February 2018 Mortgage by Featured Agent

February 2018

Master these

DIY skills

The perks of purchasing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Tax breaks for homeowners

Susie Carlton

also featured:

Suzanne Diliberto

Productivity boostersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Get more done every day

contents

professionals FeaturedAgentMagazine Phone888.437.5707 Fax888.849.3663

Productivity boosters — Get more done every day

The great eight — Habits of successful mortgage professionals

contact@featuredagentmagazine.com www.featuredagentmagazine.com 2

t featured cover mortgage pro

Susie Carlton

q featured mortgage pro

Suzanne Diliberto

buyers&sellers 4

The perks of purchasing — Tax breaks for homeowners

Master these DIY skills

Top 10 Green home features

Who’s who in a real estate transaction

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The perks of purchasing —

Tax breaks for homeowners Paying taxes is one of the most complicated duties that today’s homeowners face. From endless forms and complex deductions to adjusted interest rates and more — there are countless rules to govern how homeowners pay their share. What that in mind, what does the average homeowner absolutely need to know when filing their taxes? For starters, keep these easy-to-apply maneuvers in mind as you file to get the most out of your home investment.

Mortgage Interest Costs — American homeowners are able to write off almost the entirety of what they’ve paid in mortgage interest — even for a second home in some cases. To claim your own write-off, keep tabs on Form 1098, provided by your lender. This document details just how much you can deduct from your mortgage interest. While you’re on 4

the hook for your principle mortgage, mortgage interest payments can be cited on taxes to reduce the overall payment due.

An Eco-friendly Tax Break — As a homeowner, you can make the cost-effective decision to update appliances, home systems, and basic features with eco-friendly models. This will not only diminish your monthly energy bill, but will also lower your tax payment. Energy-efficient fixtures such as windows, doors, and insulation can qualify you for a tax deduction. Note: these updates must meet the Energy Star designation in order to be considered for a tax break. Be sure to keep receipts and register these items once purchased and installed, which serve as further proof for your tax deduction. This eco-friendly tax credit counts towards 10% of the products’ cost (though it Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

While the U.S. tax code isn’t an easy obstacle to overcome, there are certainly a few ways you can reduce the burden of property taxes as a homeowner. does not cover installation fees and there are caps for the total credit you can be awarded). Construction Loan Interest for New Build Properties — If you paired with a builder to custom construct your home and took out construction loans in the process, you can write off the interest of those loans. Just as you can deduct mortgage interest payments and potentially deduct mortgage insurance payments, you can also deduct the interest stemming from construction loans. While this deduction only applies to the first 24 months of the loan, it can still provide meaningful relief when filing your taxes. Mortgage Insurance Costs — Certain borrowers are required to pay mortgage insurance, and this Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

monthly payment can add up over time. Here’s the good news: just as you can deduct mortgage interest costs from your tax payment, you may also be able to deduct mortgage insurance costs, reducing your overall payment by a significant share. If your adjusted gross income is less than $100,000 annually, you’ll likely be able to deduct the amount you’ve paid into mortgage insurance. If you make more than that $100,000 cut-off, you may still qualify for a partial reduction.

While the U.S. tax code isn’t an easy obstacle to overcome, there are certainly a few ways you can reduce the burden of property taxes as a homeowner. Keep these strategic tax breaks in mind to limit your tax payout, and your bottom line will enjoy the extra padding in the year that follows. 5

Productivity boosters —

Get more done every day

Maybe you’re just starting out in the mortgage industry. Maybe your career is already established, but you’ve hit a plateau. Whatever the case may be, it’s always good to step back and reevaluate your business practices to find ways to improve or increase productivity. Oftentimes it takes stepping out of your comfort zone and going through some challenging growth phases to propel you to the next level in your business. Ever heard the saying, “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what a ship is built for?” Don’t be afraid to take chances and make changes. Here are some ways you can shake things up and increase your productivity:

Build a Team — If you’re working solo, ask yourself: are you able to give your clients the very best 6

service by handling every aspect of business by yourself? Sure, you’re an expert at sourcing loans that are the perfect fit for your clients, but what about marketing, lead generating, managing referral partnerships, or maintaining social media accounts? Each can require quite a bit of time and expertise. Now might be a good time to let go and let others use their talents so you can focus on what you do best.

Be the King or Queen of Follow-up — It’s not only critical to follow up with potential clients or industry professionals to expand your database, it’s equally important to keep in touch with the contacts you already have. Reach out to them even if it’s just to say hello and update them on what’s happening in the Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Oftentimes it takes stepping out of your comfort zone to propel you to the next level in your business. up paperwork, researching marketing strategies, or making your to-do list for the next day. It’s amazing how much can be accomplished when you have a plan and stick to it.

Use Social Media to Your Advantage — With more than 1.65 billion active users on Facebook every month, you simply cannot afford to not utilize it. However, make sure you’re using it efficiently to get the most out of your posts. Posting on certain days of the week — or even specific times of day — can garner more likes and shares. And remember, quality over quantity is what you should aim for when posting. Share things that will be useful to your clients, such as a link to your most recent blog post on how to best refinance a mortgage, or a timely article on interest rates.

market. It’s a great way to stay on their radar. If an opportunity arises or they’re weighing financing options for a property purchase in the future, they’ll think of you first.

Prioritize Your Day — Do you ever feel as though you constantly have your nose to the grindstone, only to discover you haven’t really accomplished much? Scheduling time for specific tasks throughout the day is much less daunting and can be extremely beneficial in boosting efficiency. Set aside an hour or two in the morning for returning phone calls and emails, then be done with it. Your next block of time can be dedicated to appointments, catching up with referral partners, or tracking new leads. End the day by finishing Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Further Your Education — Think of your business as a software program that requires updates. Just as technology advances and programs need a little tweaking here and there, your business also needs to evolve with the current market trends and changes in the industry. Putting an effort towards continuing education ensures your clients peace of mind and keeps you ahead of the competition. Network with colleagues to see what trends are on the horizon, then take action to be at the forefront of those changes.

Take a Day Off — It might seem counter-productive to take time off when you’re trying to grow your business, but it can actually be just what you need to achieve success. Time away from work can improve your mental state, performance, and productivity. You also run the risk of eventually burning out when there’s a lack of work-life balance. So make the decision to turn off notifications on your phone, pack a bag, and head out for the weekend to re-energize and get your creativity flowing again. 7

featuredagent Suzanne Diliberto magazine

Suzanne Diliberto did not initially set out for a career in the mortgage industry. While working for a business brokerage, a few of her colleagues went off to work at a mortgage office and offered her a position answering phones while she assessed her options. Suzanne immediately realized she’d found a career that would match her desire to serve others while making use of her superlative math skills. That was back in 1989, and after two years cutting her teeth as a processor, she became a full-fledged originator and has never looked back. Today, with over 25 years of insight and experience to her name, Suzanne has cultivated a storied career with Guarantee Mortgage, with a reputation built on attention to detail and tried-and-true consistency.

In addition to her incisive detail work, Suzanne’s distinguished level of experience instills a sense of confidence and security in those she serves. “Even during the market’s downturn when I was experiencing my worst year, I was still afloat,” she remembers. “It made me realize

Licensed in the state of California, Suzanne primarily serves the Northern California regions of Marin County and the North Bay, though her corporate backing allows her to lend in 27 states. As for her loan offerings, Suzanne’s products and capabilities run the gamut, from fielding residential investor clients and first-time homebuyers to small grade commercial work. With the entirety of her business driven by repeat and referral clientele, Suzanne’s professional model is grounded by a commitment to results-driven service. What’s more, her lengthy professional experience and proficiency with numbers allows her to dive deep into the details of the lending field — an asset to her clients. From deconstructing complex tax documents to creating financial plans to better her clients’ credit scores, Suzanne’s seasoned tenure in the industry affords her an expert’s insight. Suzanne also stands apart for her ability to broker deals in her own right, which means clients have access to the ideal or niche loan product necessary to make their property ownership aspirations a reality.

As a resident of Mill Valley, Suzanne makes it a point to give back to her local community. For seven years, she volunteered as a bartender at Mill Valley’s weekly Friday night Music in the Park event. She is also an avid contributor to the area’s Women’s Shelter, in addition to WildCare in San Rafael, supporting the efforts of local wildlife and animal rehabilitation specialists. In her coveted free hours, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her dogs, visiting the spas in Calistoga alongside friends, and binge watching the latest TV hit. She also hopes to expand her travel horizons in the near future.

“You meet so many interesting people and if you work hard, you can really help people get ahead financially.”

how lucky I am to be in this industry. You meet so many interesting people and if you work hard, you can really help people get ahead financially.” While her business is split 50-50 between purchase loans and refinancing, Suzanne’s average loan ranges between $300,000 and $1.2 million, affording her clients considerable breadth in terms of offerings. Her work with residential investors and small businesses also differentiates Suzanne, who readily caters to borrowers investing in the North Bay’s booming real estate scene.

As for the years ahead, Suzanne has plans to continue her business’s steady trajectory, with hopes to develop her processor on staff and mentor other up-and-coming loan officers ascending the ranks. Now, with an experiencesharpened professional acumen in her arsenal and a booming business model in place, Suzanne’s drive and ethos is best summed up in her own straightforward words: “I love what I do.”

Suzanne Diliberto

Guarantee Mortgage | San Francisco, CA 415.710.0396 | suzanne@guaranteemortgage.com www.guaranteemortgage.com 8

Master these

DIY skills

Among the many responsibilities of owning a home is basic upkeep and maintenance. When caught and taken care of in the early stages, many home repairs are fairly easy fixes. You’ll save yourself plenty of time, money and hassle if you learn to take care of them yourself. Of course, if a problem seems too big to handle on your own, it’s always best to be on the safe side and call a professional. But for those little day-to-day glitches, a few tools and some basic knowledge (plus a quick Google search) are probably all you will need. Here are several basic DIY home repairs and upgrades it makes sense to master:

Those Darn Doors — Whether they’re squeaking, sticking or slamming, chances are there’s at least one door in your home doing one of those things even as you read this. Fortunately, door issues are some of the fastest and easiest to fix on your own. If the door is:

• Squeaking — Squeaky door hinges are a nuisance. To quiet them down, spray WD-40 or rub petroleum jelly into the squeaky joint, opening and closing the door as you do so to work the lubricant in. If that doesn’t do the trick, lift the hinge pins halfway and spray some more WD-40, then slide the pins back in place. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

• Sticking — Wooden doors are affected by changes in temperature and humidity. They contract in cold, dry winter weather and expand when the heat and humidity rise. Generally, a sticking door will eventually resolve itself when the weather changes. If, however, you have a stubborn door sticking year ‘round, it may be just slightly too large for the jamb. In that case, it will need to be shaved down slightly to fit. Unless you have some basic carpentry skills, that job is best left to a pro. • Slamming — A slamming door can really put a damper on a relaxing evening or a lazy morning sleeping in. To lessen the impact, use peel-and-stick weather stripping on the door stop to absorb the impact.

Water, Water, Everywhere — Did you know the average household wastes approximately 10,000 gallons of water a year due to drips and leaks? And 10% of homes have leaks that waste more than 90 gallons per day? Letting those leaks go is not only wasteful, it increases your water bill. Plus, many major household problems, such as mold growth, start as the result of water going where it doesn’t belong. Here’s how to address some of the most common causes of water leaks: 9

• Faucets — The most common cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out seat washer. It’s an easy and inexpensive fix just about anyone can master with a little patience. It does vary a bit depending on the type, age and brand of your faucet, so it’s best to search for your faucet’s model number online to find specific instructions. • Toilets — A constantly running toilet can keep you up at night from the sound alone (not to mention calculating how much higher your water bill will be). The cause is most likely a worn or displaced flapper, float or chain — or some combination of those three. There are countless YouTube videos that run down the fixes step-by-step. Usually, they’ll only require a few bucks for parts and less than a half-hour of labor.

• Hose Bib — If you notice your water bill is higher than usual and you’ve checked all the usual suspects inside for leaks, there’s a good chance you have a leaky hose bib outside. It’s usually just a washer that needs replacing, which requires just a few steps and a screwdriver (there are plenty of YouTube videos for this fix, too).

One important thing to note about all these water-related repairs is that you’ll need to know where and how to turn off the water supply to each of these areas before you begin your work.

Pro Paint Prep — Painting is exciting because it can change the look and feel of any room for a relatively small investment. It’s so tempting to just grab 10

the roller, crack open the can and go town. But, if you do, you may not get the results you want. Paint will look better and last longer if you properly prep the surfaces first.

• Clean — It’s not always visible, but walls collect dirt, dust and grime just like any other surfaces in your home. At a minimum, wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth. If you’re feeling really ambitious, (or the walls are visibly dirty), wash them with a solution of laundry detergent and water — about three teaspoons of detergent to one gallon of water. Make sure they dry completely before applying primer.

• Prime — Using primer before painting helps to hide minor imperfections in wall texture, helps paint glide on smoothly and helps ensure you get the true color you’re hoping for. Talk to a paint expert at the home store about which primer works best for the paint you choose. • Odds & Ends — If possible, remove all furniture from the room to give you open space to work and avoid splashing or spilling paint on it. If you can’t move furniture out, cover it with drop cloths. Remove switch plates and cover any sconces, fixtures or decorative trim with painter’s tape.

Learning to do some basic home repairs and upgrades isn’t just a matter of practicality — although saving money and time is great. It’s also a way to deepen the pride you take in your home and fully participate in the experience of being a homeowner. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Susie Carlton

Susie Carlton began her tenure in the mortgage industry 25 storied years ago. Back then, Susie was working in sales when her cousin, a loan officer, reached out to her about opportunities in residential lending. Inspired by a challenge, she applied her talent and work ethic to complete the training process and went on to amass years of first-hand experience, before transitioning to a direct lending company where she continued to build her repertoire. In 2008, Susie and two former colleagues made the calculated decision to open up their own branch of Element Funding, seeking a new venue through 12

which to serve the area’s growing homeownership needs. More than two decades since the start of her career, Susie has carved out a sterling reputation as a creative problem-solver and a seasoned financial steward who places her clients’ needs above all. Today, Susie serves the Orlando, Florida market — particularly southwest Orlando, where she began building her experience and network of clientele at the very start of her career. At her branch of Element Funding, Susie co-heads an office staffed with a capable roster of mortgage professionals. “I have an

“There are always challenges along the way. We constantly have to be creative and figure out the best way to make a situation work. It’s our job to think outside the box and get it done.” amazing team, including one wonderful assistant, Mona Soulon, who’s been with me for over 15 years,” she says. “Our goal is always to close on time. Besides my direct reporting team, we have an incredible processor and closer. Everyone on our team has a can-do attitude. Our reputation, attention to detail, and level of communication is very important to us.” What’s more, Susie’s business is driven by a high rate of repeat and referral clientele, as well as strong REALTOR® relationships — the truest testament of her high caliber service and ability to deliver hard results. “There are always challenges along the way,” she explains. “We constantly have to be creative and figure out the best way to make a situation work. It’s our job to think outside the box and get it done.”

As for her loan offerings, Susie’s products run the gamut — from traditional loans such as FHA, VA, Jumbo and conventional options that are processed and handled in-house, to broker options, when more creativity is needed. Whatever a borrower’s needs may be, Susie’s adept insight inspires confidence in those she serves. Her commitment to steadfast communication and her first-hand knowledge of the area’s market ensures clients are advised capably and clearly, which serves to demystify what is often a complex process. All in all, Susie’s ethos is built on integrity, a principle she’s rooted in both professionally and personally. “I’m a Christian and I believe in treating people right, being honest and ethical. I’ve always been that way,” she says. “If I Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

ever make a mistake, I have no problem being honest and upfront about it. I stand by what I do and always take responsibility for my role in the process.”

To keep in touch with her sizable network of clientele, Susie stays connected in various ways. She and her branch host frequent client events such as their annual client movie night, and Halloween pumpkin patch. Not only do these events allow Susie and her team to stay top-of-mind with those they’ve served in the past, but it also creates a natural opportunity to build and fortify professional relationships over time — a highlight of Susie’s work. In fact, relationships with her clients are what she enjoys most about her role in the homeownership process. “If I can, I try to attend all my closings. It’s something I really love to do,” she reflects. “Nothing is more wonderful than seeing your clients at the closing table and seeing how happy they are with the service you provided.”

To contribute to her professional and local landscape, Susie is active in Shepherd’s Hope, a charitable organization based in Orlando that serves the area’s uninsured and underinsured with free clinics and health care services. She has twice co-chaired the organization’s Gala, a high-profile event that draws over 600 guests and community leaders each year. She is also active in Florida Executive Women and was the President of the organization in 2013. In her coveted free hours, Susie most enjoys heading off to the beach with her husband, Steve, and their dog, 13

“Nothing is more wonderful than seeing your clients at the closing table and seeing how happy they are with the service you provided.” traveling to new places, and staying active.

Considering the future of her business, Susie and her team plan to continue growing their business through strategic marketing and networking. “We’ve recently hired another assistant, Nikki Waters, that we’re mentoring, as she is interested in learning our business, and one day being a Loan Officer,” says Susie. “We just hired a new office manager and are always looking for additional loan officers that fit our culture.” Now, the same authentic spirit and work ethic that launched her early days in the business continue to drive Susie forward. With 25 years of incisive work behind her, the best is assuredly still to come for Susie Carlton and her team at Element Funding.

Susie Carlton

Element Funding | Orlando, FL Loan Officer NMLS #344354 407.367.5574 | scarlton@elementfunding.com | www.elementfunding.com/scarlton 14

Top 10

Green home features

Whether building a new house from the ground up or remodeling an existing home, adding green features just makes good sense. Not only are they often more energy efficient and moneysaving, they help preserve and protect natural resources and can offer homes unique beauty. Here are the Top 10 Green Home Features to consider:

Native Landscaping — Work with a gardener or landscaper who specializes in working with plants native to the area. The yard will not only look beautiful, but will also require less water and be easier to maintain.

Satellite Controlled Sprinklers — No more watering the lawn during a rainstorm. Satellite controlled sprinklers are synced to weather satellites, so they only go on when they’re needed. Pretty cool!

LED and CFL Lighting — Though more expensive initially, these green lighting options will save you money in the long run by using less energy, producing less heat, and lasting longer.

Dual-Pane Windows — Dual-pane windows offer added security, energy efficiency and help protect the contents of your home from the effects of UV rays. There are even climate zone specific windows available.

High-Efficiency Appliances and Accessories — Look for water- and energy-saving washing machines, water heaters and dishwashers, as well as low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads. (Good news! Low flow no longer means low water pressure).

Solar Panels — As the price and accessibility of solar panels continue to improve, it’s a green option worth considering, particularly in sun-drenched climates.

Energy Star HVAC System — Staying comfortable year ‘round will be easier — and less expensive — with an Energy Star rated HVAC system.

Programmable Thermostat — This goes hand-in-hand with your efficient HVAC system. Look for one that allows maximum flexibility for programming different times of the day, and days of the week.

Sustainable Materials — New choices in green home materials are emerging all the time. Two of the most popular interior choices are bamboo flooring as an alternative to wood, and recycled glass countertops instead of non-renewable quartz or granite. Ask your builder or contractor about other sustainable building material options. Proper Insulation — The single biggest factor in helping to keep a home comfortable and energy efficient. One popular eco-friendly insulation option is blown-in cellulose, which works its way into every nook and cranny. It’s non-toxic, too. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

The great eight —

Habits of successful mortgage professionals Perhaps you are just getting your start in the mortgage business. Or, maybe you’ve been an originator or loan officer for a while, but you’re not experiencing the success you envisioned. And even if you are enjoying great success, there’s always room to take it to the next level, right? Whatever your current situation, take some time to review the following habits. We talk to highly successful mortgage professionals on a daily basis, and these are the proven practices they use to stay at the top of their game.

Establish a Morning Ritual — One thing we hear time and time again from the most successful mortgage professionals is how they have an established set of practices they use to start their day. Whether it’s a predawn cup of coffee combined with quiet meditation, or 16

sweating it out at the gym (or some of both), starting each morning the same way helps set the stage for a more productive, less stressful day.

Ask for Help & Utilize Resources — Every individual mortgage professional is essentially the owner of their own small business. That doesn’t mean you have to go it alone, however. Turn to your branch manager and fellow loan officers, or to others in related fields, such as agents or brokers. These practiced professionals can help you ace the intricacies of all different types of professional situations. Additionally, start making an effort to utilize assistants and other resources to keep your workload manageable. While it’s tempting to do everything yourself to retain control, keeping up that pace can lead to burnout. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Establish Boundaries — Many mortgage lenders pride themselves on being available to their clients 24/7. While it’s certainly advisable to make clients a priority, you can do so without sacrificing every moment of your personal life. Setting up reasonable boundaries on your time, such as not taking calls during your family’s dinner hour, is healthy and allows you to create a more realistic work/life balance.

Schedule Your Days — Most mortgage lenders we talk to tell us how important it is for them to schedule their time, even when they’re not seeing clients. Setting aside time for essentials tasks, such as lead generation and follow-up, will help ensure you have a steady stream of leads in the pipeline.

Develop a Business Plan — Many mortgage professionals get started in the business with no real road map for where they’re going to go. They get a running start by relying on friends and family for business, but once those transactions come and go, they’re at a loss for what to do next. Savvy professionals get started with goals in place that go beyond their immediate sphere of influence.

Continue Education — Successful mortgage professionals make continuing education a priority. They see the value in learning everything they can about the many different aspects of lending and real estate. And they understand that continued coursework adds credibility and helps them present to clients as a trustworthy authority. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Make Work Enjoyable — Every job has its good days and bad days. But when you make a conscious effort to have a good time every day, the bad days will be few and far between. Successful lenders we talk to all make it a point to mention how much they love being in the mortgage industry. Some mortgage pros love meeting new people, others love creative problem solving. We’ve even talked to some who are passionate about running numbers and doing paperwork. Whatever it is you love most about being in the mortgage field, be sure to do as much of it as possible.

Become a Force for Good — Getting involved in the community through volunteering and monetary support serves a number of worthwhile purposes. It creates outstanding networking opportunities and helps you to establish a reputation as someone who cares about the communities that support your business. Plus, it just feels great to give back!

There is no magic formula for success in the mortgage industry. But when you combine your own unique personality and skills with these best practices, you’ll find every day is just a little easier, more productive and more enjoyable. 17

Who’s who

in a real estate transaction If it’s your first time buying a home, or even if you’re experienced but haven’t bought or sold in a while, you might not be familiar with (or remember) all the people who are involved in a real estate transaction. There are more than you might think! Remember the classic Sesame Street segment “These Are the People in Your Neighborhood?” It’s kind of like that! With that tune in mind, these are the people in your real estate transaction:

REALTOR® or Real Estate Agent — These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. A licensed real estate agent is a professional licensed by the state to represent parties in the transfer of property. A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate agent who has taken the extra step of becoming a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), and also belongs to their state and local associations. Just remember that not all real estate agents are REALTORS.® 18

Listing Agent — If you’re selling your home, you may work with a listing agent. A listing agent is a REALTOR® (or real estate agent) who specializes in selling property, and does so under a contractual agreement known as a listing agreement.

Home Stager — Your listing agent may choose to use a professional home stager to get your home market-ready. A stager is someone with a background in design who is skilled at making the inside of the home look its best to encourage a quick sale.

Buyer’s Agent — If you’re purchasing a home, you will probably work with a buyer’s agent. A buyer’s agent is a real estate agent who specializes in helping house hunters find the right property and negotiating the terms of purchase.

Transaction Coordinator — If you’re working with a high-volume agent, they may have a transaction Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

The terms REALTOR® and Real Estate Agent are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. a real estate attorney. In some states, an attorney is required to conduct real estate closings. But even if it’s not a requirement in your state, you may want to retain a real estate attorney’s services for difficult or complex transactions. It’s always helpful to have another set of expert eyes to draw up and review contracts.

Insurance Agent — Homeowner’s insurance is a requirement of homeownership. The insurance agent will help you determine the coverage you need and help you find a policy to fit those needs.

coordinator as part of their team. A transaction coordinator’s job is to process listings and transactions under contract.

Loan Officer — Loan officers work for banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions. They help home buyers figure out the types of mortgages available to them and are responsible for educating consumers on the terms of their loan.

Appraiser — An appraiser works on behalf of the lender to determine how much a property is worth. The decision is based on the condition of the property as well as data regarding other similar sold properties in the same neighborhood. The appraiser’s findings are subjective; two appraisers may come up with two different values on the same property.

Real Estate Attorney — Depending on where you live, you may or may not require the services of Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Escrow or Closing Officer — It’s a good day when you get to meet the escrow or closing offer, because that means your transaction is almost complete! This non-biased third party works with all sides to facilitate the successful closing of a real estate transaction. The closing officer collects the purchase money funds from the buyer and lender, along with the settlement costs from each party. They then disburse the funds according to the HUD-1 Settlement Statement and record all necessary documents to transfer ownership of the property.

Title Agent — The title agent paves the way for a title insurance policy to be issued by conducting a title search on a given property to ensure it has a clean title. In some states title agents are also able to manage the transfer of real estate.

Now that you know who all the players in a real estate transaction are, you’ll encounter fewer surprises as you go through the home buying or selling process. You may not encounter every one of these people, but it’s good to know who they are. Remember, they are all in business to help you. So if you have questions or concerns at any time while you’re buying or selling your home, be sure to speak up. These real estate professionals want to help you have a smooth, pleasant and worry-free transaction.

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