What is the Difference Between a Lender and Real Estate Agent? | Oahu, Hawaii

Are you wondering what the difference is between a lender and a real estate agent? Hi, I am Fawn Bertram with Homes by Fawn and Hawaii Life.

Lender

The role of a mortgage lender is to lend money for buying property. A lender can be a bank, credit union, mortgage broker, private individual, etc. Think of a lender like the money people, the cha-ching. Lenders are the ones who CAN pre-approve you for a loan. For example, lenders can answer questions like:

• How much will my monthly mortgage payments be?
• What are the interest rates?
• What type of loans do I qualify for?
• How much am I pre-approved for?

Remember, financial questions equal lender.

Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent or agent is a licensed professional who represents the buyer or seller in a real estate transaction. Think of an agent as your trusted adviser who will be guiding you through the process of buying or selling a home. As a buyers agent, I’ll get you set up on a property search that will show you active homes on the market in real time that will match your search criteria. Then the fun part happens — we will go house hunting to find your dream home! I will set up showing appointments, write offers, counter-offers, inspections, write up amendments, negotiate the best deal for you, and so much more.

Listing Agent

Now, agents who work for sellers are known as listing agents or seller’s agents. As a seller’s agent, I advise clients on pricing their home for sale by providing comps in the neighborhood and current market conditions. I’ll also provide tips and tricks on fixing or making improvements on their home so it will sell for top dollar. As a digital marketing specialist, I will market the home on the MLS, which syndicates to many websites, but I will go one step further. I will market your home on different social media platforms that will target buyers who are actively looking for a home and then re-target them based on engagement. They will see your home everywhere and this will be advertised to the masses.

Remember, real estate agents are the go-betweens for the principal parties, and they spearhead the deal through closing. Lenders are the money people.

More Information

It’s essential you have the right realtor working for you. If you’re looking for a different type of realtor, who is using digital marketing correctly, please call or text me 808-439-1077. Please comment and SHARE with anyone you know that might be looking to buy or sell in Oahu!  As always, make it a great home buying and selling day!