AIME Magazine AIME Magazine Summer 2018 | Page 8

REALTORS AND MORTGAGE EXPERTS WHAT A REALTOR LOOKS FOR IN A MORTGAGE EXPERT HAVING A trusting relationship with a local independent mortgage expert is as fundamental to the success of a home purchase as the loan products available. “Communication and trust are essential; you need to work with someone you can count on to do what they say they’re going to do,” says John Wentworth III, CEO of the John Wentworth Real Estate Group in Fenton, Michigan. “And that relationship depends on reliability.” “As advocates for our clients, we believe that the most important factor when buying a home is closing the loan, not getting the lowest possible rate.” Here are the top three things that a realtor is looking for in a lending partner: 1. Reliable Pre-quals/Preapprovals. When the time comes to make an offer on a property, realtors want a preapproval letter that will inspire confidence in the seller and the listing agent. It is key to work with loan officers who tailor their product offerings to your client’s needs. This is particularly critical these days, as markets have relatively low inventories and there is competition for all properties. 2. Reliable On-Time Closings. When you have prequalified or preapproved a homebuyer, once the contract is signed, being accountable means that you take personal responsibility for everything you and your company do. Great lending partners will do whatever it takes to see to it that everyone in their organization who touches that loan file does so promptly and