Finding the right mortgage planner is no different than hiring a lawyer or an accountant. It can be easier, though, to think more about the company and the process more than the individual who will be assisting you. When selecting a mortgage planner, it is important to remember that they will guide you through the largest financial transaction of your life, so don’t leave it to chance with an online stranger or being one of hundreds of applications stacked on a banker’s desk.
It is important to ask the right questions to the mortgage planner with whom you plan to work. To remember the right questions to ask, use the acronym, “PRESS.”
Process
Ask your prospective lender to walk you through the homebuying process. As a first-time homebuyer, you are going to need someone who can explain the steps to you and make sure things run seamlessly. The loan process requires a great deal of paperwork and can be extremely overwhelming. Often, you will have to provide employment and credit verification as well as income and asset verification multiple times before closing. You want to choose an expert who will be able to answer all your questions and concerns to alleviate your stress.
Rates
Ask your prospective mortgage planner what their company’s mortgage interest rates are based on and inquire about the current economic report and related factors that could cause movement in the current rate. A loan professional should have the economic report information readily available and be able to explain the impact it could have on your rate. They should also be able to elaborate on why mortgage interest rates are based on mortgage-backed securities or mortgage bonds.
Experience
Ask the loan officer to tell you how long they have been in the mortgage industry. The more experienced they are, the more likely they are to have dealt with any challenges during the homebuying process. If you encounter an issue, a experienced lender is more likely than a beginner to have the insight and resources to easily solve any issues.
Specialty
To make certain the person you choose is going to be a good fit for your particular loan product, inquire about their area of expertise. Someone with specific experience in purchasing is going to be much more beneficial to you than someone who specializes in refinancing. Our experienced Mortgage Planners cover all facets of lending.
Success
Ask your prospective planner how many loans closed in the past year. This is a good indicator of how successful they have been in helping people achieve their goal of affording their dream home. Ask to see some recommendations or simply look them up on LinkedIn or do a Google search of their company’s reputation.
Finding a mortgage planner with whom you feel comfortable and who understands your needs is an important part of the huge financial decision to purchase a house. The right person should be able to answer in detail all of the questions we discussed above, and more. They should be able to thoroughly explain the mortgage process as well as work through any possible problems that may arise. We have only the best team working with us. Call me today to learn more.