Finance & Mortgages
From choosing a lender to understanding a basic overview on mortgages and credit scores, The Tom Johansing Team will assist the first-time or seasoned buyer in obtaining a mortgage.
Our Preferred List of Lenders
Choosing a lender can seem like a daunting decision. We recommend that you contact more than one lender to hear what they have to say about the lending process. You will be working closely with this professional for the next few weeks as you make one of the biggest financial purchases of your lifetime. You should feel comfortable with your lender. If you need a place to start, below are a few of our favorite lenders, but you are encouraged to work with whomever you are most comfortable with.
Download our List of Lenders here
Lender Websites
- Beth Lang - Union Savings Bank - Beth's Website
- Andy Magee - Preferred Rate - Andy's Website
- Britni Engle - Paramount Residential Mortgage Group - Britni's Website
- Christine Elliot - Huntington Bank - Christine's Website
- Steve Loechtenfeldt - Union Home Mortgage - Steve's Website
Getting Mortgage Ready
This guide will answer some of your early questions about obtaining a mortgage.
- Should I rent or buy?
- What are some things I should consider financially before I decide to buy?
- How can I help the loan process stay on track all the way through to the closing?
Download your copy of the guide here
Find the Right Mortgage for You
Not all loans are the same, and trying to figure out which is the best one for you can be confusing. That is where your loan officer will sort through the process and find the mortgage that best suits your situation and needs. This informative, yet simple guide will give you an overview of your loan options before you sit down with your lender.
Download your copy of the guide here
Getting Pre-Qualified for a Loan
"This is an absolute must but don’t worry, your Loan Originator will do all of the work for you. Prior to shopping for homes, you need to know how much house you can afford and what price range you are qualified for. A Pre-Qualification Letter is a letter from the lender telling the seller that you will be able to purchase their home. Not only do some real estate agents refuse to show homes until you have a pre-qualification letter in hand, there’s nothing worse than finding your dream home and then finding out you can’t afford it."
From CincinnatiFederal.com
Mortgage Application Checklist
In order to approve you for a loan, your loan originator (loan officer) will need to know all of your financial information, including your financial history, income, assets, and debts. Bring the paperwork found in the link below with you when you meet with them. This will ensure they have the information they need and will get things off to a great start.
Download the Application Checklist here
“The most important thing about this step is being honest and open with your Loan Originator. They are here to help you and without all of the necessary information, they can’t do their job. Giving them false information or leaving things out will only delay the process.”
From CincinnatiFederal.com
Mortgage Application Do’s & Don’ts
Staying on course throughout the loan process is one of the critical components for a successful closing. Download this list of important ways you can improve or maintain your credit score and avoid setbacks during the loan process.
Download your copy of the list here
Understanding your Credit Score
What is a credit score and why is a credit score so important?
What 5 factors make up a credit score?
Dealing with credit challenges – what can I do to improve my credit score? What if I have no credit?
Find the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide.
Download your copy of the guide here
What are FICO Credit Scores? (the short version)
“FICO Scores are the most widely used credit scores. Each FICO Score is a three-digit number calculated from the data on your credit reports at the three major consumer reporting agencies – Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Your FICO Scores predict how likely you are to pay back a credit obligation as agreed. Lenders use FICO Scores to help them quickly, consistently, and objectively evaluate potential borrowers’ credit risk."
From Understanding FICO Scores c 2018 Fair Isaac Corporation
Download FICO Scores Explained here
Testimonials
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“Tom has always handled our real estate needs. He has been a friend for years. Mary Kay was a JOY to work with.”
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- Charlene R
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I knew the minute I spoke with Erin on the phone that we were destined to be friends! I absolutely adore her and working with her was such a pleasure. I wish every transaction had an Erin on the other side!
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- Fellow Agent
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“Constant communication and follow up – Tom’s whole team is wonderful”
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- Brandon K
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“Whenever we had a problem or question, Tom was right on it for us. He is such a “people person” and we always feel like “family” whenever we call him.”
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- Ellen K
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“It was a pleasure to work with you and your staff and I really love that Mary Kay sent me the pictures of our house!”
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- Dolores N
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“Thank you for all your hard work in selling my condo and finding another for me. I love my [new] condo and everything about the area. If the opportunity comes up, I will HIGHLY RECOMMEND The Tom Johansing Team. God bless you all.”
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- Mary Lou T
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“I know many people who have used Tom and all had good experiences. He promptly returned all messages and calls; gave a backup contact to help if Tom was not available; the documents showing what to expect were very helpful. Great experience!”
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- Amanda G
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“Tom got information needed back to me quickly. He helped me get someone to do work on the house.”
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- Al B
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“We were blown away by Tom’s person touch from the very beginning. Tom went through the contract and explained it line-by-line. It was a big help.”
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- CJ W
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“Tom was prompt, pleasant and knew the area well.”
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- Mel K
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Tom Johansing and his Team went above and beyond to help me sell 3 properties in the past 5 years. I will keep coming back to them for all my real estate needs.
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- Tim S
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“Tom made us feel comfortable with the home buying process. He explained the process of buying a house and was available when we had questions.”
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- Jared O
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“Tom was my constant ally and advocate. He advised me every step of the way and was patient beyond belief allowing me to find MY home. He paid attention to every detail on my behalf.”
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- Carolyn H
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“As an out of state buyer, the showing-to-closing process was very smooth. Their willingness to continue to assist me through numerous questions and referrals after the closing has been golden.”
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- Kathy A
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Tom shared his observations and made good suggestions. He was patient, thorough, and respected our decisions. He did not pressure us to buy, even in a competitive market. Tom was available to us and answered all our questions in a timely manner. Best of all, he made our dream house a reality!
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- Pete K
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“I received outstanding service, especially being out of state on my second house sale with Tom and Mary Kay. Creative and honest when the house didn’t sell [during the market crash], Tom assisted with a one year great rental. Mary Kay gave great customer service – always available to help and very resourceful with helpful tips to protect myself. Tom and Mary Kay are a fabulous team!”
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- Sharon B
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“Prompt phone calls, emails, text messages with selling process. Contacted prospective contractors for estimates for us and met with them and asked them pertinent questions.”
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- Chris S
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“Tom has helped my parents in the past and has done a great job. I knew I could trust him. He explained the whole process well – especially for us as first time home buyers. He gained our trust so we could ask for his opinion and believe his answers.”
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- Danielle P
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This was the THIRD property Tom & his Team sold for us. In our forty years of buying and selling houses, no other Realtor comes close to matching Tom's professionalism, knowledge of the market and reputation. If you need a Realtor in Cincinnati, look no further...Tom is your man!
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- Kim S.
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“Tom Johansing and his team were an absolute dream to work with in selling my mother's home and childhood home over the past year. My wife and I have worked with a half dozen realtors over the past 30 years, and none come even close to matching the level of professionalism, market knowledge, and customer service provided by Tom and his Team, each going far beyond the typical responsibilities taken on by a realty team in selling a house. If you are in need of an excellent realtor to work with, you do not need to look any further! Hire The Tom Johansing Team. You will not regret it!”
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- Tim S.
The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes
in part from the Broker Reciprocity™ program of the Multiple
Listing Service of Greater Cincinnati. Real estate listings held by
brokerage firms other than The Tom Johansing Team are marked with the MLS ™ logo
(the small logo to the left) and detailed information about them includes
the name of the listing brokers. The information herein is furnished by the property owner in good
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawl. Neither listing broker(s) nor SE IN BD REALTORS shall be held responsible for typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless.
