Getting down to the business of buying a home can be some pretty heavy stuff especially if it’s your first time buying a home or you’re completely new to an area. It’s one thing to buy local and deal with a realtor and loan officer you’ve done business with in the past, but when it comes time to vet new real estate professionals, things can get mucky!
So how do you match yourself up with your ideal realtor or loan officer? It takes a little time and research, but we’ve simplified the process in today’s post.
References are King
No matter where you choose to start in matching a real estate professional, you’re bound to run into past clients so why not start there?
Past clients are a virtual gold mine for you to better understand the people you’ll potentially be working with in buying your new home. Their wealth of knowledge both about the realtors and lenders you’re looking at as well as experience with others in the local area can potentially give you a one stop shop for reviews.
Look at Their Resume
Of course, we’re not talking about actually pulling their physical resume, but find out the track record your realtor or lender has in closing sales or getting their clients the best rates on a mortgage. If you’ve already found some of their past clients, then you’ve got a leg up on formulating a wholistic picture of past performance.
On the other hand, some of that information may need to come from the professional themselves. While many small market real estate professionals are truthful in their dealings and past experience, always be wary of the classic salesman and use your good judgement.
Review Credentials and Licensing
Along those lines, ensure that the people involved in your real estate transaction are qualified for the work in their respective field. In general, most real estate professionals operate under the necessary licenses and credentials required by their state and respective professional trade organizations, but always double check.
In the event that any part of your real estate transaction goes awry, there may be safeguards for licensed professionals to help make amends or renegotiate your contract. One thing you know for sure, licensed, credentialed real estate professionals will ensure that your dealings with them are on the up and up.
Picking the Realtor or Loan Officer for You
When it comes down to it, pick the professional you feel most comfortable with and go with your gut. If you have any bad feelings or bad vibes from anyone (whether warranted or not), it’s best to just walk away. After all, at this stage in your home buying journey, you’ve got nothing to lose by simply saying no to a realtor.
In selecting the right loan officer, make sure that you go with one with the experience and knowledge necessary to get you the absolute best deal on a mortgage possible. Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc., for example, has over 20 years of experience and has the loan officers to make your buying endeavor the best it can possibly be.
Call Tidewater today or fill out our simple online application. Either way, you can get pre-qualified for the mortgage you need for your new home and get dialed in with an experienced loan officer!
