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It baffles me the numbers of agents I talk with that are nervous about the possibility for a settlement to be delayed, even after the LO knows when the settlement date is, and agrees to do the loan.  In my opinion, ALWAYS closing the loan on time is the number one most important goal for any loan officer!   

When seeking a mortgage, you don't want clients to be stuck in-between two homes having to stay in a hotel for a week because your loan package has been delayed.  Or even worse the deal falls through...

The hardest part about trying to gain a Real Estate Agent’s trust and business really seems to be that they already have something that they know works most of the time, although it may not be the best, and they are hesitant to try something new.  aka: Why fix it if it isn't broken?

In my (Loan Officer’s) opinion, the top qualities of a loan officer and lending institution to meet the most important goal, the ability to ALWAYS close the loan on time, are:

  1. Timely response to all requests from clients and agents
  2. Upfront about fees and expectations
  3. Accessibility of underwriting and processing staff
  4. Ability to connect with clients and provide a high level of service
  5. Specific subject knowledge and expertise about the loan process and programs
  6. Competitive interest rates
  7. Delivery of loan package early 
  8. Unique loan programs to meet certain clients’ criteria
  9. Ability to make business decisions on loans that don’t fit the exact mold 
  10. LAST: The very best interest rates

mortgage_loan_officer_qualities

If you noticed, everything relating to physically ensuring that there will be no mistakes and the loan WILL in fact close on time is near the top, with the very best interest rates being at the bottom. 

What are your top qualities / goals for a Loan Officer?

 

Nick Pakulla signature

Nick Pakulla / Loan Officer / NMLS# 728211 / First Place Bank Mortgage Lender / 15400 Calhoun Drive, Rockville MD 20855 / 301.585.7283 / http://www.nickhomeloan.com

Click Here to go to my Bank Website linkedin_nick_pakulla.png twitter_nick_pakulla_pakulla_lending.png

Call Me Direct: 301.585.RATE (7283)

 

74 Comments on REALTORS - What are your most desired qualities in a Loan Officer?

APR
18
2010
154,733 Points 1 Featured Post

#1 is hands down the most important!  You would be surprised how many mortgage brokers never call you back!!

8:34am • #1
307,474 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

1. I like it when the loan officer answers the phone, or better yet, calls me first, or emails, with progress or lack thereof.

2. No fee or cost surprises for the buyer.

3. I don't want access to the underwriter. It's the loan officers job to put together an acceptable package and have problems solved before thy get to the underwriter.

4. Yes to 6,7,8, & 9.

5. No necessarily so. Sometimes you have to pay a little more for top quality.

8:51am • #2
781,593 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

1. A loan officer who works with a challenged customer even though it may take months, rather than just tossing the file.

2. I work all hours. Pick your phone up when I call- or send a quick text to let me know that I am going to get a call.

9:00am • #3
1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Jennifer, Glenn, and Ellie - thanks for the replies! Its very good to hear what other Realtors think, and search for ways to continuously improve!  

10:21am • #4
724,124 Points 223 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

This is an outstanding, seldom discussed area of the industry. I commend you for bringing it up. 

My thoughts:

  • Pick up the ball and run with it. Don't make me the liaison between you and the buyers- get the docs from them directly, and develop a relationship with them.
  • Never, ever 2nd-guess me. 
  • Return my calls. On the flip side, don't call me every time you take a pee.  
  • Never make a promise you cannot keep. Do what you say you'll do.
  • Last minute surprises are bad. Very bad.   

5:51pm • #5
278,556 Points 15 Featured Posts

Servic, knowldege, follow up. Keep it simple for the client despite the complexity of the mortgage rules.

5:52pm • #6
136,259 Points

Must close on time period....everything is a distant second!

5:54pm • #7
144,730 Points Outside Blog

A lender that works when i do! Return calls or a least answer my texts! We work weekends so should my lender.

6:12pm • #8
865,593 Points 50 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Honest communications...  That is the most important thing for me...  Rates need to be good, but great rates won't make up for the issues that arise from a lack of honesty and communication...

6:15pm • #9
4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I ended up dropping one loan officer for a single reason.  She NEVER answers her phone.  All phone calls go to voice mail.  She checks her voice mail two or three times per day and I started to believe she cherry-picked which ones to respond to.  This call was the last from me:

"Hi, *** - This is Debbie White - it's just before 9AM.  I've got a client in my office, sitting at my desk right now.  He would like to come over today to talk to you as it's his only day off before he goes back to the mine. (That's a camp job - 10 days on, 2 days off, one of them being Sunday)  Also, my husband and I decided to refinance down to a 15-year mortgage and would like to lock the rate ASAP.  You already have our loan and other information on file from when we met a few weeks ago.  Please call me as soon as possible so I can place this client with you.  Later today is fine for my personal issue."

It was THREE DAYS before I received a call back.  Haven't called her since.  Refinanced with someone else, sent the client elsewhere.

6:18pm • #10
4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Oh, and the loan officer was there that day.  She went to lunch with one of my coworkers that same day.  My client closed on a $350,000 house five weeks later.

6:26pm • #11

Communication and honesty! On my last closing the loan officer screwed up on one of the documents, lied to me and then wouldn't return my phone call for a week! Finally it got all squared away and we closed about 2 weeks late. I don't need to deal with that kind of crap.

7:13pm • #12
1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

J – true, good point about not emailing or calling TOO much.

Joe – This is a great one, do you guide someone to what is best for them based on their situation, or give them way too many options.  Keeping it simple and guiding the client based on your experience and their needs is key.

Gary – Glad you agree!

Debbie – Your second post is icing on the cake!  I think at times even if you can’t get to something, at least admitting it upfront is better than not even responding.  Letting someone know when you will be able to get to it, is better than leaving the client (or you) unsure if it is being worked on or not.  

7:23pm • #13
224,700 Points 38 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

As an attorney in Massachusetts, I get to work with a lot of loan officers. I like the comment that one of the realtors made about working hard on the difficult loans. People who don't fit the classic mold can often be good Borrowers. Use some creativity; try not to say no. If you say no, give the potential customer some other options.

7:29pm • #14
1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Duane –Expectations to “be there” on the weekends.  That’s really a key difference between Realtors and LO’s, with technology – cell phones and laptops, LO’s can be anywhere on the weekend and still completely accessible. 

Lane and Kevin - Even if one happens to make a mistake (I think we can all be considered human... sometimes?), admitting it and working to openly resolve the problem instead of covering it up can save a relationship, and in most cases can also prevent closing from being delayed.  This is also where a LO's access to underwriting and processing staff can make or break a closing date.

7:32pm • #15
385,813 Points 25 Featured Posts Outside Blog

As a Realtor I just want my mortgage broker to take care of my clients.

I want them to reduce my stress level during the transaction.

Nice question.

Ken

8:01pm • #16

I just want the to be honest, and Try there best and know there loans. I would never expect a LO to be working on a week end, I only work week ends after pre quail my customer on a week day.

8:48pm • #17
Localism Sponsor

I appreciate the post and all the comments.  As a Mortgage Loan Officer, my philosophy...

Honesty, Integrity & Straight Forward Answers

On each specific client & loan;

  • Communication with client & Real Estate Agent
  • Loan Program fit with client's needs
  • Close the loan...on time

there are obviously several sub-categories, under the three...but focus on being great on the three

8:58pm • #18
108,971 Points Outside Blog

Communication and Deliver what you say you are going to deliver

9:24pm • #19
144,443 Points 1 Featured Post

One extremely important thing that I hear most from my clients- please get them a clear list of all documents that may be requested...  Even if you explain that you only need particular one at this time - be ready to be asked for the following... they are already going through the files- why not grab everything- digging in every other day does not make them happy!  And then I have to hear about it too along with every other complaint... 

9:51pm • #22
6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

I have experienced buyer shock at rate at closing! So in addition to competitive rate or the very best rate, it is nice to know when it's locked, so I can mark it on my file upon rate lock. That is just too important a factor to misunderstand! Good post.

10:15pm • #23
5 Featured Posts

Great post.

 

I always give my clients a list of every condition I've ever been asked for, I give a copy of the same list to their Realtor.  It puts the responsibility back on the borrower to perform in a timely manner.  As conditions come in I shoot off a quick e-mail to the Realtor so they always know what's going on.

 

I'll also ask my Realtors what they need from their client, it helps to work from both sides to get everything we need.  I may be calling about x condition and in the course of the conversation with the client I'll say you know your Realtor and I were talking this morning and they say they need y from you, if you have it ready I'll swing over and pick it up along with x.

 

And I'm always working 24/7/365.  Even on vacation I always have my phone and computer on and ready to jump into action.  That's the nice thing about this side of the business I can be sitting on a beach in Hawaii and still be productive and getting work done.  In fact right now I'm in Florida for the shuttle landing, been here a week and opened 3 new loan files!

 

On the flip side of this I expect my Realtors to never question what product I'm putting our client in or the fees their paying.  I'm the one who has looked at their full financial picture, their credit report and a host of other items that Realtors typically don't see.

 

Long story short I had a Realtor who "knew" more than me, she took the client to another lender who put the client in a pay option arm.  Clients went to notice of default, contacted a lawyer and sued the agent (for working out their scope), and the other lener for predatory lending and loan fraud.  Guess who lost, lost their license and had to come up with a huge chunk of change out of pocket because their E&O didn't cover them.

 

Moral of the story we all have to work together for the best outcome of the client.  It doesn't matter that I peddled properties, I would never second guess a Realtor simply due to the fact that I've been out of the property game for so long.

10:40pm • #24
837,453 Points 163 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

One of my biggies is responsiveness, along with giving my clients a competitive deal.  Another one that comes to mind is knowing whether a deal will work or not BEFORE I meet with the buyer.

10:44pm • #25
290,486 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hello:

Your list is pretty complete. My main thing is: the loan officer need great communication skills, and must be at the closing no matter what.

11:31pm • #26
680,088 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I want a LO that is part of the process from the beginning to the end.  No passing the file, no we don't talk to Realtor's, no the files is in 10 buck 2.... I want to know what is going on.. communicate, communicate, communicate  -- with me and with the buyers.

11:41pm • #27
531,037 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Your #1 is the most important... then one who keeps you in the loop.. Great communication is a must

11:56pm • #28
APR
19
2010
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

1.  Promptly return calls.  This includes evenings and weekends.  I work evenings and weekends, and so should you.

2.  Don't be a "Yes" man.  If you say you can get it done upfront, then you better get it closed.  This is my livelyhood and my reputation on the line.

3.  Give the client a fair deal.  And that means don't be bragging to me about how you made a killing off of that last client.  Sure, you deserve fair compensation, but not a kings ransom just because the client didn't know any better.  I look forward to the day when the lenders commission is shown a a line item on the HUD, my has been for years, and so should yours.

4.  Know your business and stay on top of it.  I shouldn't have to make sure you are doing your job.

5.  Be professional and courteous to the client, even when the drop a bomb on you right before closing.  Part of your job is solving problems, so do it professionally.

6.  Refi's should come second.  Don't ignore my client and then use the excuse that you've been slamed with Refi's.  I know that's part of your business, but if the Refi slips a couple of days, the impact is minimal compared to a closing slipping a couple of days.

7.  Get Doc's to Title a minimum of 48 hrs before closing.  Don't tell my you underwriter / processor / drafter is swamped, that just shows me that your not staffed properly and that someone elses file is taking precedent over my clients.

8.  Don't take month long vacations.  If your doing good enough to afford them, then your probably not hungry enough to meet my expectations.

Best wishes Nick.  Hope this helps.

12:38am • #29
579,208 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Please, please, please don't make promises you can't keep!  Preapprovals that you can't make good on are no good for my client or me.   Way too many LO's throw a ton of loans up against a wall to see what will stick. This is utterly unfair to the borrower - and also to me.  If referred you to my client - I now not only have lost a commission, but I also have egg on my face.

1:00am • #31
513,653 Points 88 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

How about talking to the buyers agent to make sure the commitment date they put in the contract is a realistic date because if it isn't met...buyers and buyers heads could roll.

6:31am • #32
100,237 Points 1 Featured Post

Great list, as Jason mentioned responsiveness is HUGE and Agents want to know long before their in our car wether or not they are going to get approved. I think one last thing that is a bonus which can really make you stand out as a lender, is reciprocating leads.

6:35am • #33

Communication is key!!! Email, fax or call to let the agent know the status and update.... even if there isn't an update.... let us know where everything is. On day 20, we should not get a call a problem in underwriting. Also, be available. This is a very important step and loan officers need to also be available even on the weekends when a client has a question. There are lenders who are great, take the loan, run with it and I know everything is progressing unless I receive a phone call- those are the best!!!

Wendy Hodges
7:25am • #34
115,637 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

For me, communication, accessibility, responsiveness and delivering as promised. You better be a straight shooter with me - lip service will get you nowhere.

7:27am • #35
109,714 Points 8 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

The #1 reason that I work with my LO is HONESTY.  He tells me upfront about potential stumbling blocks & when we encounter a problem, he tells me immediately.  I will not give an LO repeat business if he stops answering my calls & emails, then delays or cancels the deal within a day or two of closing.

7:27am • #36
193,276 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

I agree that the rates are far down on the list. First of all for me, don't tell me what you think I want to hear, tell me what I want to hear, The Truth. I can handle The Truth, even if my buyer can't.  With the truth, all is possible. We can deal with it without wasting anyone's time or creating unrealistic expectations.

Thank you

7:34am • #37

I agree that honesty is very important.  Be upfront with me and my clients about whether they can get financing, what rates and what fees are involved, and if any problems may come up.  I'm trying to find a good loan officer to work with here in Philadelphia! Any recommendations????

7:41am • #38

The number one thing for us is accessibility.  We as agents have to be accessible odd hours and days of the week.  We don't stop working at 5 p.m. and take every weekend off.  So we need a lender who will has the same business philosophy.  The second thing is timely response.  As agents, time if critical, especially when we have bank owned or short sale properties that are selling within 1 to 2 days on the market.  We want our buyer in top position with their offer so they get the property they want.  A lender has to be available by phone, text, and email to send us the LSR so we can get the contract moving.  The number three thing is honesty.  Way too many times over the years we have heard the lender say "I left them a voice message."  Why would a client eager to buy a home, who is calling us stating the lender still hasn't returned my 2 voice messages not return the lender's phone call?  It does not make sense.  These are all crucial in this market..

8:27am • #39
291,720 Points 5 Featured Posts

Thanks for the post. I say be available. Don't run and hide. Whether it's good or bad news, pick up the phone and deliver it! Thanks again!

9:28am • #40
773,162 Points 92 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I'd say the single most important quality in a loan officer is to make my client feel like he or she is walking on water.

9:51am • #41
228,471 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Keys to success as a lender: (1) call everyone back right away; (2) perform like you said.  It's that simple!!

10:38am • #42
1 Featured Post

Absolutely number 1 IS number 1 in my book. I would add to that to please contact me when they make contact with the client. THere is nothing so frustrating as to not knowing whether or not your loan officer has talked to the client yet or not...

2:47pm • #43
861,456 Points 76 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

#1 is a dealbreaker for me. If a loan officer doesn't do #1, he's off "my list" of recommended lenders.

2:58pm • #44
111,266 Points Called Shot Master

Just commuincate honestly and be available.  I am available 7 days a week within reason.  My realtors and I game plan on Fridays, so I typically know when they will be needing me on a weekend. 

5:36pm • #47
154,308 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Nick, my partner and I have a great loan officer we deal with. The key ingredient is he keeps us informed throughout the process. If it is not going to work he tells us.

Unforseeing problems that cannot be controlled we close as scheduled.

5:47pm • #49
3 Featured Posts

One who selects me to be his appraiser ;-)

6:09pm • #50
1 Featured Post

Nick, you have all the right points. These are ALL  the qualities I look for, and pray for, in a Loan Officer. Unfortunately, it is very hard to find ONE that actually does all these wonderful things!

6:20pm • #51
351,678 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Your list is great - I think knowledge of loan programs, great communications with the buyers and me, and honesty are huge!  Also I want a loan officer who is kind and willing to answer questions and reassure 1st time home buyers or help someone who needs to do some credit repair without embarrassing them...

6:31pm • #52
5 Featured Posts

@Allen:  "I look forward to the day when the lenders commission is shown a a line item on the HUD, my has been for years, and so should yours."

It is and has been for years.

 

6:37pm • #53

Number 5 is very important to me. 

6:39pm • #54
258,815 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Nick, I think you have a pretty solid list there. Thanks for the post. I'm going over in my mind if the lenders I work with match up with what you do.

7:04pm • #55
1,400,535 Points 109 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Honesty

An ability and willingness to communicate

An ability and willingness to be as accurate as possible

Willingness to make schedules work.

7:08pm • #56

For me, the worst thing is when the LO leads you to believe everything is moving along fine, then the right before closing date informs you that the loan cannot be granted after all.

8:00pm • #57
1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

Following up is important to me, being proactive and a part of the transaction AND making sure that the client completely understands what type of loan they are getting and the fees involved. I can't tell you how many times I've had a client say to me "I don't really understand the loan or the fees associated with them" or "My broker is never around to answer questions."

8:36pm • #58
1,114,669 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

My top priorities of a mortgage professional is someone who reciprocates and helps build my business as much as I help build theirs. If you can't be a "partner" in my business with me to work with my clients, I don't really care about the rest of what you have to offer because I come together as a package with my clients as well.

8:42pm • #59
243,095 Points 17 Featured Posts

Based on a couple of recent transactions I would move the ability to guarantee the loan will fund (barring buyer fraud or other catastrophe) to the top of my list. I've seen properties appraise fine with strong buyers and the banks are still looking for reasons to deny. I need a lender who understands how to avoid those situations. Service, of course, is still critical, but I will take performance over communication these days. Don't call me every day and think everything is fine unless the answer to "is the loan funding on time" is a "yes".

9:43pm • #60

Must return phone calls

Can not leave follow up to the customer, must be proactive

Is not afraid of a challenge

Referrals are not one sided

Does what he or she says

Explains everything and matches the client with the best product and not the one that results in higher commission

 

 

Tish Thompson
9:44pm • #61
402,845 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

I have one who runs credit the same day and another that takes several days.  Guess who gets my business?

9:47pm • #62
219,204 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

Close the loan on time.

Return my phone calls in a timely manner.

Stay on top of the transaction and keep me informed.

If you are having problems with our client- I want to know so we can close on time.

Remember that we are a team and are trying to get our client to the close table.

10:00pm • #63
110,245 Points 3 Featured Posts Hit Router

Nick,

Good post--good approach--good responses.

I spent 25 years in morgage finance, and often heard REALTORS® express every concern mentioned here.  I hope mortgage loan officers are listening.  I learned early on that REALTORS® expect their calls be returned promptly, that they are your best ally when problems arise, and your greatest fear when you cross them up!  Now I am one of THEM!!!

Communication and Honesty should be the hallmark of any professional, and that includes the REALTOR® and the LO!  I saw the REALTOR® as my partner, fellow-traveller, greatest confidant.  While it was necessary to not violate the client's right to financial privacy, it was vital to be up-front with the agent about risks and liabilities.  I encouraged my agents to introduce me personally to the client, stay engaged in the process, and work with us in determining WHEN & HOW MUCH HOME THEY COULD BUY.  I discouraged the REALTOR® from putting anyone in their car until we had a viable prospect with the income, credit and assets documented.

I was fortunate to work closely with organized, knowledgable, and invested processors, underwriters, appraisers, and closing agents.  I was part of a Team of professionals--all independent and motivated to get the client across the goal-line on time.  Those professionals remain my heroes to this day.

Homebuyers should walk out of the initial application meeting with (1) the confidence that this Team knows what it is doing, (2) the understanding of the fundamentals of the process, and (3) the assurance that they will not be abandoned.  Further, every applicant should leave that meeting with a list of items they must provide immediately, an accurate Good Faith Estimate & Truth-in-Lending disclosure, and a documented disclosure of the loan program, lock-in agreement and the agreed upon terms.

Finally, may I, as a REALTOR®, stress to other REALTORS®: (1) Don't dictate to others what their work habit must be; (2) don't LIE to the LO or the Client; (3) don't procrastinate; and (4) don't presume to know more about the loan process than the lender.  Most of you wouldn't; but I've seen too many agents not keep other down-line agents in the loop.  I've told agents on day one that the homebuyer was "iffy" and some detail was critical--then learn they were "sugar-coating" it to agents involved in down-line deals.  I've had realty agents "ignore" or "minimize" property issues that would come to light on an appraisal or home inspection--you know what I'm talking about.  To all this, I say "HONESTY IS THE ONLY POLICY."  It is amazing how many times "undisclosed" information comes to light at the last minute.

Loan problems are most often due to a sloppy loan application, a rushed deal, or a pre-mature purchase; but generally the blame is placed on hard-working loan processor, a diligent & knowledgable underwriter, or a conscientious appraiser.  Don't be guilty--choose the LO carefully, and get to know the production manager up front.  Happy Home Sales!!!

11:02pm • #64
1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Wow!  Thank you all for the responses.  Some very interesting comments, a few that didn't come up in my list or cross my mind when writing this post.  

But if I had to summarize: it seems like communication is at the top of everyone's list.  Followed by a close second of honesty which involves upfront about what is OR what isn't possible.

Thanks again, and for those of you that have trouble finding a consistent lender (and aren't in the Maryland / DC / Virginia metro area.. :) ), Keep trying!  I'm sure they are out there.

11:24pm • #65
546,415 Points 11 Featured Posts

Hi Nick -- You nailed it, there is nothing worse than having a 3, 6, or even more months relationship with a client only to get a flat tire because the lender and title company are not on the same page.

11:32pm • #66
APR
20
2010
132,267 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Underpromise, overdeliver, and send me weekly updates! Even if I am the listing agent :)

12:56am • #67
106,412 Points

Without a doubt communication is key!!!  I have just recently had a deal that the lo was very good at keeping in contact and then suddenly would return calls and emails 2 days later  when it had been 2 hours or less!  Ihad seen this before and always the result was the same--- no closing, no loan everybody loses!!   What many lenders and even some realtors don't realize is the Realtor HAS to be the Ringmaster of the Circus!  We have to coordinate with the inspectors, title co, lender,sometimes the appraiser, of course the other agent, county and sometimes downpayment assistance companies!  

I never feel I have the right to tell people in other professions that they have to accept working weekends and when I do find a lender who does answer me on evenings or weekends they shoot to the top of my list!

I DO expect a same day response from anyone and everyone and have never had a LO or assistant call me too much.     Thanks for the  thought productive  and informative post.

1:06am • #68

I appreciate your dedication to professionalism.  

#3 is so important!  Especially in this market, I find it imperative to be to constantly be informed by underwriting.  There are so many hiccups along the way that can be resolved if there is open communication by all parties.  

A good loan officer has to be dedicated to their client.  They must have an 'iron will' to see the loan through all the way to close!

11:29am • #69

Someone mentioned they like loan officers to reciprocate to help build their business. Yes, it should be like a team everytime instead of two siblings annoyed at each other!

I think most real estate agents are only concerned with the loan officer closing on time. They should also be concerned with the loan officer doing a great job for their mutual client so that client is satisfied. The client doesn't know the difference of who does what and needs an all around good experience to be satisfied with their team.

The loan officer should communicate and answer questions before the agent has to ask, but that's true for the agent communicating with the loan officer as well. My clients benefit from a reciprocal relationship with their real estate agents to give their client a friendly professional happy experience.

Agents, want your loan officer to have a website that gives you a free webpage to direct your clients to the LO with? Direct them to go for the gold here: www.morsystems.com

Great post, I like to see more loan officers posting actively on here!

12:23pm • #70
302,872 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

Nick:  Wow ... you really got a real discussion and feedback going!  As another lender, I say kudos to you.  

I've read every comment so far, and they have solidified my opinion as to what realtors find important.  The only thing I add from the lender's point of view ... is that everyone involved in the deal needs to know, understand, and somewhat allow for the imperfections of the SYSTEM right now.  I believe THAT is being honest regarding the transaction.  Also, the truth is, getting through processing and to closing right now can be incredibly challenging ... even with seemingly perfect clients.  Yes, honesty is all important. Everyone should be alerted to the status of a file in a speedy and timely fashion. The loan officer should put in what ever hours are necessary to get his client's (and his referral partner's) loan closed. All true.

But in this current market .. even with hard work, honest effort, expertise, experience, and hands-on attention ,... last minute surprises or problems can occur.  And with all the changes as of late ... they do.  Nothing is completely perfect all the time ...  and no one is perfect either.  Face the challenge, work together with the other real estate professionals involved, repair the problem, and move forward.  It will be less stressful for the customers involved... and I believe that is what we all are working towards and what is everyone's best interest.    

These situations don't always means you are working with an unethical or lousey LO ... it doesn't mean they don't know their job ... it doesn't mean they lied to you .... it doesn't mean their head should be chopped-off ... it doesn't always mean the LO screwed-up ... it can just mean that SOMETHING needs to be seen to at the last minute ... it can just mean that shit happened. (Excuse the terminology, but it can). Right now ... it can just be the "nature of the beast ... mortgage financing". 

Gene

3:18pm • #71

Communication from the start is the key with all service providers in the transaction.

5:11pm • #72

It all starts with the communication. So it is appropriate that you mentioned it first. Open communication is so critical in making things run smoothly.

5:44pm • #73
449,857 Points 44 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Yes, answering the phone is paramount.  But, I really want a loan officer who will pick up the phone and give me a daily update, when we're at the part of the transaction where the loan is the last piece of the puzzle.  Buyers are nervous as things are changing rapidly and they don't want to be left dangling.  Even if I call them every day, they want to know what's happening on the loan end.  If there escrow is hung up, you can bet I'm calling the listing agent each day, as well as the buyer.  Would be nice if the lender called me each day with an update, rather than I have to call them.  Most lenders I work with are very good, but only a couple have this part nailed down.

8:17pm • #74
277,620 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Someone who answers the phone, keeps me updated and gets the loan closed....on time.

8:35pm • #75
APR
27
2010

Lot Of good post. But some of the things that go bad with a Loan is not always the LO fault.

As a agent, you should know what the buyer needs to take for loan app, And explain to the buyer how important it is to respond to LO on time. If the buyer takes 2 weeks to bring doc's to loan officer, then it is not the loan officer fault, the sale does not close on time. Lot of factors involved on getting deals to close on time. It takes all involved, Both agents, have there duties. I still do not understand, why you want your LO to answer there phone on Sat. or Sunday, or holidays. I work some weekends but you can bet I know how to figure ratios, before I put someone in my car. And I can just about tell if someone has good enough credit .By the questions I ask, I guess I am from the old school. Ask pre quail questions on the first phone call. The 9am call on Sunday morning, setting in front of the house they just have to see. Sorry, but I will do something else for a living before I jump and run to show a house to a stranger. That is not willing to visit first.But it has worked very well in the 22 years I have been doing this. And I do not thank you can lock in your rate on a weekend, so what is so important, that you have to have the answer then. Ratios, dept to income, down payment, how long on the job, Simple, do not make it harder than what it is. But what I want form a loan officer is the truth, and knowledge, If there is slim to none of the peole getting a loan, tell them, and before we bother sellers or listing agents, lets get our Ducks in a Row. That the buyers can perform. There are agents that bring me an offer, I know is going to close, because I know the agent, But then there are agents, that bring me an offer, and I know that there is a 7 out of 10 chance there clint can buy a pot to PP in, Because that agent never ask the right questions, and uses one of them LO, that writes and hopes, I MISS DIRECT indorcement loan officers, that the final decision was made with them, Not ten states away.

12:34am • #76
JUL
19
2010
157,291 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Calling clients back would be number two on my list.  Being honest with clients and real estate agents would be number one.

10:02am • #77

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Nick Pakulla Mortgage Lender Loan Officer in MD DC VA

Rockville, MD

More about me…

First Place Bank Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia

Address: First Place Bank, 15400 Calhoun Drive #170, Rockville, MD, 20855

Office Phone: (301) 585-7283

Email Me

Loan Officer with First Place Bank in Rockville Maryland. FHA, 80-10-10, VA, Conforming, Jumbo, Refinances, a group of local approved appraisers (no 3rd party appraisal system), In-House Processing and Underwriting. Servicing Maryland, DC, and Virginia.

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