What Happens When One Person Handles Your Home and Your Loan in Phoenix?

What happens when one person handles both your home search and your loan in Phoenix? You have one person to call, from your first budget conversation to closing day, and you're never stuck in the middle while your agent and your lender try to reach each other.

I'm Jennifer Katz, a Scottsdale REALTOR® and licensed loan officer (NMLS 629941) helping buyers across the Phoenix Valley. I've been in mortgage lending for 2 decades, so I look at the house and the money at the same time.

What do we talk about first?

Your monthly comfort zone. I know it sounds obvious, but hear me out.

Pre-approval is not your budget. A pre-approval tells you the most a lender may lend you. It doesn't know about your kids' activities, your car payment, or how much you like to travel.

So before we even go looking at houses, I want to know: what monthly payment are you comfortable with? I'm not interested in getting you into the most expensive house you can qualify for. I want to help you get into the right house that still lets you have a life.

What does my payment include?

More than the loan. When you compare homes in Phoenix, add up principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues if the home has them, your summer electric bills (the AC works hard here), and upkeep like a pool, a roof, or an older AC unit.

Two homes with the same price can have very different monthly costs.

That's why I run the numbers while we're looking, not after you've fallen in love with a kitchen.

What happens after my offer is accepted?

Here's the move, step by step.

Step 1, inspection: You learn the home's condition and decide whether to ask for repairs or credits.

Step 2, appraisal: An appraiser estimates the home's value for the lender. It can come in at the price, above it, or below it. If it comes in low, we talk through your options right away.

Step 3, underwriting: The lender reviews your income, assets, credit, and the home. Please check with me before you open a new credit card or buy a car.

Step 4, Closing Disclosure: You get this at least three business days before closing. It shows your final loan terms and costs, and we'll go through it together.

Step 5, closing: Title and escrow finish the paperwork, and the home is yours.

Things can still change along the way. When they do, you won't be waiting on two different people to explain it. You'll always know what's happening. That's my promise.

Does one person cost me more?

Ask for your costs in writing, whoever you work with. Your Loan Estimate shows your loan costs, and you're free to compare it with other lenders. I'd want you to.

Do I have to use you for both the home and the loan? No. You choose. You can work with me on one, the other, or both.

Is pre-approval the same as approval? No. A pre-approval is a lender's early review. Final approval comes after underwriting and depends on your full file and the home.

When should I call you? Before you start looking at homes. We can talk through your budget and your plans first.

Want help with your number? Call or text me at (480) 612-5470, and we'll work out a payment that fits your life.

So remember, before you buy, ask Jenny.

Jennifer Katz, REALTOR®, The Agency Scottsdale, AZ License SA707759000. Loan Officer, Independence Home Loans, NMLS 629941. Educational information only, not loan, tax, or legal advice. All loans subject to credit approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.