A lending partner who helps your deals close

A real estate agent’s reputation is built on closings. When a buyer’s financing falls apart in week three, the buyer is disappointed, but the agent takes the heat. The best lending partnerships are built on fast, clear communication, pre-approvals that mean something and honest answers when something is uncertain. Bethany Sanchez (NMLS #2425491) at Sunset Home Lending works with agents across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Paradise Valley, and Maricopa County who want that kind of partner, and she does it in a way that keeps everyone on the right side of the law.

Compliance first: Sunset Home Lending does not pay, reward or give anything of value to any agent or brokerage for referrals, and does not accept anything of value for referrals. Buyers are free to choose any lender. See co-marketing that follows RESPA below.

What you can count on

Agents describe the same wish list again and again: a lender who answers the phone, issues letters that give offers credibility, raises problems early and treats clients with respect. Here is how Bethany delivers on it:

• Same-day replies. She aims to return agent calls and texts the same business day, including when you are writing an offer at 6 p.m.
• Fast pre-approvals. With a complete file, pre-approvals are typically ready within 24 hours, and same-day letters are possible when your buyer provides everything up front.
• Letters that hold up. She reviews real documents and credit, not just a stated income, and can tailor a letter to a specific property and price when you need it. She will not issue a letter the file does not support.
• Milestone updates. With your buyer’s permission, you hear from her at application, appraisal, underwriting conditions, clear to close and funding.
• Early warnings. If something could threaten the closing date, she calls you first so you can adjust strategy.

Why a wholesale broker helps your buyers

A bank or retail lender can only offer its own programs at its own prices. Sunset Home Lending is a wholesale mortgage broker with access to more than 200 wholesale lenders. For your clients that means more ways to say yes and pricing that is compared rather than assumed:

Not every lender approves every scenario, and not every buyer qualifies. The point is that one lender’s “no” is not the end of the conversation.

Tools you can share with clients

These pages are built to be shared, and none of them asks your client for sensitive information:

• Compare my offer. If your buyer already has a Loan Estimate from another lender, they can upload it for a free second look. Bethany will tell them honestly whether it is a strong offer or whether she can find better terms. Markets move daily, and once a buyer locks they generally cannot benefit from later improvements, so a second look is most useful before locking.
• HELOC and home equity quick quote. Helpful for sellers who want to use equity for repairs before listing, or for past clients planning a renovation.
• First-time homebuyer guide. A plain-English walkthrough of programs, costs and steps.
• Guides for agents. Read what a wholesale mortgage broker means for agents and how to read a buyer’s pre-approval letter.

Help for your listings, too

Many listings stall because the seller needs to buy their next home before they can move out. Buy-before-you-sell options, such as a bridge loan or a HELOC on the current home, can help a seller make a stronger, non-contingent offer on their next place, then list the current home vacant and staged. Bethany can walk your seller through the costs, the qualifying rules and the risks before they commit.

Local, with reach beyond the Phoenix area

Sunset Home Lending‘s office is in Scottsdale, and Bethany works with agents and buyers in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Paradise Valley, and Maricopa County. She is also licensed in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. Originally from Southern California, she understands what buyers relocating to Arizona are juggling, and she can coordinate with their agent on both ends of the move.

Co-marketing that follows RESPA

Section 8 of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and its implementing rule, Regulation X, prohibit giving or receiving any fee, kickback or thing of value in exchange for referrals of settlement service business. The rule applies to lenders, agents, brokers, title companies and others, and violations carry serious penalties for everyone involved. Bethany follows a few simple principles:

• No exchange for referrals. Nothing of value passes between you because someone referred a client or in the hope of referrals: no cash, gifts, free marketing, leads, office space, staff time or discounted services.
• Pay your own way. In any joint marketing or event, each party pays its own proportionate share of the actual, fair-market cost of what it receives, and records are kept.
• Education over promotion. Joint activities should give consumers real educational value, such as a homebuyer workshop.
• No steering and no requirements. Borrowers choose their own lender. She will never ask you to require a client to use her.
• Compliance review first. Every joint activity is evaluated before it happens, and arrangements that do not pass are declined. No marketing services agreements are offered.

Co-marketing rules are fact-specific, and some states add their own. If you are unsure whether an idea is compliant, check with your broker or attorney too.

What helps your deals move faster

• Send the contract promptly so the appraisal can be ordered and deadlines met.
• Share timing needs early, such as a short inspection period or an early possession date.
• Encourage buyers to upload documents quickly. Missing paperwork causes most delays.
• Remind buyers not to open new credit or make large purchases before closing.

Start a partnership

The easiest way to begin is with a single buyer. Book a 30-minute call, call or text (760) 713-3814, or use the contact form and choose “Real estate agent partnership” so Bethany knows you are an agent. Clients who are ready to talk to a lender can start on the Get Pre-Approved page.