What do I look for in a realtor?

To properly view this site, javascript must be enabled and Flash version 9 or higher must be installed.
Get the latest Flash player
Jeff Thomas
Mortgage Advisor, Family Lender
www.lendingsolutions.net  
703-830-9808

Jeff Thomas is a Mortgage Advisor and Financial Educator with Family Lender, Inc. located in Fairfax, Virginia. Jeff has seen the mortgage business change significantly in the 15 years he has been in the business. Changes such zero down loans, to relaxed underwriting guidelines to borrowing more than the house is actually worth on a purchase or refinance transaction. 

With the changes in the mortgage industry, Jeff has had to make changes in the way he performs his job. Jeff originally thought he was a loan originator, but after realizing the positive impact he could have on other peoples lives he made some basic adjustments to his business and now sees his position and career as a financial educator.

By taking the time upfront to get to know the people he serves, Jeff has been able to positively impact and improve the lives of the people he works with by providing relevant and timely advice. . This assistance comes in many forms, from insurance to painting to helping interview the right retirement professional. This core group of professionals allows Jeff to concentrate on providing the right advice for each person he works with.

Jeff is one of 200 people in the country that is both a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist – CMPS and a Certified Liability Advisor – CLA. Jeff recently co-authored a book with Todd Ballinger, called “Borrow Smart Retire Rich”.  The principles addressed in the book will be covered throughout the video. 

Jeff hopes you gain insight on how to purchase and finance a home and hopefully you will find your time well spent and walk away with some information you did not know before.  Jeff Thomas, Where Advice Does Make A Difference!

 

What do I look for in a realtor?

In this video, mortgage advisor, Jeff Thomas describes how to purchase your first home and the process you must go through to obtain a mortgage. This video is designed for first time homebuyers and also provides valuable information to indivduals who have purchased a home in the past. This video includes an overview of the four parts of a loan file, mortgage jargon, the loan process, house hunting, the types of mortgages available and the 7 steps on how to manage your mortgage correctly.

This expert: 68,661 views

This series: 10,089 views

Print

Transcripts

Jeff Thomas: I am Jeff Thomas, a Mortgage Advisor with Family Lender Inc. Today we are going to discuss the process you go through to find a house and the mortgage process itself. To tell you a little bit about myself, I have been in the Mortgage Industry for 15 years and recently I co-authored a book with Todd Ballenger called Borrow Smart Retire Rich. There are seven parts for the book, which we will discuss at the end of the video. Today we are going to discuss the process that you go through on how to find a house and the find a Realtor?

Host: What do I look for in a Realtor?

Jeff Thomas: The first thing want to look for is a full-time realtor; part time realtor is probably going to have more households than you are going to want. But, the most important part of that is just because you are working with the real estate agent doesn t mean you are working with a realtor. A realtor is somebody that is a member of the National Association of Realtors. They subscribe to a code of ethics on how to deal with you and how to deal with the transaction.

The next part of that is you want somebody that has probably gone to -- and takes some extra classes either a GRI which is a Graduate of the REALTOR Institute and credited buyer s agent. You want people that have taken the time and spent some money to increase certain knowledge, so they can better serve you either; A, through home finding or B, through negotiations.

Other Videos

  • Tax Return This video series will discuss tax return preparation. It gives basic information on preparing an individual income tax return, Form 1040 and the basic schedules. This video is designed for those individuals who want to undertake the preparation of their tax return. There are tips and pointers for those who have attempted this feat in prior years.
  • What is identity theft? In this video, Linda Sherry details the best ways to prevent identity theft and what you can do if you think your identity has been stolen.
  • How to Read & Correct Credit Report Errors In this video, financial planning professional and member of the Financial Planning Association®, Cal Brown, MST, CFP®, describes the four important steps to improving your credit. This video is designed for individuals who have poor credit and are looking for tips to improve their credit. This video series includes an overview of checking your credit, reading and correcting credit reports, improving your credit and getting out of debt.
  • What if I've tried to reduce expenses & still can't make my payment? Give yourself every advantage when you're facing foreclosure. And get tips on how to avoid finding yourself in that situation. Expert Amelia Robinette explains some of the terminology associated with foreclosure and gives tips to help you get back on track.
  • In addition to finances, what issues are important for retirement planning?
  • How to Buy a Home This video provides tips from experienced realtors and mortgage brokers on how to sell a home, buy a home, price a home and select an agent. Get the best deal you possibly can when either buying or selling your home!