On Tuesday, February 16, the Houston Mortgage Bankers Association gathered real estate industry professionals to hear a panel of four top-producing Realtors discuss their perspectives and answer audience questions about the realtor-side of residential real estate transactions.

Mortgage bankers, realtors, title company officers, and others assembled for the breakfast event, held in the conference room of Stewart Title’s offices at 1990 Post Oak Blvd. The morning’s panelists were J. Carter Breed, J. Carter Breed Properties; Scott Johnston, The Lippincott Team/Gary Green Realtors; Richard Ray, John Daugherty, Realtors; and Clint Simpson, Greenwood King Properties. HMBA president-elect Joe Thompson moderated the panel.

In the course of the one-hour discussion, the panelists stressed open, two-way communication between realtor and mortgage broker as the number-one priority in a transaction. Each stressed communication by the lender with all parties, not only the buyer’s agent, as essential. All four panelists underscored that the seller’s agent needs to know what’s happening with the buyer’s loan just as much as the buyer’s agent does. Other major points included the importance of lender attendance at closing to handle any last-minute loan issues, and using local lenders that are accessible and responsive.

“Realtors and mortgage bankers serve the same client base and share a common goal: successful closings and happy clients,” said Greg Burkett, HMBA president. “This was a highly constructive and collegial meeting that has encouraged us all to work together in the spirit of cooperation, coordination, and, above all, communication for the benefit of our clients.”

Photo Credit: Houston Chronicle