Buying 101:
Who’s Who on Your Homebuying Team?
A simple guide to the people who help you get from house hunting to homeownership.
FINDING YOUR HOME
The Buyer’s Agent
Your guide through the search and purchase.
A buyer’s agent helps you find homes that fit your needs, arrange tours, prepare an offer and negotiate purchase terms. They also help you keep track of important contract deadlines.
Before getting started, ask whom the agent represents, what services they provide and how they are paid. Review any agreement carefully so you understand the relationship.
Ask them: “How will you help me through my first home purchase?”
The Seller’s Agent or Builder’s Sales Representative
Your source for information about the home being sold.
A seller’s agent represents the seller. When buying a newly built home, you may also work with a builder’s sales representative who explains available homes, features, options and construction timelines.
They can be helpful and welcoming, but don’t assume they represent you. Ask about their role and whom they work for.
Ask them: “Who do you represent in this purchase?”
The Real Estate Broker
The person responsible for overseeing the agent’s real estate work.
In Texas, a licensed sales agent works under a sponsoring broker. The broker oversees that work and may also work directly with buyers and sellers. You may communicate mostly with your agent, while their broker provides supervision behind the scenes.
Ask your agent: “Who is your broker, and when would I contact them?”
FINANCING YOUR PURCHASE
The Mortgage Lender and Loan Officer
The company providing your home loan and the person helping you apply.
The lender is the bank, credit union or mortgage company that lends you money. Your loan officer is usually your main contact for discussing loan options, submitting documents and understanding estimated payments and closing costs.
Ask them: “What would my total monthly payment and upfront costs look like?”
The Underwriter
The person who reviews whether your loan meets the lender’s requirements.
The underwriter reviews your financial information and the property to determine whether the loan can be approved. They may request additional documents or clarification. You’ll usually respond through your loan officer.
Ask your loan officer: “What information is still needed for approval?”
The Mortgage Broker
Someone who helps connect you with a lender.
A mortgage broker helps you explore loan options through lenders they work with. They assist with the application process, but the lender provides the money.
REMEMBER: A real estate broker helps with the property transaction. A mortgage broker helps with financing.
Ask them: “Which lenders do you work with, and how are you paid?”
GETTING TO KNOW THE HOME
The Home Inspector
The person who checks the home’s condition.
A home inspector examines accessible parts of the home, including major systems and structural components, and provides a report of their findings. That report helps you understand potential concerns and discuss next steps.
Ask them: “Which findings need the most attention, and what couldn’t you inspect?”
The Appraiser
The person who estimates the home’s value.
For a financed purchase, the lender typically arranges an appraisal to help determine whether the home’s value supports the loan amount.
The distinction is simple: an inspector evaluates condition; an appraiser estimates value. An appraisal doesn’t replace a home inspection.
Ask your loan officer: “What happens if the appraisal comes in below the purchase price?”
PREPARING FOR CLOSING
The Homeowners Insurance Agent
The person who helps you arrange coverage for your home.
An insurance agent helps you understand coverage options, costs and deductibles. Your lender will generally require homeowners insurance before closing, so make this part of your planning early.
Ask them: “What does this policy cover, and what would require separate coverage?”
The Title Company and Closing or Escrow Officer
The team that helps complete the ownership transfer.
The title company researches ownership records and identifies issues that may need to be resolved before closing. Title insurance can protect against certain ownership claims; a lender’s policy protects the lender, while an owner’s policy protects your interest.
The closing or escrow officer coordinates documents, handles funds according to the closing instructions and helps complete the transaction. One company may provide several of these services.
Ask them: “What do I need to bring, and what should I review before signing?”
WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
| YOUR QUESTION | START WITH |
|---|---|
| Can we tour this home or discuss an offer? | Your buyer’s agent |
| Which features or options are available? | The builder’s sales representative |
| Why are more financial documents needed? | Your loan officer or mortgage broker |
| Why are more financial documents needed? | Your loan officer |
| What does this inspection finding mean? | Your home inspector |
| Has the appraisal been completed? | Your loan officer |
| What insurance coverage do I need? | Your insurance agent |
| What happens on closing day? | Your closing or escrow officer |
Your most important role: Ask questions.
You bring the priorities that matter most: your budget, your needs and your vision for home. Keep your team’s contact information handy, ask for plain-language explanations and make sure you understand documents before signing.
At Capella Cottages, we believe feeling at home begins with feeling informed. Wherever you are in your journey, understanding who does what can help you take the next step with greater confidence.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR NEXT STEP
Buying a home comes with questions, and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Reach out to our Capella Cottages team. We’d love to hear from you and help you feel comfortable with your next step.
(214) 432 - 8046 · INFO@CAPELLACOTTAGES.COM
CONTACT US