Wow, that’s a loaded question! I work with several FANTASTIC lenders who can really make a difference in the general flow and lessen the stress level for a home purchase; on the other hand I have worked with some lenders who I would never refer to anyone!

Look for a loan officer who is familiar with bush Alaska. The lender in California is not going to understand why an appraisal can take up to a month. In fact, some lenders in Anchorage have a hard time understanding the logistics of living where we do.

Look for a loan officer who is experienced.  Someone who has many years of processing loans will know what red flags could slow the transaction down.  Someone with experience is also going to be more aware of the loan options that are available to you.

Look for a loan officer who has a team/assistants.  When you have a question about your loan, or need to be reminded that you are missing a piece of documentation, a lending agent who has help is typically better able to be much more responsive to the transaction.

Remember, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes in a real estate transaction. It’s not just get approved, find a house, move in.  There are several factors that make the difference between a smooth transaction and one that grinds your soul to dust!