I was handed a business card yesterday from someone I knew. She said this is my new business with a big smile on her face.
She was a loan officer, with an out of state lender. Oh Boy! (I am being a wise guy here)
- Me: I asked why didn't you go with a local lender?
- LO: Because we can do loans in all 50 states.
- Me: Do you understand the problems with an out of State lender?
- LO: Not a problem it is an advantage.
- Me: None of the Realtors I know will work with or recommend an out of state lender because of along list of problems.
- LO: I have never heard that.
- Me: How many Realtors have you worked with:
- LO: Hundreds.
That made me stop and think. I better leave that one alone. The ink on her business card was still wet and she was only doing this part time.
- LO: Who do you use now.
- Me: I gave her 3 lenders in our area that I deal with the most.
- Me: Do you do VA?
- LO: I find that no one wants them. (Code for no we can't)
- Me: Really why do you think that is? (I am feeding her a little more line)
- LO: No one wants them because they take too long and cost way too much.\
- LO: Have you done any VA deals before?
- Me: About 70% of my business.
- LO: Oh
- Me: VA loans are usually done in 2 to 3 weeks. Mainland lenders usually take 5-8 weeks if at all and with many more complications.
- LO: We are always faster than VA.
- Me: Who do you run your loans though?
- LO: I use CW and a few others.
- Me: How long have you been doing this?
- LO: I just got my license.
- I thought I better let that go too.
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Let's Recap
- She is brand new in the business. (possibly never done a loan yet).
- Works with 100's of Realtors, who do not have a problem with a mainland lender/broker.
- Usually runs her loans through CW.
- Finds that no one likes VA
- She can do her mainland loans faster than a local loan officer can do a VA with automated underwriting or any other LO in Hawaii history for that matter.
- Most importantly her total investment to be a loan officer is $200 or so for the license, no training and a set of business cards.
This is why it is a good idea to get referrals from top Realtors in the area before selecting your loan officer.
Randy,
I'm sure you knew I would be stopping by to throw in my 2 cents on this. It sounds like a very sceptical story. lol!
Every state is different I have been involved in only 2 VA loan deals and both times I was the listing agent...they did close with very little problems..but you are talking the old days and if I recall they closed in around 30-35 days. As far as this LO you met with..you are a big boy and I'm sure you can figure it out yourself.