The Difference Between Mortgage Brokers and Real Estate Agents

By Jay Williams, Contributor*

Two professionals will quickly become your best friends when you're buying a home: your mortgage broker and real estate agent. How do they differ and how do they work together to help you with your home purchase?

HOW DO MORTGAGE BROKERS AND REAL ESTATE AGENTS DIFFER?

Real estate agents work on the buying and selling part of a property while mortgage brokers focus on the financing side of the purchase. Here’s how that breaks down.

A real estate agent helps you to sift through potential homes to find the perfect one. They have access to property listings, have knowledge about the local market, and have information about the neighborhoods, including which areas are up-and-coming and reputations of local schools. A real estate agent may introduce various home loan options, however, knowing which mortgage program works best for you is a mortgage broker specialty.

A mortgage broker provides a critical service when it comes to navigating your home loan options. Mortgage brokers can help you in other ways too! Consider them a trustworthy source for your credit score questions, property investments loans info, down payment coaching, and much more.

Working with a loan officer instead of a mortgage broker? They work essentially the same way, that is, helping you to get the rate and home financing you need. The difference is that loan officers work with a specific lender while a mortgage broker works similar to an “independent contractor,” working with several lenders.

Both have their perks and both guide you in comparing home loan programs to ensure that you’re getting the best rate.

CAN MORTGAGE BROKERS BE REAL ESTATE AGENTS TOO?

It’s possible for your mortgage broker also to be a licensed real estate agent. Some prefer this all-in-one service, while others like to keep their mortgage and home shopping separate. However, note that real estate agents cannot originate government-backed loans (like FHA loans, for example) on behalf of their client.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR YOUR BEST HOME BUYING INTERESTS

Buying a home is critical life decisions and investments you will ever make. That’s why we're dedicated to guiding you through the initial process home loan applications and keep you in the loop every step of the way. Whether you are already working with a real estate agent or are looking for a trusted recommendation, we are ready to team up with you to make your homeownership dreams come true.

* Jay Williams, founder and operation manager of our amazing financial partner Fairmont Financial, is a special contributor. As a Mortgage Lending expert he offers incredible insight and information. To learn more about Fairmont Financial, please click here.