Choosing a loan officer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying or refinancing a home. In markets like Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Tacoma, and throughout Washington State, the right mortgage professional can help your loan close smoothly — and the wrong one can cause delays, stress, or even cost you the home.

I’ve been originating mortgages in Washington since April 2000, and before that, I spent 14 years in the title and escrow industry. That background shapes how I answer these questions myself — and it’s exactly the kind of thing you should be listening for when you interview a loan officer. Here are the 10 questions I’d ask, and what a strong answer actually sounds like. [Read more…]