The easier way to finance your home begins...

Over 5 years, with over 400 happy clients, I have discovered what truly separates me and my service from the competition.  Here are 3 elements that form the foundation of my unique approach.

Solving Problems Before They Start

I'm sure you have heard horror stories that go something like this:

"After a month of waiting for an update on our loan, our loan officer at Big Box Bank called with a huge list of items he needed.  We were three days away from closing and did what he said, just barely making it in time."

The problem with most loan officers is that they are often very good at explaining loan terms, but have no clue what underwriters these days look for in a loan file.  Behind the scenes, the process is NOT as simple as it used to be. Unless your loan officer has studied current underwriting guidelines and can anticipate requirements, the above scenario is very likely.

I have found it is very important to take responsibility for your file, before the underwriter even has it, to determine what we'll need up front.  My detailed application review, in person or by phone, is the most crucial part of making the process go smoothly for you!

Offering the Best Loan Programs

This one sounds like a standard lame sales-pitch, but give me a chance to illustrate.

• Did you know you can put less than 20% down and NOT pay PMI?  Most lenders either don't know about these programs or choose not to offer them.  They are a GREAT deal and almost always work out better than the traditional approach - call me for details.
• Are you a veteran, eligible for a VA home loan, and wondering if it is really the best deal?  Stop wondering - it is!  Some lenders will steer you away from this program because they simply do not have the experience or ability to process these amazing loans.
• Are you a first-time home buyer in Missouri wondering if there are any special programs?  Four letters - MHDC.  Google it for details, but the program provides the best down payment assistance program in existence.

Providing 100% Honest and Transparent Quotes

Shopping for a mortgage is not easy or fun and almost no one in the business helps to make it any better.  Here is everything you need to know to make an accurate comparison between lenders.

• New rules prevent lenders from providing an official Good Faith Estimate until after you've formally applied.  This does not hurt your ability to shop if you ask the right questions.
• Ignore APR.  It is an over-complicated, easily manipulated figure that obscures a simpler solution.
• DEMAND for your lender to isolate their LENDER FEES.  Lender Fees are often just a small portion of the total charges incurred during the loan process, but they are the only items your lender can control.  Common Lender Fees include: origination, discount points, admin, tax service, processing, underwriting and commitment.
• If PMI is required, ask how much this will cost.  This can vary between lenders depending on what PMI companies they have access to.
• Finally, ask for their current rate based on your credit score.  Pull your own scores at first from all three bureaus and use whichever one is in the middle.  After you have selected a lender, they will need to pull their own report, but this is not necessary for them to give you a quotes.  Rates change sometimes even in the middle of the day, so make sure you get a fresh rate quote from each lender when making your final comparison.
• Do not solely base your decision on whoever offers the lowest rate and fees.  I'll be the lowest most of the time, but you do not want to go with the Wal-Mart of the mortgage industry.  I'll just say that I've received a lot of panicked calls from folks who thought they were getting the deal of the century only to find out that their loan rep somehow messed things up at the last minute.