"What do you get when I use one of your lenders?"

"What do you get when I use one of your lenders?" is not a question I hear everyday but I do get asked occasionally.

There is a short answer and a long answer to this question. The short one is nothing but it doesn't completely tell the truth. Nothing only refers to monetary incentives - kickbacks happen to be illegal in the State of Maryland and it is not part of my business plan to break the law.

It would be too simple to leave it at that, however, because there is a lot of value in my lender's list. It's not a long list, I keep it pretty exclusive. However, if there is someone I'm no longer comfortable referring my clients to, I'll take him off the list. On the other hand, I also am happy to add new (new to me, not new to the business) loan officers who have impressed me.

What do I get when you decide to work with one of my lenders?

Simply put, peace of mind. Knowing that you are in good hands is invaluable when it comes to your home buying plans. I know these loan officers will go above and beyond for you. They'll work hard to educate you if you are not ready and find the best program for you when you are. They keep the lines of communication open and follow through. They'll do what they say they will. They'll do it when they say they will. They answer my questions before I even ask and I know everything will get done when it's supposed to. They have the same work ethic and offer exceptional customer service.

I have known a couple of the loan officers on my list for years. There is Jeanne Topper, a senior loan officer with PCR Mortgage Services, for example. Although I'm no longer affiliated with the company where Jeanne and I met in 2004, she's still the same great loan officer and I'm always happy to be working with her.

More recently I added Bridget McGee with CrossCountry Mortgage Inc. Bridget, a.k.a. Maryland Mortgage Mama, and I found each other through our blogging family on Active Rain. I could tell from her blogs that she's not only very knowledgeable but also a very nice person with a big heart. Whether or not a loan officer has a personal approach may not matter to everybody but it matters to me. Bridget wont keep you waiting, she'll check on you and keep you and me informed. Bridget has my kind of work ethic and puts her clients first. That is the peace of mind that I'm looking for in a lender.

It is entirely your choice which lender you would like to work with. I wont force my list on you but if you do need any suggestions, I'd be happy to provide you with some names and numbers.

Peace of mind, that is truly what referring lenders, Title Companies, home inspectors ... is all about. Knowing that you are in very good hands is important to me. Not only does it make for a smoother transaction for all involved, it also makes for an enjoyable experience. A satisfied client is a happy client - that's what I strive for and that's what I get out of it.

P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, Bridget has paid for a cup of coffee and a bagel for me when we met for a little get together and I'll happily pick up the tab next time. You are more than welcome to come along!

ANDREA BEDARD, M.A. ~ THOMPSON COMPANY, REALTORS ~ LIVING MARYLAND BLIPS

Thompson Company, Realtors 15711 New Hamphsire Ave Silver Spring, MD 20905 o: (301) 384-9177 c: (240)593-2860 andreabedard@mris.com For Military Families Maryland Home Search Andrea is a proud military spouse, mom of two beautiful little girls, hobby decorator and a Realtor® based in Silver Spring, MD. Andrea focuses on Montgomery County and Howard County Real Estate, she enjoys everything beautiful in life and always answers the phone with a smile.    All photographs are my own and I'd like to keep it that way. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.