Lenders

Going to a random internet lender can be one of the biggest financial mistakes you make in purchasing a home. Late closings, tacked-on fees and changed interest rates are all reasons why. Please use a referral (if not mine, then one from someone else you trust). Also, it is a financially smart decision to shop around when possible.

By the way, I get nothing from recommending the following lenders except the peace of mind that comes from knowing you will be taken care of properly.  But tell them I sent you; it always helps.

From anyone you contact regarding getting approved, ask for an official good faith estimate. Lenders can only control the interest rate and the 800-line item fees on this sheet, so there is no need to compare any of the rest of the closing costs, as these are property- and settlement company-specific.

Lenders I Recommend and Trust

• Jon Okun, Prosperity Mortgage/Wells Fargo, 5101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, Cell number  (443) 610-8371. His e-mail address is  jon.okun@prosperitymortgage.com, his website is www.jonathanokun.com and his work telephone is (202) 243-2931. Jon gives EXCELLENT customer service and is one of the quickest and most responsive lenders I know. He is very knowledgeable, competitive and has tons of different loan programs. Highly recommended; he lends for co-ops as well. Prosperity Mortgage/Wells Fargo is a Long & Foster affiliated company.

• John R. Meyer, Bank of America. (301) 620-7080, cell (301) 520-0999.  Email address: john.r.meyer@bankofamerica.com. Is responsive and competitive. Has been in the business for a long time. Lends for co-ops.

• Michael Femiano, Prosperity Mortgage/Wells Fargo. (301) 230-1482. E-mail address: michael.femiano@wellsfargo.com. He can do all loan programs but specializes in renovation loans and construction loans. He knows his stuff!

• Mark J. Scott, SunTrust Mortgage. (202) 350-9218, cell (202) 341-0665. Email address: Mark.J.Scott@SunTrust.com. 1445 New York Ave N.W., Washington, DC 20005. Mark is a responsive lender, and SunTrust often has competitive programs. They will also lend in buildings with high investor ratios.