Although a review on the Lender himself would be warranted, I would prefer to go big or go home and make this not about a Lender, but the man who represents and owns this company, Chris Murphy. When you read their website you see quotes that try to sell them. "We've got the tools", but do they use them? they might be able to offer a broad range of products, but considering we lost the 1stdeal to another Buyer because the Lender didn't check to see what they could qualify for, do they actually "offer" it? Or do they expect a Buyer who has never done this to know all the loans, programs and deals to look for and wait for them to suggest it? "Customer First" I'm curious, if they care more about the client and their needs more than the money, then why is it when I called him to inform him that I was including him on further communication with the Lender and requesting he keep an eye on everything to make sure this went smooth and closed, he never reached out to the Buyers or myself to apologize and reassure us this deal was going to get done? Also, why wouldn't they offer the Earnest they were risking even after I suggested it? Even better, why were my clients ever charged for a very poor job done? $3000 seems a bit steep for the work they put in. Best one yet, why didn't he call the Buyers back when they called him themselves to voice their concern and stress level? "Certified Experience" 50 years combined experience. From the Owner all the way down to the Underwriter, the only person who acted like they had ANY experience in the least was Francesca. She was the Processor and the only one of the group who did their job impeccably. Great customer service. Quick to get back to us. Didn't "pass the buck" like the Owner and Lender did.
I gave numerous opportunities for this owner to prove to me and my clients that he cared about them and their deal. He didn't. After it was all Closed, I sent him a personal email calling him out. Writing down everything that happened and stating that the only person that is to blame for all of it was him. You wouldn't believe it. For the 1st time, he responded. Unfortunately, instead of making an effort to redeem himself, he only showed that the company is led by a narcissist. The best line was "I am glad we were able to help the (Omitting Clients Name) obtain a home and close on time, and this loan is the best loan for them." What's this "WE" stuff? He didn't do a damn thing but have his name as the owner of the Company and pass the buck to everyone but him. Seems to me, I found that home. I referred this company so I handed it to them. (This was my 1st time using this company for a purchase, and the last) They Closed on time because I was emailing reminders and constantly on this company so it would get done. This Loan was the best for them, but it could have been obtained by any other company. This deal closed because 2 agents worked their rear off to keep it going. The logistics pulled it off, not the lender or the owner.
If there's one thing I hope you get from this review it would be to say that unless both agents are VERY knowledgeable in not only the Buying side of things, but the Loan side of things.....RUN! They might close. Even on time. But the amount of stress and the lack of effort will ruin the experience. The sad part is, the 1stthing I emailed this lender was "I have been working with them for YEARS to get their finances together so they can purchase. If this is actually happening...you are now part of a miracle!!!" They knew from the start how special this deal was to the Buyer. This is how the deal went: 1st deal lost to a Conventional loan because my Buyers were told they could only go FHA. They could actually go Conventional. I land them their current home with a Conventioanl Loan. We have to ask the Sellers to allow an FHA because the Lender didn't do all his due diligence. Agents save the deal. The appraisal is late. Agents save the deal. The appraisal is pushed again and Earnest Money is risked. Agents save the deal. The appraisal is a day late. Deal is saved again due to agents assuming they would fail at task. We're safe because of the dates agreed to on the Amend. Closing day, closing lasts 1 1/2 hours longer than it should because of forms being sent in wrong format. I'll leave the decision in your hands on whether you hire them or not. On my end, if I ever get a Buyer that has retained them as their Lender, I will give them 2 options 1. Choose a different lender or 2. Choose a different agent because....I care more about my clients than the $. I own my own Company and I can say without a doubt that if I EVER receive an email or call from a client to an Agent within, you can bet your behind that I would be making a call to apologize and guaranteeing them that it would be smooth as silk from this point on and I would be helping my agent and them have a happy ending together. Jen Zeller, Owner of JZ Realty, LLC read more