- What's my total payment going to be monthly?
- When will I know when my loan is approved?
- How much money will I need for Closing?
I see too many agents and buyers rushing out to look at homes before, the buyer understands the process.. including the loan process. Some counseling and preparation at the beginning pays off later on for all concerned.
Personally I think it comes down to trust. they trust that you are telling them what is true. Cut the details and get to the point- the 3 things that you pointed out!
JP: Thanks for the kind comments. Your comment about mortgage financing being an afterthought is a good one. It seems almost like a nuisance to many. I agree that we must do a better job of educating. But where is the leadership in that coming from? As lenders we are left to accomplish that primarily on our own, with little assistance from the overall industry or lending organizations. I think that focus needs to come from the top too. We probably could pop a top on a few over this topic ...
Nancy: Either do I .. and that's frustrating. I'd like to return to the days when it was a bit more enjoyable for the home buyer. I'm sure they'd agree. And yes, we're excited about the upcoming new baby. The prospect of adding to the family again is great ...
Gayle: I'll do that! Hopefully this turns around for us all soon ...
Joe: I appreciate what you say. I'd feel great to be able to refer a few your way ... hopefully soon?
Debbie: It IS a fine balance. You want to impress upon clients that this is of importance .. but you can't push too hard. You lose them entirely then. I appreciate you writing ...
Cathy: There's alot to know, so it can't be expected that clients will grasp it all in its' entirety. A good working knowledge would be a happy medium .. and it's what I hope for. I believe it's in their best interest ...
Joan: Oh Amen! Preparation is key ... right along with education. We continue to try our best, right?
Ellie: I understand the sentiment, but we cannot ... because of the current rules/regulations and all the documentation we must make available, do that. We're really leaving ourselves open to problems should we abandon trying to educate entirely. I have to know that I at least tried to fulfill my obligations and responsibilities. As much as they may be overlooked, ignored, or disliked.
And I appreciate your kind words regarding our little lion. She was enjoying her that day, for sure ...
In a perfect world, having every buyer educated would be the ideal. But it is difficult enough to educate them that they need to get approved before they start, let alone know the intricacies of the process. It is almost caveman-like. "Me hungry. Need food." Great post again, Gene.
I am always relieved when I find out my clients have already talked to the banker prior to me showing them any homes! These are the buyers that are super engaged and want to know all of the details and I love that! They do seem to be a once in the blue moon thing but it is nice when it happens! :) What a squeezable lion you have there! lol
It would be nice if HUD offers regular home buyer's seminars to consumers explaining the process.
I know agents have these but consumers are afraid to go becuase they think they will have to sign up with the agent.
Absolutely Gene. This is something we strive to always do. The reality of individual situations sometimes make it difficult, but it is our goal.
Right on the money as always Gene. Homebuyers still just want to know the rate and really do not bother with getting educated (at least not about the things they should be educated about). The new GFE was a decent attempt, but not having a signature line was not the brightest idea. If they really want to help the home buying process AND help educate the consumer, cut down on the unnecessary paperwork and lets just stick to the important documents/information. That will keep the buyer more involved and willing to learn more.
It IS almost primative .. you're right, Jane. And this may be very elementary in assessment of what it much of the problem, but I think the media adds alot to our misery. They wax on and on about all the problems surrounding the housing market and obtaining a loan. Their prophecies come true, as people are braced for the worst when they arrive at my door. Sometimes you get what you expect .. and in this case, I see it happen all too often. As usual Jane, you have me chuckling with your offering ... but thank you for the kind words. You're the best ..
Rosalie: Thank you! She gets those squeezes all the time from her grandpa! I think with a combined effort and strict enforcement, our r.e. industry could turn much of our ills around ourselves. Demanding that clients first speak to a lender should be easy to accomplish. We'll keep working on it ... thanks for commenting!
Gita: There are opportunities to attend learning and seminar sessions in many places. When I host something, I try to make it in a "neutral" location. Something like a library or public place. That way those in attendance feel there is a buffer to those advances that might be perceived occurring elsewhere. Making clients feel as safe and secure prior to choosing a lender is very important. You're so right about that ...
Gabe: Thank you! Your comment is reassuring to hear. Maybe with time ...
Gene
John: It's overwhelming for many, that's so true. But buyers must come to the conclusion that there is no better advocate for their behalf then themselves. We in the industry can put everything into place, but we cannot force their minds open or make them make the effort. I'd definitely be for less paperwork!!
Gene
Gene:
Love to read your posts. They are insightful and thought provoking. As a Realtor, I counsel my buying customers to talk to a lender before they start looking for a house. That one simple step eliminates a lot of problems. But I hadn't thought about what a lenders requires of the buyer. You have crystallized my thinking on this matter. I think meeting with my customer and a lender might help me and my customer understand the necessity for everything a lender may require.
Erica: Yes, they do. And we lenders' (and agents too) feet are held to the fire on this. But we can only lead them to the water. We can't make them drink ...
Thank you so much, Evelyn. I appreciate your kind words. And I so agree with you on making it to some of the preliminary appointments with your client. I wrote a blog about this very thing just a short while ago. I have had great results when agents have taken the time to do this. It truly benefits the client in many ways .. and ultimately the professionals involved. The successes and smoothness of these transactions have been remarkable. I hope you give this a try .. and then let me know how it worked out for you and your client ...
Thank you for commenting ...
Gene
Gener, Congratulations on the feature. It was very-well deserved. Good points.
Thanks Don! I always appreciate your generous and kind support. Hope you have a great and prosperous weekend ..
Gene -- You have hit it on the head! Donne makes some great points as well, though the people in banks dealing with mortgages and clients are all supposed to be registered by now. Having said that, I have a client who is dealing with his bank about a modification -- and the person he is supposed to talk to isn't registered. Are we going to have to report them all to get the other side of the aisle cleaned up?
In the meantime, we can at least do a preliminary review and determine if the client qualifies, and if so for how much, before they are all tired out looking at houses that it turns out they can't afford. Maybe the realtors could get a good loan officer to review any bank lending statements to make sure they clients do qualify.
Way too many loan officers are still issuing Pre-Qualifications/Pre-Approvals without reviewing any documentation first. While it may be quick and painless that way, it very often leads to disaster in the end. I see the supposed "Pre-Qualified" buyers all of the time.
Steven: Donne is great ... I'm a huge fan. I think you are right when you state that the realtors may hold the key to this issue. I'm not saying I want to second-check or guess anyone else's work, but their taking a strong stance on the lenders they suggest their clients work with is needed and warranted. Hope business is good for you out in Tacoma ...
Rodney: I believe like you .. and until the industry demands more and then takes measures to enforce it more strictly, we'll see that continue. The market has to winnow out the poor lenders now ... and the clients suffer until that's accomplished.
Gene
Gene,
Yes, education is the key. It'd be nice if the Agencies provided resources and marketed the necessity to educate potential homeowners (and even current ones). That way, when LO's go through the trouble of working on grassroots efforts to conduct seminars or workshops in their local areas, more people would intuitively know about them from the efforts of Fannie and Freddie. FHA does a decent job of it already. But ironically, FHA is not a program I suggest to many people anymore. Until the top starts creating the "common knowledge" with consumers, we'll still be on our own.
JP: True. Plus, if it does get said .. they don't provide much, if any, assistance to help the individual LO making the effort much support. We're truly each an island unto ourselves ...
Gene
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