Today on My Greenville Home Radio, Dan Hamilton is talking with Julie Hoffman from Network Funding. Network Funding is a privately owned residential mortgage lender that strives to serve every client with integrity, keep the loan process simple and get the job done on time. Network funding believes the loan process should be simple and you should be in control of your mortgage. Today, Julie and Dan discuss the benefits of partnering with a local lender during the homebuying process, interest rate trends, and more.
Julie has a background in banking, specifically wealth management, but has devoted herself completely to mortgages for the past 9 years. As a direct lender, Julie focuses on all things home loans. She was drawn to Network Funding by the company’s core values: faith, family, home, integrity, reliability, and simplicity.
Why work with a local lender?
Julie and local lenders like her understand exactly what is happening in the Greenville housing market and partner with appraisers who are on the same page unlike their “big box” counterparts. Big banks select appraisers from anywhere in the US to appraise your potential home. Neither the bank nor the appraiser understand the local Upstate market well enough to give you an accurate appraisal.
Another great reason to work with a local lender is the edge they have in negotiations. Local lenders stand apart from the competition and when listing agents see Julie’s name on a contract of a buyer she is representing, they often give it greater consideration than those from “big box” groups.
What is happening with interest rates?
Rates have been slowly increasing but stalled a little at the beginning of the week, largely due to the international conflict. “Honestly,” Julie remarked, “We are in a volatile interest rate market. Rates are changing daily which is not something we have seen in the last two years.”
That is why educating buyers is so important. To the buyer who is upset they missed out on that 3% interest rate, don’t worry! The difference in rates now compared to a few months ago might only amount to a $30-$40 difference in your monthly mortgage rate. You can still afford a home!
What does your first conversation with a new client look like?
Julie’s first conversation with a new client is all about gathering information. Financial and employment information is the most important, but Julie also wants to know what her clients are looking for in a home. Gathering relevant information on the front end helps Julie quickly determine what her clients can afford and with which loan, letting her clients home shop with ease and a complete understanding of what they can afford.
Julie can have this first conversation over the phone or in person. Potential homebuyers can even fill out an application online if they prefer.
Tips for listeners considering a home purchase this spring?
Julie advises potential homebuyers to stay educated on interest rates and where they are moving this spring.
To the homebuyers who have already received an estimate from another lender, Julie suggests you still reach out to her for an assessment. Julie’s goal is to make sure you get the best rate possible, not to win you as a client. Nine times out of ten, Julie can beat your rate, but when she can’t she will tell you.
If you are interested in working with Julie, you can give her a call at 864-561-0981 or visit her website.
Listen to this whole episode of My Greenville Home Radio:
Dan Hamilton is the founder of Hamilton & Co. and the lead listing agent for the team. He is the only agent in the Upstate endorsed by Shark Tank star and real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran. Additionally, Dan hosts a weekly radio show on The Answer 94.5 and 106.3 WORD giving tips and advice on real estate and is a frequent contributor for real estate on Your Carolina TV show on WSPA Channel 7.
