Your Real Estate Team: Understanding Who Does What When You Buy a Home

First-time buyers often do not realize how many professionals are involved in a real estate transaction — or what each one does. Knowing who handles what prevents confusion, avoids redundant conversations, and helps you get the right answers from the right people.

Your Loan Officer or Mortgage Broker

Your loan officer or mortgage broker is responsible for the financing side of the transaction: pre-approval, loan program selection, rate locking, gathering documentation, coordinating with underwriting, and ensuring the loan closes on time. This is the person to call about your mortgage, your payment, your rate, and your timeline to close. At East Coast Mortgage, this is us.

Your Real Estate Agent

Your buyer's agent represents your interests in the property search, offer strategy, negotiation, and contract process. They help you find properties, evaluate them against market comps, structure offers competitively, and navigate the inspection, appraisal, and repair negotiation process. Their commission is typically paid by the seller.

The Real Estate Attorney

In New Jersey, New York, and several other East Coast states, attorney representation is standard or legally required at closing. The attorney reviews the contract, handles title work in some states, coordinates with all parties, and conducts the closing.

The Title Company

In states where attorneys do not handle closing, title companies manage the closing process — conducting the title search, issuing title insurance, holding escrow funds, and coordinating document preparation. In attorney states, they often work alongside the attorney.

The Appraiser

An independent licensed appraiser is hired by your lender to provide an objective opinion of property value. The appraiser works for the lender — not for you or the seller. Their report protects the lender's collateral position.

At East Coast Mortgage, we coordinate proactively with your agent and attorney to ensure a smooth closing process. Book a call to get started.