When you are thinking about buying a home, a very good first step is to chat with a lender.

  Lenders ask a few nosey questions about your income and bills to determine your debt-to-income ratio. That lets them and us know what price range you could be shopping in. The lender can also run your credit, to discover if there is anything on your report that would prevent or slow you down obtaining a home mortage.

  As a REALTOR, my job is to help guide you through the entire home-buying process - and getting a home mortgage is a HUGE part of this process.

  For several reasons, I strongly recommend that buyers talk to lenders with a building and a human being in the town where they are buying. I recommend AGAINST using most out-of-town lenders, especially ONLINE lenders.

  From the time you apply for your loan until you close on your new home - there is so much communication and coordination that must go on between your lender, your agent, various vendors, and you.

  When questions need answers or problems need resolution, I can go stand in front of your local lender's desk until that happens. With out-of-town or online lenders, all I can do is leave voicemails or emails. Local lenders rely on local business. REALTORS warn all future clients of any lenders who 'dropped the ball'.  

  When we write an offer to purchase a property, the seller typically wants a letter of loan pre-approval from your lender. If the letter is from an unknown lender that the seller or their agent doesn't know - that pre-approval letter does not mean much.

  For pre-approval purposes, I will gladly recommend reputable local lenders to you, lenders who will talk to you at no cost or obligation, lenders who have 100% successful track records with my previous clients. Just call me.