The Value of an Excellent Lender

The importance of a lender is not truly felt until you are in the process of the purchase. There are so many options for a prospective buyer to shop from, some great and some not so great. We, as Real Estate agents, have an opportunity to offer referrals for a trusted lender, but it is ultimately the buyer’s choice who they will work with.

In this short blog post I want to point out a couple of things to think about, as a buyer, to help you find the right lender or lending institution for you:

Does your choice answer the phone on a weekend or after 5:00?

• I can tell you, from personal experience, that Real Estate happens at all hours, especially the weekends and evenings. Getting timely information or a revised pre-approval letter when you need it can be the difference between getting your dream home and getting your offer rejected.

Does your lender keep your timeline in mind and have experience with the local market?

• A Real Estate purchase or sale is a list of terms and timeframes. The best lenders are looking ahead on all timeframes to set up for a smooth sale. They are communicating with you to let you know when you should be considering a decision that will affect your timeline. Namely, on when to order the appraisal.  A thoughtful and active lender will know if appraisal reports are taken longer than normal in your area.

Does your choice of lender have a track record of making it easy for you as a buyer and did they come to you from a referral?

• As an Agent who works by referral, I cannot understate the value in having a first hand referral of the professionals you choose to work with. A lender is the third member of your team: It is you- the buyer, me-the agent and your lender that all work to make a successful sale. Choose wisely!

How do the rates compare?

• I get it! The cost of a loan is important and the interest rate of your loan is important but if you can get the same cost and rate from a proven performer with a stellar reputation, take the time to get pre-approved with them, it could save you some headaches down the road.

If you’ve read this far, I’ll bet you can imagine that this blog is inspired by the wonderful lenders I work with and some of the others that have struggled.

Shout out to my top three:

Aaron Nawrocki with Capital M

Gary Boyer with Directors Mortgage

And JJ Lee Kwai with Two Rivers Mortgage

You guys are the best!

If you are just getting started or at any stage of looking for your home give me a call, I’m with you for every step of the way toward your goals.

I pride my practice on being full service from before the beginning well past the end!

Sean O'Feery

Broker | Earth Advantage | ADU Specialist | OR

Hello my name is Sean Patrick O'Feery,   I am thrilled to give you the attention to detail and service that you deserve from a skilled, motivated and intuitive Real Estate agent.  I love this work and will make your purchase or sale to be as smooth, rewarding and exciting and it should be.

• My business has been built on referrals; over 95% of my clients come to me from other happy clients, friends, family or trusted lenders.
• Integrity is the most important component of my business.  My reputation is a reflection of the integrity I bring to my work and I work hard to earn it.  You can count on me to give you my honest and informed opinion that will serve you first.  My fiduciary responsibly is to you; my client and I hold this ideal to the highest standard.
• Communication is essential!  I will provide you complete and timely information so you can make good decisions.  I will keep you informed to the next step and beyond at every point of the process from the introduction meeting to the closing and beyond.
• Negotiation skills in this business are a must; I will be a fierce advocate for you throughout the process.
• A broad knowledge of homes and their conditions. Whether it is a 1909 Craftsman or a LEAD Certified new construction it is important to have experience of what and where to look for quality or concerns. We have our own experience in remodeling homes and maintain good relationships with inspectors and contractors.
• I am always seeking to refine my practice, learning new tools or to solidify my knowledge of our market, neighborhoods and the inventory.  You can count on me to be informed, skilled and up to date with the latest search and marketing tools.
• I want to maintain our relationship to continue and to be a valuable resource for you.  I love to be of service.

As your buying agent: I am dedicated to having you feel cared for before, during and after the purchase.  I meet clients where they are at and find out how I can provide the best service. Every purchase is individually tailored to each buyer. My priority is to find the home you love in the best condition for the best value. As your selling agent: I am dedicated to having you feel cared for before, during and after the sale. I will work closely with you to identify your priorities. A complete marketing plan supported by the brokerage best known in Portland for marketing tools, skills and style that will serve you well. My consistent focus on every sale is to get you the best return from the most qualified buyers for the sale of your home. My neighborhoods: I live on the East Side and know the areas from Gresham to the inner East Side like a well worn glove. I love to work, shop and spend time on the West Side. I know the nuances of the West Side communities from downtown to Hillsboro. Oregon City is a great community and Tigard is no stranger. For me, it’s about finding what is best for you in the greater Portland area. I am happy to introduce you to the unique communities that make this area so great! If you want to know a little more about me- I love, live and breathe Real Estate. & I built a home with my dad. I know what a quality build looks like and some things to watch out for. The inspection period in sale or purchase of a home is an opportunity for me to shine. I have recently remodeled two homes with my wife and we own a couple of great rentals. Maintaining great relationships with vetted contractors is a must in my life and work.   I spend winters watching the snow reports of Baker, Steven’s, Crystal, Brundage, Meadows and Mt. Bachelor. Photo is circa 1993 coming down from Camp Muir on Mt Rainier… in Oakley Blades.   This is my wife. This is my child. My pets. My family. If you would like genuine, focused and sincere representation in the sale or purchase of your home please call or email, providing excellent service has been a long-standing source of pride. Sincerely, Sean O’Feery (206) 795-0703 sean@livingroomre.com

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• T: 206-795-0703
• F: 503-961-8224
• sean@livingroomre.com