What do you think...is this a good thing?? I have to say that I am not yet entirely convinced it is because now I find myself working with a lender whom I've have no previous working relationship with.
Buyers are now coming to us already pre-approved. They are so excited to have already jumped this major hurdle and have found comfort in knowing that not only can they purchase a home they have a clear understanding of what they can afford.
We meet, talk, go over their questions...learn more about what their wants and needs are...oh, and by they way....they love their lender, he is a great Gal/Guy and they have confidence that they have chosen well. Perfect! But is it?
I now make the initial call to the new lender (to introduce myself and touch base before the process begins) the offer has been made, accepted, the process is now launched and...
The new Lender/Realtor relationship has begun.
Now, there it is...that pesky little knot in my stomach only because I have found myself to have been disappointed in past experience. It was not because we did not close, or even that they were not good people...they simply did not handle their business in a manner that provided confidence and trust. This is the largest and most important purchase my Buyers will may ever make and I need to know that I am working with a competent, communicative and trustworthy lender...every time.
What could a "new lender" do to provide confidence, trust and also use as a
great building block to establish a new business relationship?1. Communication, communication, communication.
2. Please don't tell me I will have something by the end of the day if you are not 100% confident you will.
3. Please answer a straight question with a straight answer. Don't be evasive.
4. Please confirm receipt of my e-mails in a timely manner, all I request is a "Thanks Therese, got it. (or even "got it" works)
5. I need to learn of any changes or new hurdles from you...not my client.
6. Please be responsive, if you keep me updated as to how things are progressing I'm happy. :-)
7. Always feel free to let me know if I can help...for I'm always happy too.
No, it is not the new tools many lender's now have available to help me "grow my business" that will bring my business to them for although these new tools may be very nice, this is not what I need or expect from them.
I am always looking to make new, strong connections with others in the real estate industry. Over this past summer I had one of the most difficult transactions of my career. I represented the Seller side and one day felt compelled to contact this new lender just to ask..."what is your confidence level in that we can bring this transaction to close?" After speaking with him a few moments I had great confidence in him and ultimately we did close. This lender also kept me updated on appropriate matters during this lengthy and stressful process. Would I look to work with him again? Absolutely....because he was present throughout the transaction.
The established working relationships I currently have with Lenders are ones who put the clients needs first, are proud of their profession, do their job very well and they are truly vital to my success for they are a reflection of me and how I do business. These lenders take excellent care of my clients, I trust them and if I could work with them each and every time on all of my transactions I certainl
y would. But this is not my choice...it's the Buyers choice. So to my future new lenders out there....Please take extraordinary care of my clients for that is all I really want or need and it couldn't be more appreciated!
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