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What Should I Look for in a Central Coast of CA Lender?

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Real Estate Broker/Owner with Mint Properties, Lic. #01871795 Lic. #01871795

What Should I Look for in a Central Coast of CA Lender?

I typically recommend local lenders because I find that they are more accountable.  Even if a buyer is using a national bank, I find it is better to have a local representative on the file.  Nothing is more frustrating than working with some 1-800 number lender who becomes conveniently absent when a deal starts heating up, or timelines get tight on a transaction.

I typically look for experienced lenders.  An experienced lender will anticipate issues on a file and solve them at the outset which causes less delay at the end.  An experienced lender knows how vital it is to keep up with changing guidelines, and in this lending environment changes happen every week.  An experienced lender will verify your income and assets as soon as possible.  Believe it or not, not all income or assets will qualify you for a loan.  An experienced loan officer knows they need to look at your paperwork to really be sure about your file.

Does the lender have direct contact with the underwriter?  When you are down to the wire, working with a lender who has direct access to their underwriter can be vital.  A lender who can pick up the phone and get an answer from their underwriter in five minutes is very different from working with a lender whose only contact with underwriting is via email with a 48 hour response time.

When working with buyers, I try to give my clients good advice and questions to ask when selecting a lender.  As an independent real estate broker on the Central Coast of CA, I don't have any affiliated arrangements with any particular lender.  If the service, performance, or timeliness gets sloppy, I simply start recommending someone else.  My goal is to help you save money, get you to the finish line with the smoothest ride possible in this bumpy real estate market.

Copyright © Tni LeBlanc *What Should I Look for in a Central Coast of CA Lender?*

Posted by

Tni LeBlanc, Broker
(805) 878-9879 mobile/text

tni@mintprop.com
www.MintProp.com
CalBRE #01871795

Comments(6)

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Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Good Morning Tni, This a great suggestion for working with your preferred lenders. I have also had some bad experiences with those 800 number, out of state Lenders too.  I always discuss with my buyers the advantages of using a local lender.  Lenders, who have a good relationship with that underwriter is "priceless". I just hit suggest too!

Mar 13, 2011 03:38 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

The 1-800 call center lenders are the worst. And there are some big names with loyal followings that I will never understand.  Local is always best.

Mar 13, 2011 07:05 AM
Tni LeBlanc, Realtor®, J.D.
Mint Properties, Lic. #01871795 - Santa Maria, CA
Tenacious Tni (805) 878-9879

Hi Jerry - Thanks for the suggest!  Yes, a good relationship with the underwriter makes a good lender in my book.  If they can get answers quickly we can head off potential problems and delays with the file.

Hi Chris Ann - Oh I know!  And they never answer the phone when you are in a pinch they just disappear into the wilderness.  And of course they don't have to care about repeat business.

 

Mar 13, 2011 08:42 AM
Kristal Wilson
KB Home - Fontana, CA
Cause We Like 'Em New ~ New Home Specialist!

Tni ~ I appreciate the tips on how to interview a lender. As I begin to work with more buyers it's been trial & error. At least now I have a reference point when speaking with the lender. Thanks

Mar 13, 2011 08:52 AM
Brian L. Sirota, Esq.
Bristar Realty (Realtor/Attorney) - Orange, CA
For Solutions: (714) 501-7660

Tni, choosing a local lender for accountability and quick underwriter access is smart.  My personal favorite is a small lender in the heartland, but for precisely the reasons you mention, even if I can't show up on their doorstep at a moment's notice. 

I appreciate the link to your recommended lenders.  Four stood out, in particular.

Brian L. Sirota, Esq., Broker/Attorney, BriStar Realty, Orange County, California

Mar 13, 2011 10:28 AM
Tni LeBlanc, Realtor®, J.D.
Mint Properties, Lic. #01871795 - Santa Maria, CA
Tenacious Tni (805) 878-9879

Glad you liked the blog Kristal!  You will definitely be an asset to your buyers if you do vet their lender.

Thanks Brian!  I finally gave in and created a list. 

Mar 13, 2011 02:41 PM