In this blog, we will cover and discuss working with real estate agents who are also NMLS licensed mortgage loan originators. Real Estate Agents are licensed professionals. Realtors work with home buyers and sellers. Agents are knowledgeable not just in helping buyers with buying and selling homes. They are extremely knowledgeable in lending, insurance, appraisals, renovations, property values, and the areas where they represent.
Homebuyers and sellers need to get along with their real estate agents in order for them to have a smooth home buyer and/or selling process. Realtors are known to be the quarterback in real estate transactions. Most agents have a network of professionals such as lenders, title companies, contractors, attorneys, and other third-party vendors. In this blog, we will discuss Working With Real Estate Agents for home buyers and sellers.
Working With Real Estate Agents And How They Are Paid?
Most real estate agents work on commission. What this means is if they do not sell, they do not get paid. Realtors are motivated in working with their clients and maintaining a great relationships so they can get paid. Agents will do extensive research, market analysis, and quarterback the whole buying and lending process with you to get you to closing. Home sellers list their homes with a listing agent. Sellers are not obligated to pay anything unless the home sells. However, once the home sells and closes, home sellers normally pay a 6% sales commission on the closed price of the home.
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Realtor Commissions Paid By The Home Sellers
The standard realtor’s commission is 6%. After the NAR commission lawsuits and 2024 settlements, buyer agent commissions are no longer assumed to be paid by the seller in every transaction. This is changing how buyers work with agents and what they may need to pay. As of 2025, some homebuyers may need to negotiate and pay for their buyer’s agent’s commission directly, depending on the listing and local practices.
Working With Real Estate Agents Who are Dually Licensed as Loan Officers
When buying or selling a home, choosing the right realtor is important. Buyers should hire an agent who represents them and not the listing agent. Talk to several agents to find one you feel comfortable with and who understands your needs. Be honest with the agents about your interviews. An advantage of collaborating with real estate agents with a mortgage license is that they can serve as your buying representative and loan officer. This means you won’t need to find a separate loan officer. Gustan Cho Associates Real Estate Partner Network handles everything for you.
Working With Real Estate Agents Licensed as Realtor and NMLS MLO
Don’t interview multiple realtors from the same company. Do not contact the listing agent if you have a buyer’s agent. If you reach out to the listing agent before hiring a buyer’s agent, they may try to represent both you and the seller. Hiring the listing agent as your buyer’s agent to get a better deal usually doesn’t work. This could break ethics rules and laws, and the realtor might lose their license.
What To Expect When Shopping For Homes And Working With Real Estate Agents Who Are Loan Officers
Open houses are held every weekend in most towns and cities. Most open houses will allow attendees to be accompanied by a realtor. When attending an open house without your agent, make sure to have your agent’s card. Hand the listing realtor and/or open house host your real estate agent’s business card. Let your buyer’s agent know if you want to proceed with making an offer on an open house home you are interested in. Do not start any negotiations with the listing agent if you are represented by your own realtor.
Paperwork Required When Engaging With Working With Real Estate Agents
Once you’ve chosen which agent will represent you, be ready to sign a home buyer’s real estate broker agreement. This is a contract between you and the real estate agent. It explains the agent’s duties, what you can expect, and what work they will do.
There are two categories of agreements: exclusive and non-exclusive. Make sure to read it carefully before you sign. You can ask your loan officer to review the deal, too. Ensure you can end the contract if you and the agent disagree. The realtor will also provide you with an agency disclosure document and a written agreement outlining their responsibilities to you.
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Working With Real Estate Agents who Represents You as Realtor and NMLS MLO and What To Expect
Buyers can have their agents pick them up or meet them at the subject property. If you are only looking at one home, you can meet the agent at the subject property. Or if you intend in visiting multiple properties, it may be best in having your realtor pick you up or meet the agent at their offices. Let the agent know what your expectations are.
The Simplicity, Service, Convenience, Knowledge, on Working With Real Estate Agents Who Are a Dually License Realtor/Loan Officer
Do you want to be updated daily? Weekly? By phone? By text and/or emails? Agents want to make home buyers comfortable and happy. Open communication is key. If you do not understand certain forms and/or documents, tell the agent to explain. Ask many questions to avoid misunderstandings If you need a third-party referral such as an attorney, title company, lender, contractor, insurance agent, ask the realtor. Most realtors have a list of referral partners.
Entering Into A Real Estate Purchase Contract
Once you find the homes of your dreams and are ready to enter into a purchase contract, let your agent know. It is the role of the real estate agent to negotiate the purchase contract. The buyers and sellers agents will go back and forth on the price, contingencies, sellers concessions, closing date, and other factors. Listing agents will not accept an offer unless the buyer has a solid pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender. Make sure that your pre-approval is solid and that your loan officer is experienced and reputable.
Working With Real Estate Agents With Extensive Experience Both As a Realtor and Loan Officer
Julie Hayward is one of our top referral partners at Gustan Cho Associates. Julie represents many home sellers who are facing foreclosure and can help quarterback short-sales. Julie teams with her attorney husband Chad Hayward and can help home buyers looking for short sales and/or foreclosure properties.
Getting Pre-Approved With a Mortgage Company Licensed in 50 States
The pre-approval stage is the most important stage of the home buying and mortgage process. Make sure that you do extensive research on your lender and loan officer. This holds especially true if you are a borrower with less than perfect credit and higher debt to income ratios. Over 75% of our borrowers at Gustan Cho Associates are folks who either got denied at other lenders and/or are stressing during their mortgage process.
This is mainly due to the inexperience of the loan officer and/or lender overlays. If you need to qualify for a home loan with a five-star direct lender with no overlays on government and conventional loans, please contact us at Gustan Cho Associates at 800-900-8569, text us for a faster response, or email us at gcho@gustancho.com. Majority of homebuyers working with real estate agents who are dually licensed as a loan officers liked having their realtor also be their loan officer.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Working with Real Estate Agents:
Q: What Does Working with Real Estate Agents Who are Also Loan Officers Mean?
A: Your agent can help you find a home and get mortgage approval. You work with one person throughout the process, saving you time and reducing stress.
Q: Is it Better to Work with a Real Estate Agent Who is Also a Loan Officer?
A: Yes, working with real estate agents who are also licensed loan officers can make the homebuying process easier. You don’t need to find a separate lender—they handle both jobs for you.
Q: Do I Still Need a Loan Officer if I’m Working with Real Estate Agents Who are Licensed in Both?
A: No, if your agent is also a licensed loan officer, they can handle both the home search and the mortgage approval for you.
Q: How do Real Estate Agents Get Paid?
A: Most real estate agents earn commissions when they sell a property. Typically, the seller covers the agent’s fees. But starting in 2025, buyers might have to pay their own agent based on their agreement.
Q: Can I Talk to the Listing Agent if I Already have a Buyer’s Agent?
A: If you’re working with real estate agents representing you, let them handle all contact. Talking to the listing agent directly could cause confusion or break contract rules.
Q: What Paperwork Should I Expect When Working with Real Estate Agents?
A: You’ll likely sign a buyer agreement that explains what your agent will do for you. Always read it carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Q: Can My Agent Help Me at Open Houses?
A: Yes, when working with real estate agents, they can go with you to open houses or give you their card to show you’re already working with someone. That way, no other agent tries to represent you.
Q: What Should I Look for When Choosing a Real Estate Agent?
A: Pick someone who listens to you, knows the market, and makes you feel comfortable. If you’re working with real estate agents who are also loan officers, it’s a bonus—they can help with financing too.
Q: What Happens After I Find a Home I Like?
A: Tell your agent. They’ll help you make an offer, talk to the seller’s agent, and go over price, closing dates, and any extras. Having an agent who also does loans can speed this up.
Q: What’s the Biggest Benefit of Working with Real Estate Agents Who Also do Loans?
A: The biggest perk is convenience. You don’t have to explain your situation to two different people. Your agent already knows your budget and goals, and can guide you from home search to closing.
This blog about “Working With Real Estate Agents Who Are NMLS Licensed MLO” was updated on July 16th, 2025.
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