Mortgage Lenders

 

Thinking about buying or selling a home or refinancing an existing mortgage and need a lender?  How do you go about choosing the right lender?

 

You will want a mortgage lender who can offer the best deal and great customer service for what will probably be the largest financial transaction of your life?  You will find no shortage of banks, online lenders, mortgage brokers and other financial entities eager to take your loan application.  What do you need to know and consider before choosing the lender that is right for you?

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To find the right mortgage lender for you, shop around.  Consider different options like your bank, local credit unions, online lenders and more.  Always talk to at least two lenders so you can compare and contrast their offers.  Meet and talk with them, in-person or via Zoom, so you can get comfortable with them as a person and as your financial representative.  Ask each of them about rates, loan terms, down payment requirements, timeline and communications, property insurance, closing cost and fees of all kinds.  Compare the details on every offer.

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Michelle Castle - GUILD MORTGAGE

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Brenda Morterud - MUTUAL OF OMAHA MORTGAGE

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Joe Bartram - UMORTGAGE

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Tonya Walters - UMORTGAGE

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Property Inspectors

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Always have a property inspected.  it is important to know about existing issues and potential ones before making commitments.  How do you go about choosing the right home inspector?

 

Home inspections provide an opportunity for a buyer to identify any major issues with a home before closing.  Your first clue that a home inspection is important is that it can be used as a contingency in your contract with the seller.

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A home inspection is performed by a licensed home inspector and is designed to provide a thorough, detailed examination of a home, usually during the process of buying or selling a home.  Homes are inspected for structural soundness, proper function, and code requirements for all visible, accessible areas of the property.

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Home inspections are performed by a professional home inspector with the goal of giving you a clear, comprehensive understanding of your property’s condition through the experience and training of an unbiased third party.  If you are buying or selling a home, coming up on your one-year builder warranty, or simply question the condition of your current home, a home inspection can be a worthwhile investment.

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Licensed home inspectors must have the education and experience required by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and pass a state licensing exam to become a licensed home inspector.  As a TREC licensed home inspector, they must comply with the regulations in the TREC Standard of Practice.

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A home inspection can reduce your exposure to risk, but there is no guarantee that all risk will eliminated.  It will give you peace of mind that you are not buying “a lemon.”  Your home inspector is an ally in the home buying and selling process.  After all, this may be the biggest investment you make in your life so engaging a licensed home inspector to perform a thorough inspection is worth the small cost.

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Keith Boggs - STONEBRIAR PROPERTY INSPECTIONS

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Movers

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Planning a move or need to schedule a move?

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Choosing a moving company can be hard work!  How do you go about choosing the right moving company?

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Start by getting referrals from someone you trust.  Get three estimates.  That way you get to compare philosophies, customer service, value, and cost.  Watch out for red flags during the process.  Most reputable moving companies won't ask for cash deposits before the move.  Observe their timeliness, professionalism, and do they have their own trucks.

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Make sure the moving company is licensed and insured.   Note exactly what is and what is not covered in their contract.  The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues a U.S. DOT number to licensed interstate movers.  If you are moving out of state, verify the moving company’s license through the FMCSA’s protectyourmove.gov site and request the company’s U.S. DOT number.  You will need it if you have to file a claim against the company later.  If you are staying in state, check with your local consumer affairs agency.  You can find a list of local agencies through the FMCSA’s contacts database.

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Ask about Professional Accreditation and check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to ensure they have a good rating and no major outstanding complaints against them.  Validate the moving company's address with their website and with the BBB.

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Take a thorough household inventory and get a written estimate that outlines and includes any special packing and/or moving costs for unusually heavy or valuable belongings.  Understand the contract and if in doubt seek professional guidance before signing.

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Nikki & Brian Purcell - FIREHOUSE MOVERS

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Bottom Line

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If you are in need of service providers for any real estate related, give us a call at 469-262-5411.  We will share our experiences with the above service providers, and others that we have encountered over the last 20+ years in real estate.  We will gladly offer our insights into each service provider and specialty.  We encourage you to follow the "Rule of Three", choosing three service providers to interview and evaluate before making a selection.  This straightforward process will lead to informed decision making and in most cases optimal result.

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