Our current real estate market can come with challenges if you’re a buyer and not with the right agent and lender. There are many ways to help make your offer stand out and today I will share with you just one of my many tips which is using a local lender.
Local agents like to work with local lenders who are in the trenches with us daily and knowing we can count on local lenders to get the buyers to the closing table making it a win-win for all parties. If two offers come in with the same terms the one with the local lender will win as there is a long running trust factor in place.
As a buyer, it’s beneficial to work with a local lender, one you can walk into their office and meet and talk to them face to face to get a clear understanding on how the process works. Another benefit from working with a local lender is they do not keep banker hours. A great local lender will answer their phone whether it’s evening or on weekends. Communication is the key to any relationship and a local lender provides this for the buyer and the agent they are working with.
Typically, with Banks and online lenders, you will not get the personal relationship and quickly become a number that is passed from one person to another, never really knowing where your loan application is or who to call with questions. Using a local lender is smooth and easy as your first contact will remain your contact throughout the transaction. A few examples of the differences are:
| | Local Lender | Bank/Online Lender |
| Hours & Availability | Available around the clock | Typically, only available 9-5 Monday – Friday |
| Communication Style | Direct connection to your loan officer | Online or automated calling systems/customer service lines not a direct connection |
| Response Time | On Call 24-7 and ready to help | Up to 24+ Hours |
Having a local lender means there is someone you can speak to directly when time is of the essence. Someone you know and they know you! Having access to your lender at a moment’s notice when you need to make sure your offer stands out in a crowd. When you couple a great local lender with a great Realtor such as Lisa Sapenaro, who has an amazing reputation in our community, it truly makes the difference between “When will someone accept your offer” vs. “Winning the home of your dreams!”
In this video, I sat down with one of my trusted local lenders, Susan Rose with Fairway Independent Mortgage to discuss the benefits of shopping locally for your Lender. Susan provides her direct cell number, not a 1-800 number, or a number that goes to a phone tree, but her personal phone number. Susan is always on call to make sure my client’s lending needs are met and I have seen firsthand how this makes all the difference in getting my client’s their dream home.
If you or someone you know is in the market to buy or sell real estate, CALL ME, 816-509-7199, I’m here to help you!