What Real Estate Agents Wish Their Buyers Knew About Mortgages
Buying a home is a team effort—and real estate agents know that understanding the mortgage process can make or break a smooth transaction. As a mortgage loan officer who works closely with agents across Central Texas, I’ve heard firsthand the most common challenges and frustrations agents face when working with buyers who aren’t mortgage-ready.
To help you as a homebuyer prepare, I’ve compiled the top things real estate agents wish every buyer knew about the mortgage process before house hunting begins.
1. Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Looking
One of the biggest frustrations for agents is when buyers fall in love with a home—only to find out they can’t afford it or can’t get loan approval. A pre-approval shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer and gives you a realistic budget to work with.
Pro Tip: A pre-approval is different from pre-qualification. It’s more thorough and based on verified financial documents.
2. Understand Your Mortgage Options
Not all loans are the same. Agents often find that buyers don’t know the difference between FHA, VA, conventional, and USDA loans—or how each one affects their offer.
Pro Tip: Working with a loan officer early allows you to compare loan programs and choose what best fits your financial goals.
3. Don’t Make Big Financial Changes During the Process
Agents want buyers to understand how fragile the mortgage approval process can be. Opening a new credit card, financing a car, buying a boat, or changing jobs can delay or even derail your home loan.
Pro Tip: Once you’re pre-approved, hold off on any significant financial moves until after closing on your home loan.
4. Your Loan Officer and Agent Should Be a Team
A smooth transaction happens when your loan officer and real estate agent communicate regularly. Agents appreciate when buyers choose a responsive, communicative lender who keeps everyone proactively updated.
Pro Tip: Ask your agent to work with a loan officer like myself who has a proven communication process that keeps the agent and you updated on an intentional and consistent basis.
5. Closing Costs Are Separate from the Down Payment
Many buyers assume that their down payment covers all the upfront costs. Agents often have to explain that closing costs—which can include lender fees, title insurance, and taxes—are an additional expense.
Pro Tip: I always provide a detailed breakdown of both the down payment and closing costs during pre-approval so there are no surprises.
6. Your Credit Score Matters—More Than You Think
A strong credit score can mean a better interest rate and more loan options. Agents wish more buyers understood how much this can impact their monthly payment and total cost over time.
Pro Tip: Start checking your credit early, and work with a loan officer to improve it if needed before applying. My team offers credit repair services at no charge in many cases, but never more than $80.
Conclusion: Partnering With the Right Team Makes All the Difference
Real estate agents want their clients to succeed—and being mortgage-ready is one of the best ways to make the entire experience smoother, faster, and more enjoyable.
If you’re planning to buy a home soon, take these insights to heart and connect with a loan officer early in the process.
📞 Ready to get started? Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me today, and let’s build a plan to get you mortgage-ready and homebuyer confident. You can schedule your personal call HERE.
#HomeBuyingTips #MortgageEducation #CentralTexasRealEstate #FirstTimeBuyer #LoanOfficerInsights
Bryan Scott
P: (512) 864-4866
E: bscott@gfmortgages.com