Hi there!

I have worked with several lenders and Brokers over the years and first I determine what specific needs my buyers will need and refer them to lenders based on that.

For example, if they need a ton of hand holding and guidance being a first time buyer, I would recommend Chris Maultsby, SVP/Mortgage Advisor, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Phone: 615.904.3405 or Derek W. Berry, Financing Specialist, American Home Loan, direct: 423-508-8444. Chris recently closed a loan ON TIME and also assisted the buyer with a $5000 Welcome Home Funds Program. No issues at all plus the lender fees were almost non-existent. Definitely a plus!

However, if they are experienced buyers and are looking for options and/or low fees, I would refer to them to Mike Phillips, Wells Fargo, 615-500-4436 or Russ Fitch, Reliant Bank, 615-473-3128.

There are many qualified, experienced lenders out there but I believe it is also about building relationships and personalities. The best thing you are doing for yourself is researching it first. Smart on your part!

Hope that helps. Good luck. Let me know if I can assist in any way.

We here at Franklin Synergy Bank would be glad to assist you. We are LOCAL, STRONG, & REPUTABLE. If you have any questions regarding financing even if you choose another lender, please dont hesitate to give us a call.

Travis O. Smith, USMC
Mortgage Loan Consultant

7101 Executive Center Drive Suite 110
Brentwood, TN 37027
Tel: 615.498.3970
Off: 615.564.6336
Fax: 615.564.6402

Jeff Stine (broker), Platinum Financial Services 615-293-9077
Phil Miller (lender), Wells Fargo 615-278-0231

Some lenders are already functioning under the new HERA requirements that go into effect on July 31, 2009. The practices of lending will certainly change, I think, for the best. Several of the brokers I've spoken with are holding on to the last moments before HERA comes into play.

I like Gary McBee at People's Home Equity. His number is 615-202-5509. The last time I worked with him the buyer for my seller was also working with someone else at People's Home Equity. Gary let us know that loan would not be closing on time (which it didn't) although the buyer's agent and the other mortgage broker insisted that it would. He is very experienced, stays on top of all the programs out there, and can get you to the closing table on time!

I agree with Ms. Patton that Daniel Ramer is good. I also like Tonya Esquibel with W.R. Starckey for a brokerage - she is great - also, for a banker, Beverly Effinger is great with Bank of America and also Donna Mitchell with Regions Bank... you can't go wrong!!!

Thank you all for the responses. They are most helpful. Frankly, I just assumed I would use a mortgage broker out of ease (not having to do the leg work myself) and not out of necessity, but if what I'm hearing from everyone is right, maybe I should be going to the lenders directly. So which regional lenders are still very active in the Nashville single-family home market? As you can tell, I'm not from around your parts, and want to preclear this process/establish a relationship with a lender/mortgage broker before I get too heavy into the house hunting process.

If you are looking to refinance a mortgage or purchase a home, banks might be your best bet these days. In the past, mortgage brokers could be more creative in their financing approaches and search out the best rates; however, with the increase in the strictness of underwriting and deadlines to be met, I am finding banks to be more competitive charging less fees overall and can get the loan to the closing table. I recommend that no matter who you use, obtain a good faith estimate from the lender. The lender could be offering a low rate, but you might have to pay points and origination to get that rate which could result in several thousand dollars in fees. Personally, I like Charles Rice at Regions Bank. He has been in the business over 25 years. He is responsive, gets the job done and shoots straight with you. His number is 615-748-2872. Also, I could recommend Karie Dukes at First Tennessee. She has been in the business for quite some time and gets the job done as well. They are both hard workers and have good repoire with people. Either one of these two people I would highly recommend. Of course, if you need a good agent, give me a call as well. My number is 615-289-6056.

The best experience I have had with a mortgage broker is with Legacy Mortgage Services. The are professional, easy to work with, and from my experience really take the time to work with all of their clients. I have also heard many positive comments from buyers in regards to their customer service and ability to close loans in a timely manner.

They opened in 2000 and have a very good reputation.

While located in Clarksville they are licensed to handle mortgages in both Tennessee and Kentucky.

I would have to agree with Ms. Patton to use Suntrust. However, they are not a broker. If you need broker assistance (lower scores, credit issues, appraisal issues, using your girlfriend's uncle's money for downpayment), Go to the local Tennessee Mortgage Broker's Association. Honestly, though, it's always a good thing to go with your Realtors choice. Your Realtor is smart, as the case of Ms. Patton to offer you 2 companies to use in case one doesn't meet your needs or you just don't like the location etc. I am a broker in GA and I get asked that question when I'm having to pull credit. I always ask them to visit the better business bureau and see that we have no complaints. You can also google the company and see if anyone's said anything negative about the company.

I have had a wonderful professional relationship with Debbie Margrave with Crosstown Mortgage Group. Her contact number is 615-423-6288. Call me with any questions.

Pat Rice
Keller Williams
615-758-8886 (office)
615-613-3318 (cell)

One of the things I try to do is partner myself with some of the most experienced and trustworthy professionals in the business. I use a reccomend a couple people. Daniel Ramer with Pinnacle Financial Partners and David Perkins with SunTrust. I hope this helps and please feel free to contact me if you should need any further assistance. I would love to help.

Maria Patton
Keller Williams Realty
mariapatton@att.net

Here are the folks I regularly refer to.

http://www.nestinginnashville.com/getagent/Pages.php?Page=00…

Best of luck!