Good morning: I was having a chat with my friendly local locksmith this morning. He came by to open up one of my file cabinets that was locked. He asked me why would someone choose me rather than going to a bank. Great question. Here's what I told him.
Number one, people want to work with someone local who they can trust and develop a relationship with. I told him I called him because he was local and he sounded sincere on the phone. I also called another locksmith but they didn't appear to be local; I think my call was answered in another state. I also told the locksmith that the reason people want to work with someone they know and trust is because they want to relate their good experience to others. I told him I would tell others about my experience with his work because he did a great job.
Two, I think it's important for you, mr./ms. customer, to do a little bit of homework. A lot of this can be done on the web these days. Know what you want in a loan and find someone you can trust to get you what you're looking for. A great loan officer shouldn't be offended that you want to compare. I often recommend that you talk to at least a couple of loan officers. This should give you a feel for how they operate their business. Get referrals from your friends or family if they've had a good experience.
Three, realize all the hype heard on the radio or tv is just that. Be a savvy and careful consumer. My business isn't about the lowest rates or fees. I'm pretty upfront about that. What people remember most is the service, not how much money they saved. It's a bonus if you get both but most folk remember what a pleasant experience they had.
Finally, take your time. If you encounter a fast or smooth-talking salesman, be careful. Remember, you want to do business with this person again if possible. There are some great people out there who can help you, including a large number on Active Rain. Good luck in your search. You're welcome to email me at pmcfadden@exactfg.com or call me direct at (425) 282-0553. Have a wonderful day!
Paul
Paul McFadden
