Ep. 39 - Buying a Home? Meet the People Behind the Process

Keywords

real estate, home buying, loan officers, underwriters, appraisers, home inspections, termite inspections, title companies, real estate agents, closing process

Summary

In this episode of the RE: Real Estate Podcast, hosts Clint Galliano and Ben Harang discuss the various players involved in a real estate transaction. They cover the roles of loan officers, underwriters, appraisers, home inspectors, termite inspectors, title companies, and real estate agents, providing insights into what buyers should expect during the home buying process. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, understanding the roles of each party, and being proactive in the transaction to ensure a smooth closing process.

Takeaways

·         The loan officer is the first point of contact in a real estate transaction.

·         Pre-approval is just a cursory look at your financial situation.

·         Underwriters evaluate the risk on behalf of the lender.

·         Appraisers work for the bank, not the buyer.

·         Home inspectors document the condition of the home, not pass or fail it.

·         Termite inspections are crucial in humid areas to prevent infestations.

·         Title companies ensure the proper transfer of ownership and research title history.

·         Real estate agents help navigate the emotional aspects of buying a home.

·         Buyers should ask questions to understand the process better.

·         Communication is key to a smooth transaction.

Sound Bites

"The appraiser works for the bank."

"Inspectors don't pass or fail."

"They research the title history."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Real Estate Transactions

02:55 Understanding the Role of Loan Officers and Underwriters

05:23 The Importance of Appraisers in Real Estate

11:03 Home Inspections: What Buyers Need to Know

14:06 Termite Inspection/WDIR (Wood Destroying Insect Report)

18:39 Title Company / Real Estate Attorney

22:22 Real Estate Agents: Some things they do

25:53 Other Players: People you may run across

27:48 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

30:54 Disclaimer

Hosts 

Ben Harang, REALTOR® La. 

License #: 36589 

Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners 

Mobile: 985.859.2500 

Office: 985.262.4400 

[email protected]

benharang.com 

Clint C. Galliano, REALTOR® 

La. License #: 995704723 

Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners 

Mobile: 985.647.4479 

Office: 985.262.4400 

[email protected]

clintcgallianorealtor.com 

Produced by Clint Galliano 

Music by Wiggins Studios

Click here to view the episode transcript.