someone who knows what he/she is doing from start to finish....

Updates, updates and more updates.  I want to be able to NOT have to remind a lender that my client needs to have the appraisal ordered, for example.

I want one that will return my calls (or better yet answer the phone).  When there is a problem I want a lender that will brainstorm with me about ways to solve it.

A good level of commnication is one of my requirements.

I look for a lender that will explore the best option for the buyer.  There are many programs and packages out there to help people purchase a home.  I have to earn my client's business and I want to be able to recommend a lending partner that will do the same.

I want one that follows up and definitely keeps in touch with me. This is one of the most important relationships you will ever have in you real estate career besides the client.

Open communications with me and my buyer.  Timely responses and attention to detail.

I want and have lenders that I do not have to babysit- I know they are doing their job and they know I am doing mine.   Best relationships ever;)  If I am chasing a lender for things- I won't use them again.  I don't need daily updates- I only need to know if there is an issue and I need to help resolve it- I DON'T need daily updates- nobody has time for that;-)

Yes communication is the key. That is why I have good reliable Mortgage Brokers that I recommend. Banks close on Friday and might be opened back up on Monday. Voice mail does not get it especially when I work all weekend I need someone who is available to answer my buyer or sellers questions. If the banks LO for this file is not in, no one ever seems to know who's on first!

We prefer working with local loan officers who know the nuances of our older neighborhoods as there have been stumbling blocks that out of area loan officers/loans have fallen through and our local people came in and got us to settlement. We prefer a loan officer to be at the settlement table to ensure they are in the trenches with us when things get tough. 

Honesty. Don't tell me you can do something in a certain time period when ou can't.

I look for a comprehensive follow up system. Many prospects do not become home buyers for months or years.

Chris, I do not look for but believe is mandatory the lending agent be a top notch, proactive communicator that keeps everyone informed of progression and alerts ME before alarming the client.  This is not an expectation, but a mandatory performance parameter for a mortgage broker.

Now....what to I look for, what do I want to see in a preferred lending agent?

The ability to carry forward a Plan B. 

I, just like the seller and the buyer look for the ASSURANCE OF CLOSING.

Without a Plan B it's a all eggs in one basket scenario.  That is not a good plan.

Most of the agents I work with want communication and to be in the loop - they don't have time to chase down updates or dig to find out what's going on. 

Timely communication and keeping to a schedule.  Not keeping my deal in underwriting for weeks or if you do telling me what is going on.

Everyone is correct. Today Mortgages require more documentation, but I am sure everyone knows that? On average it takes about one Loan Officer and one Processor/Coordinator to get the file to U/W and to Funding for every Five files per month. Sure, I could elaborate more about this but I have a file to manage right now... 

I look to see if they have Nova Home Loans on their business card!

Keeps the buyer and the agent informed.  Has reasonable rates.  Is responsive to calls and emails.

Chris - Honesty - Don't sugar coat anything and tell me everything. Communication - Don't hide anything from me. If you have an issue I want to know about it because 9 times out of 10, I can help remedy it. Expertise - Finding the right loan program for my clients.

Chris Webb - Transparency. Honesty - and most important, keeping me informed all the way in the process.

Communication is a top priority for me.  I want at least a weekly update.

Good communication is key. 

prompt communications

Honesty, fairlness, does as they say and completes work in a timely manner.

Communication.

friendly, cooperative and easy to communicate with.

Please do not have me find them a home, and put a deal together only to not get them financed.  I will loose friendship with you quickly if you do that.  Don't ever throw an application up at the wall and hope it sticks with me.

Dear Chris,

A professional team player, who helps my clients well & let's me know anything, I need to know, especially bad news. Creativity helps.

Good communication and honest communication.

The lenders and mortgage brokers that work out best for me and my clients have great people skills, love being of service, are open minded, and have 20+ years of experience. Many in the industry are too busy, or just goal oriented. 

Responsiveness is number one with me.  I understand loan officers are busy but an update at least once a week keeps everyone informed about the process. 

I think that followup during the process with updates is helpful. One of my last closings the LO literally grunted out all info. Appraisal ordered? uhhh (affirmative).

I won't give my inhouse LO any business because he's horrible with followup. Takes him 5 days to do a prequal - his staff is great but he's the problem. I don't care how many drinks he buys me or pays for special seminars - he sucks at his job & he has a top team.

Great question Chris. There are a few things that are important to me.

#1 Communication! Keep in touch with the client and with me during the loan process. Also, stayed connected to be when we don't have any active clients!

#2 Approachable. This is important for my client. I want my client to feel comfortable asking questions when needed.

#3 Knowledge. Know the available products for my client based on their needs, and ability to be approved.

#4 Support. I want to be sure the lender has the support necessary to do the job!

Communication. AZ now requires an LSU 5 days after contract acceptance. Also, if they have a team, I need to know who I might be communicating with regularly.

A solid look at the prospective buyers from the beginning of the process - I really don't like the on-line lenders and commercial banks who issue pre-approvals without taking a hard look at the buyer from the beginning. I've had too many buyers who thought they were pre-approved find out that they weren't because of overzealous and inexperienced originators. For me, that has happened mostly with commercial banks and on-line sources.

Knowledge of product; good assistance to borrowers, association with good appraisers; integrity is understood.

As a new homebuilder, we look for Lenders who are able to handhold our cusotmers and can provide great service weekly and keep in touch with buyers during the 4-6months of the home buying/building process. It amazes me how not everyone can follow through on such simple customer service.

Excellent post Chris! I agree with all of the above panels + empathy.

Excellent communication with all involved parties. When everyone is in the loop and kept up to date, the transaction has a more positive outcome. A lender who's efficient and doesn't leave the file sitting around "for another day". Hustle! Hustle! Hustle!

Good communication! A great lender will be proactive and not wait til the last minute to ask for docs and will close on time.

I want a lender or a team that is available on weekends.  My buyer can't wait until Monday morning, when they want to make an offer on a home.  I expect them to call me within the hour, otherwise, I will find a different lender.  Communication and prompt responses is King.

Reputable, thorough with good communication and follow through.

The ability to do more than fill in forms, the ability to get the tough loans done for worthy buyers like small business people.