the software side where I began in this industry in 1987.

Be a partner,  not just a list of someone's three lenders

 

Jul 27, 2018 10:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Communication, ability to perform.  I have gotten advice from one of our regulars here before.

 

Location is not a concern, just their ability to discuss items with the clients.

Jul 27, 2018 10:12 AM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

We recommend experienced lenders with whom we have had great experience with in the past.

Jul 27, 2018 09:47 AM
Ambassador
3,854,909
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

 

There are two wonderful lenders on AR one local and one not.

Could not ask for better service from either one. 

 John Meussner 

 Bridget "Mortgage Mama" McGee 

Jul 27, 2018 03:54 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I prefer local these days.  It used to not matter to me. Now it does for reasons that shall not be made public.  I work with the Tom Parke Team with Mason McDuffie Mortgage.  They are flipping AMAZING.  Clients are raving about how great they are. 

Jul 27, 2018 02:09 PM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

We don't have that many buyers with financing in our area.  Hard to believe?

Mortgage broker should

Communicate (e-mail, phone call, text message) with 

a) Buyer

b) Agent

c) Condominium Association from day one

And be able to pre-approve or not approve customer I'd say in a short time. 

Most of the local mortgage brokers KNOW market and able advise prospective buyers in advance. 

When customer want to get a condo with financing first step is always contact a mortgage broker and only with "clearance" we can start our journey.

Jul 27, 2018 01:05 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Local is good, especially those that get the job done.

Jul 27, 2018 12:45 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,164
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I prefer highly regarded local mortgage loan officers. 

Jul 27, 2018 12:08 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

This is what I look for:

Will put the buyer in the best loan possible

Will return phone calls and emails

Their underwriting is done locally

The lenders I recommend are not member of AR

Attends closing and table funds

Cognizant of what a closing date is

Jul 27, 2018 11:42 AM
Ambassador
5,230,113
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I do prefer local and those who have in-house processors & underwriters as well. My 3 locals all offer that including my Wells Fargo & BOA wealth management lenders (private banking).

I do, however, have 2 other out-of-town lenders who both are fabulous and offer different packages so, I refer to them as well. 

Both of those out-of-town lenders are AR members also.

As for qualities - they NEVER miss a date, are ALWAYS responsive to my clients (and me) and NEVER create drama! If something unforeseen comes up, it's handled...and professionally so! Of course, competitive rates are important as well.

Jul 27, 2018 01:29 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

In my experience, local is best, but often it's only for plain vanilla.

Jul 27, 2018 11:23 AM
Rainer
17,008
KAREN FUNK
1st Choice Realty & Associates - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor Elk Grove Sacramento Seller Buyer Investor

I have 2 lender's I work with exclusively and here's why. They are experienced, honest, offer a wide variety of loan programs and only issue a preapproval letter once the client has submitted all documentation and been desk top underwritten. These guys submit clean files to underwriting, so no surprises halfway through escrow, they are direct lenders which means they can fund same day/ next day after signing and we close on time. This partnership serves my clients well and enhances my reputation as an agent that writes solid offer's for qualified buyers . They answer their phones on weekend's and keep me informed throughout the entire process. When our past clients are ready to sell/buy again, they want to work with us , because we took very good care of them.

Jul 27, 2018 07:56 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I prefer a local lender that answers his/her phone even on the weekends. 

Jul 27, 2018 04:42 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Local, relational, reciprocal and awesome for my clients.

In other words Jason E. Gordon 

Jul 27, 2018 08:25 PM
Rainmaker
660,906
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

I like to work with a local lender who takes the time to explain the loan process to the Buyers, to outline their options and to pre-qualify the Buyers based on received documents from them.

I also like when the Lender pro-actively tells what will be needed thoughout the transaction - e.g. on VA loans we always need a termite inspection report, even when there is no evidence of termites. In AZ, we have a step by step Loan Status Update - receiving those updates without asking for them is so much nicer, and saves time for everybody.

Jul 27, 2018 03:36 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

I prefer locals. And if needed I would recommend a local. A

Jul 27, 2018 02:10 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,620
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I do prefer local Fred Griffin BUT I've had good and bad experiences with both local and e-lenders.

Jul 27, 2018 01:29 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

local who you have access to it quickly.

Out of town No

Internet-will not accept it.

Jul 27, 2018 10:39 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I prefer local.  Good communications is a must.

Jul 28, 2018 07:00 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

We've worked with Mike Jones!

Jul 28, 2018 06:40 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

There are a couple of local banks in town that I refer people to. They are conservative & have a great rep. 

Jul 28, 2018 06:22 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Great communicator who puts service first and commission second. Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi and Joe Petrowski come to mind. I have personally met both. There are also others who post here in the Rain ready willing and able! 

Jul 28, 2018 05:43 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I look for LO's that know how to ask quesitons & extract info from them because they are scared to death. Conversational inquiry let's call it.

Knowledge of product also.

Local only, if you are an internet LO you are dead in the water with me.

Jul 28, 2018 04:25 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I want good communication and to know the lender is doing the job so Ican go about doing mine. I haven't had any deals yet with AR lenders.

Jul 27, 2018 08:26 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

the team members have one or two regulars and they're local....no online mortgages...

Jul 27, 2018 04:28 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

One who is reachable and makes hay while the sun shines

Jul 27, 2018 04:13 PM
Rainmaker
1,574,666
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Local, honest, hard working, available, communication intensive... no BS.

Jul 27, 2018 04:04 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I work a lot with a Wells Fargo person in Los Angeles, a couple of local lenders, and a credit union out of Virginia.

Jul 27, 2018 03:46 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I only want local. I want them to answer their phone when i call, answer my buyers calls , return messages, pre qual quickly and be honest with me if they can or can not buy.

Jul 28, 2018 05:20 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I prefer local, and do have a few who I usually refer. They need to know their stuff, be responsive and personable.

Jul 28, 2018 03:56 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Local

Jul 28, 2018 03:29 AM
Rainmaker
519,324
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

I was my lender until 2012.  When I decided not to renew that license and focus on RE, I needed to find someone who thought like I did. They needed to be personable, proactive, creative and persistent. I found a great lender who closed a transaction on one of my listings.  He gets first dibs on all my buyers ever since. 

Jul 27, 2018 11:27 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

communication, available, honest and local.  I think it's great when they come to closings as well.

Jul 27, 2018 09:40 PM
Rainer
427,257
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

One that I can trust my clients to. If I am recommending/referring someone, it is a reflection upon me too. I want someone that will do what they say, lay out the whole deal so my clients know what is going on & what to expect, and not change things unexpectedly in the middle of the process.

Jul 27, 2018 08:35 PM
Rainmaker
450,126
Dana Hollish Hill
Hollish Hill Group, JPAR Stellar Living - Bethesda, MD
REALTOR * Broker * Coach

I have a few local favorites. They are hard-working loan officers with different specialties and they answer questions and take my calls. 

Jul 27, 2018 06:16 PM
Rainer
378,517
Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

honesty and willing to communicate and be available to buyers beyond 9 to 5

 

Jul 27, 2018 02:21 PM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Local is the way to go.  I want to be able to look you in the eye.  I also want you to have a local address.  I don't believe real estate agents that try to service too big an area can be effective and I feel the same about lenders.

Jul 28, 2018 10:36 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I have three that I have worked with for years.  Look for great communication, updates from them, not having to call, and closing on time.   

Aug 02, 2018 11:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,291,481
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

I like reading the answers to these types of questions, Fred Griffin ... as I think they're educational for LOs and helpful.  So thank you for the opportunity and insights.

My gut reaction to most comments is that agents want and need from LOs much the same thing that LOs need from them.  Respect.  Good communication.  Professionalism.  Timely actions and reactions ... and the knowledge that a supreme effort is being made on their and their clients behalf.  All seem like reasonable requests and needs, yet so few successfully deliver in a consistent manner. 

ActiveRain provides us an opportunity to meet and form relationships with those professionals that conduct their business at the highest levels ...  work with them ... and refer them as well.   It's good to see that others here have much the same outlook ...

Gene

Jul 30, 2018 03:45 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Fred Griffin local lender with prompt responses and transparency in frequent communication.

Jul 28, 2018 10:04 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

local only

Jul 28, 2018 08:17 PM