Helping Your Realtor and Lender Help You with a Home Purchase

In this article, we will cover and discuss helping your realtor and lender help you with a home purchase. I know sometimes it can be hard finding the right Realtor. I also know that once you have made that decision, there are some tips that can make your Home Buying Partnership more successful.

Helping your realtor and lender help you with your home purchase will relieve much-added stress in the home buying process and mortgage process.

Busy Realtors in the business tend to assume everyone knows the proper procedure for looking at homes. I have found this topic to be rarely discussed between Realtors and clients but an area that is definitely worthy of being addressed. In this article, we will discuss and cover Helping Your Realtor And Lender Help You With Home Purchase.

Helping Your Realtor and Lender Help You With Meeting Another Real Estate Agent

If you meet another agent, be sure and tell them you are already working with an agent. If a real estate agent does not ask you if you’re working with another agent, then promptly volunteer that information. Real estate agents are trained to ask you this question but sometimes they don’t, they forget or are afraid to hear the answer. Be sure and tell them immediately

Looking At New Homes (Model Homes Or Inventory)

If you attend a New Home Model/Open House without your agent, give your agent a business card the model home agent. If you do not have a business card, you should sign the guest book with your agent’s name next to your own with their number.

Not only will this help your agent get the most detailed information for you, but it will also protect you from giving out your personal information. Your agent knows the questions that should be asked of the builder.

In some cases, the builder will not allow you to have your own representation if you do not fill out their card with your agents’ names. Be sure and do this.

Do Not Ask Another Agent To Show You Property

Your real estate agent is eager to help you. Part of your real estate agents helping you is sending you properties for consideration. First, drive by the property to see if the area neighborhood is of interest to you. Then schedule an appointment for a showing with your agent. Some appointments can require 24-hour notice, but many are much shorter. Your agent will also show you any home that you have located yourself

Do Not Directly Call The Listing Agent For Information As They Represent The Seller

Your agent will be able to get more detailed information from the listing agent than you, as they have direct access to the listing information through the MLS. There will be no confusion if your agent calls the listing agent.

Follow Open House Protocol If You Go Unescorted

If you attend an Open House without your real estate agent, give your real estate agent business card to the agent hosting the Open House. If you do not have their card, you can sign their guest book with your agent’s name next to your own.

Again not only will your agent have access to the MLS for detailed information about the property, but this protects you from giving out personal information. I hope this will help you in working with your own real estate agent.

If you have still not found an agent, please call me as I can help you locate a great agent from our large Real Estate and Lending Network Database at Gustan Cho Associates. Connecting both the Realtor and the Lender (My Loan Officer Partner Dale Elenteny of Gustan Cho Associates) to you truly takes you from the beginning to the end in a seamless process. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you buy and finance your dream home

Helping Your Realtor And Lender Help You About My Loan Officer Partner

Dale Elenteny of Gustan Cho Associates is a veteran mortgage loan professional with over 27 years of experience in the mortgage business. Dale’s experience includes both as a wholesale account executive and a retail loan officer. Dale Elenteny represents Gustan Cho Associates has a national reputation for being able to do loans other lenders cannot do.

The regional offices of Gustan Cho Associates is based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Gustan Cho Associates is licensed in 48 states and has over 280 wholesale mortgage lenders.

We have a reputation for our 21-day closings and no overlays on government and conventional loans. Gustan Cho Associates empowered by NEXA Mortgage, LLC. is one of the fastest, if not the fastest, growing national mortgage companies. Dale Elenteny, like myself, is available 7 days a week, on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

This way, everyone stays on the same page from the very beginning.

• Update them on changes: Tell your realtor and lender as soon as possible if anything changes—a new job, a big expense, or a change in the down payment.
• Delays come from surprises; keeping them in the loop can help you dodge trouble.
• Ask questions early: Don’t let confusing terms or unclear steps slide.
• Your realtor and lender are there to clarify, so reach out instead of guessing.
• Quick clarifications now can prevent big headaches later.

Keep Your Documents Organized

Paperwork is a big part of buying a home and can slow things down if you’re not ready.

• Create a digital folder: Scan and label your pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, credit docs, and ID.
• Please send them to your lender as soon as requested and give your realtor any necessary forms or disclosures.
• Use a checklist: Your lender may provide a list of things they need to process your loan.
• Keep the list nearby and cross items off as you gather or send them.
• The more you tick off early, the smoother things go.
• Stay responsive: If your lender or realtor asks for a quick clarification on the docs you sent, answer immediately.
• Timely responses keep momentum up.

Schedule Joint Meetings or Calls

When your realtor and lender connect, it cuts down on back-and-forth emails or calls.

• Plan a kickoff meeting: At the start, ask if you can have a meeting or video call with both.
• Your lender can explain the loan process while your realtor fills in how offers and inspections work.
• Having everyone in the same digital room saves past messages.
• Use milestone check-ins: When you come to important steps—making an offer, underwriting, or closing—set up a quick joint call to stay coordinated.
• It gives you a big-picture view and a way to ask questions of both parties at once.

Setting the Right Expectations

Your realtor and lender are your guides, but you’ll need to keep pace, too.

• Know the timeline: Your lender will share estimated closing dates based on loan type.
• At the same time, your realtor will factor in market conditions.
• Together, they can help you see how closing dates can shift.
• Being aware will help you maintain realistic planning.
• Budget for cash not on the loan: In addition to the down payment, closing costs, and loan fees, you may need cash for repairs, alerts, or contingencies.
• Your lender may not cover this, and your realtor can help you estimate it.

Stay Flexible and Trust the Team

Real estate is unpredictable. Some bumps will come, so stay patient.

• Lean on your team: Your realtor and lender have been in your shoes—they know how to reroute.
• Trust their advice and stay calm.
• Celebrate small wins: When the appraisal returns or the underwriting clears, share a thumbs-up with both.
• Small celebrations keep everyone motivated.

FAQ Section

Q: What if I don’t have a lender yet?

• A: That’s okay! Your realtor can recommend trusted lenders.
• Just make sure you get pre-approved early so you shop with realistic targets.

Q: How many loan options should I ask for?

• A: At least two.
• Different lenders may offer varying rates and fees.
• Your realtor can help you compare offers.

Q: When do I pay my closing costs?

• A: Closing costs are due on closing day, and can usually be included in the loan with the right terms and lender.

Q: Can I switch lenders mid-process?  

• A: Yes, but it can delay your closing. Check options and make this decision as soon as possible.

Q: Should I tell my realtor if I switch jobs?

• A: Yes! Job changes can affect your buying power, and your lender and realtor need to know immediately.
• Share all financial details: Provide the lender with correct and complete information about your pay, savings, and debts so they can help you find the best mortgage options.
• Notify about changes fast: If your job, salary, or overall financial picture shifts before you close, tell your lender immediately.
• Delays or surprises are best avoided.

Secure Your Pre-Approval ASAP

A pre-approval letter signals to sellers that you mean business, and your realtor can make stronger offers.

• Benefits of early pre-approval: This letter shows the maximum price you can afford, so you won’t waste weekends touring homes above your budget.
• Documents to gather: Expect to show pay stubs, recent W-2 forms, bank account summaries, and a form of ID. Your credit history will be checked, too.
• Support for your realtor: With a firm price range, your agent can zero in only on homes within your financial comfort zone.

Keep Your Money Momentum

Your pre-approval depends on your current finances. A small change can slow things down or put the loan in danger.

• Hold off on new credit: Avoid signing up for credit cards, a new car loan, or any big-ticket financing before you close the mortgage.
• Stay in your job: Changing employers just before closing can confuse the lender and change the approval picture.
• Limit large transactions: If you need to deposit or withdraw a large sum, keep a paper trail like receipts, gift letters, or settlement statements.
• That way, underwriters can clearly see the source of the money.

Trust Your Realtor’s Expertise

Realtors breathe the local market every day, so lean on them. Their inside scoop and negotiation know-how are priceless.

• Market insights: They know a fair price and can keep you from overpaying.
• Negotiation skills: They can negotiate down repair costs or get credits to lower the final bill.
• Paperwork guidance: Your realtor will keep every signature and initial on track to meet deadlines.

Keep Everyone in the Loop

Communication is key. Your realtor and lender need the same storyline.

• Share documents quickly: When the lender asks for a new deposit slip or paycheck stub, send it in minutes, not hours.
• Let them talk: Grant your realtor and lender permission to chat directly.
• That cuts out the middleman and speeds things up.
• Stay reachable: Check your messages several times a day.
• Fast replies keep things moving and avoid holdups.

Be Prepared for Closing

The home stretch still needs your focus.

• Review your closing disclosure: Your lender will email this at least three days before the signing.
• Check every number—fees, loan amount, interest rate—to confirm they match your agreement.
• Gather essential paperwork: At closing, remember to bring a photo ID from a government agency and either a certified check or a wire transfer for your down payment and closing fees.
• Block off your schedule: Ensure you have time for the last property check-up and the day you sign the closing docs.

Why Being a Great Buyer Benefits You  

When you act as an informed buyer—keeping lists, replying fast to emails, and sharing updates openly—you let your agent and lender function at their best. Everyone works together, which means less last-minute panic and a clearer route to your front door.

Common Questions About Teaming Up  

Why hire both an agent and a lender?

Your agent searches for the right house and haggles for the best price. Your lender steps in to make sure you can pay for it. You need both for a smooth sale.

What’s the first step with a lender?

Start by getting pre-approved. This will tell you how much house you can afford and show sellers you’re serious about buying.

How can I make the mortgage process smoother?  

Please hand in full and correct documents as soon as possible, avoid making major financial changes during the process, and let your lender know right away if something changes.

Should I let my agent speak directly to my lender?

Giving permission helps clear up questions quickly and keeps everything on track.

What moves can delay my closing on a house?

Steer clear of opening new credit accounts, switching jobs, or making big bank transactions that can’t be explained.

How long will it take to buy a house?

Most sales wrap up between 30 and 45 days, depending on your loan type and how fast paperwork flows.

Must I be there for the closing meeting?

Usually, yes. Some states let you sign documents remotely, but the papers still need your signature.

How can I speed up the house hunt with my agent?

Speak up about the features you can’t live without, the areas you like, and the budget that works for you.

What if my finances change while I’m buying the house?

Tell your lender right away. Any change to your job or income can change your loan status.

Why does fast communication matter during the mortgage process?

Late documents or slow replies can delay your closing date, costing you time and stress.

About The Author Of Helping Your Realtor And Lender Help You

Tom Falloon is a contributing associate writer for Gustan Cho Associates. Tom is a licensed veteran realtor for Real People Realty based in Mokena, Illinois. Tom’s home buyers become their lifelong friends. Most of Thomas Falloon’s home buyers and sellers are either previous clients or referrals from previous clients.

Tom’s passion for writing blogs is to educate and inform the public of his extensive knowledge in real estate, lending, investing, and life experiences. Tom feels that knowledge is a must.

Due to his beliefs in being the best of the best in his field, Tom not only keeps up with the latest real estate market news but also spends countless hours every chance he gets to get familiar with the mortgage guidelines. He keeps up with the latest and greatest loan programs in the market to help his clients.

The Importance of Knowledge and Experience

He is probably the most knowledgeable real estate agent in the Chicagoland Area. He is unique and different from any other realtor. This is because he believes in having a one-stop realty shop. Since having the right knowledgeable experienced lender is key in closing homes, he has partnered up with Dale Elenteny of Gustan Cho Associates.

Dale has a national reputation for knowing his mortgage lending guidelines from his two-plus decades in the mortgage business. There are countless mortgage loan officers who are still a fan of Dale Elenteny and they still contact Dale for his expertise on loan scenarios.

Dale Elenteny of Gustan Cho Associates can be reached at 630-479-2719 or text Dale for a faster response. Or email Dale Elenteny at dale@gustancho.com. We are pleased and proud of having Thomas Falloon as part of  Gustan Cho Associates and look forward to his future articles in the days, weeks, and months to come. Thomas Falloon can be reached on his cell at 708-525-6308.

This BLOG On Helping Your Realtor And Lender Help You Was UPDATED on August 27, 2025