Buying a home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. It can also be one of the most stressful. Becoming a homeowner requires a lot of patience, and depending on the location you’re looking in, a fair-sized investment.
As with any step in the homebuying process, finding experts you can rely on is a necessity. From your real estate agent to a reliable home inspector, working with professionals who keep things moving is essential to closing with confidence.
Before even looking for homes (although you’ve probably already started), you should think about who you want to work with, particularly Home Lending Advisors and real estate agents. There’s a wide-ranging field with thousands of professionals willing to help, so how do you choose?
At Chase, we ensure you’re able to find the right Home Lending Advisor for you. Every one of our Home Lending Advisors is trained in the mortgage industry, so you’ll have qualified help throughout every step of the homebuying process.
What is a Home Lending Advisor?
At Chase, we call our Loan Officers (or home lenders) Home Lending Advisors because our Loan Officers are experts with mortgages, home equity lines of credit, refinancing and so much more. We have thousands of Home Lending Advisors across the United States. They work with you to help you get prequalified and figure out how much you can afford.
These experts help simplify the application process. They’ll make sure you’ve filled out the proper documents and that they’re sent to the underwriter in a timely fashion.
Home Lending Advisors at Chase also help homebuyers find other professionals to help with aspects of homebuying. Some can refer you to home inspectors, real estate agents (if you don’t already have one in mind), and so many others.
How do I find a Home Lending Advisor?
Whether you’re looking to buy a new home, refinance or improve your existing one, our Home Lending Advisors are just a call or click away. Like any loan process, you’ll want to make an appointment to have a conversation about your needs and what’s best for you and your family. You want someone who listens to you and offers suggestions along the way. To get started, simply:
- Go to HomeLendingAdvisor.chase.com.
- Search either by Last Name (if you have a Home Lending Advisor in mind), City or Zip Code.
- Review the results list. Every listing includes their location, NMLS ID#, phone number and profile page.
- If you’re interested in learning more about a specific Home Lending Advisor, click “Go to (name)’s page.”
- Each profile page will tell you how many years of experience the Home Lending Advisor has, full contact information and, oftentimes, a short bio. This information should give you a good sense of each advisor so you can easily make your decision.
One of the best indicators about the quality of the Home Lending Advisor is to do research and see what other homebuyers’ experiences were like in the past. Reviews are often in-depth and provide an outlook you won’t be able to find unless you work with the advisor firsthand.
As you get closer to making your decision, and it’s time to meet with Home Lending Advisors, asking the right questions can provide an interesting outlook into each Home Lending Advisor’s process. Some questions you can ask are:
- What is the interest rate and annual percentage rate? How does my financial status affect the rate I can get?
- What are the discount points and origination fees?
- Are on-time closings guaranteed? How quickly can I close?
What will a Home Lending Advisor need to know?
A Home Lending Advisor is there to help you figure out your financial situation and recommend solutions. They will advise you whether you’re self-employed, have less-than-perfect credit or need to make a low down payment. All of your life’s factors will help the Home Lending Advisor make recommendations on how to approach homebuying.
Here are some things you can work on before you meet with a Home Lending Advisor and start the process:
Work on your credit score
The better your credit score, the easier the homebuying process. Turning bad credit into good credit can take some time, but the benefits are valuable. Some tips to build your credit in preparation for the homebuying process include:
- Pay your bills on time
- Stay current on payments and pay off past due amounts
- Pay off existing debt quickly
- Manage credit cards responsibly
- Check your credit score for errors
Talk to real estate agents
One of the best but most underutilized resources in searching for a Home Lending Advisor is your real estate agent. Agents have connections and expertise in navigating each aspect of your homebuying journey, including helping connect you with Home Lending Advisors who will suit your needs.
Why should I work with a Chase Home Lending Advisor?
Home Lending Advisors at Chase tailor their approach to each client. They essentially quarterback the loan process for you, so you really need to feel comfortable. At Chase, the Home Lending Advisors can help you move through the homebuying process with confidence.
If you’re considering buying a home, or refinancing, Chase Home Lending Advisors are here to help. Reach out to one in your area and start the process today!