How clean should my house be for appraisal?

No, it doesn't have to be sparkling clean. But as others have said, your should treat the appraisal like any other showing - neat and tidy, spot clean where needed, kids and pets out of the way.

Earnest money at closing?

The earnest money is a "good faith" deposit, showing your seriousness to purchase. It goes into an escrow account, usually at the listing broker's bank. You "get it back" in the sense that it is applied to your closing costs at settlement.

If I'm sick should I show my house?

Disclose that you are not well and tell them why. Let the Buyer and their agent decide if they want to reschedule or not. Put some hand sanitizer out for them if they decide to come and relegate yourself to a patio, deck, porch, or even just the driveway while they are there. Very often, a Buyer will not come back if their preferred appointment time is not available; for that reason, I always counsel Sellers to accept as many appointments as possible.

Selling my home with someone else on the deed

You're going to have to get an attorney for this. Wish I had an easier solution but that's what it takes in PA.

Can a family member pay my mortgage buydown?

Short answer: yes. Tell your lender you're receiving gift money from a family member and you want to use it for a rate buydown. Your lender will tell you which documentation they need (gift letter or proof of donor ability/transfer). Your buydown might put you in a better position overall for different programs, so be sure to ask your lender to price out FHA vs Conventional.

should i buy a house with my boyfriend?

Whether you "should" or not, is probably a question that only you can answer. But, unmarried couples purchase homes together all the time. The key is making sure the financial and legal details are clearly established from the beginning. There are three separate pieces to think about: 1. The mortgage You can absolutely apply for and sign a mortgage together. The lender will evaluate both borrowers' income, debt, and credit, and the weaker credit profile can affect the loan terms and interest rate. It's also important to understand that each borrower is responsible for the entire mortgage obligationaEUR"not simply 50% of the payment. If one person stops contributing, the lender can still look to the other for the full amount due. 2. The title This determines how you legally own the property, and it deserves just as much attention as the mortgage. Two common options are joint tenancy, which generally provides equal ownership with survivorship rights, and tenancy in common, which allows ownership percentages to be divided differentlyaEUR"for example, 60/40 if one person contributes more toward the purchase. The way title is structured can also affect what happens to each person's interest upon death. For unmarried buyers, getting this right is especially important. It's easy to accomplish though; your title clerk can do this for you at the settlement table. 3. A co-ownership agreement Before closing, it's smart to put the " what ifsaEUR? in writing. A co-ownership agreement can spell out who contributes what toward the down payment and monthly expenses, how unequal contributions are treated, what happens if one person wants to sell, how a buyout would be valued, and what happens if one owner is temporarily unable or unwilling to contribute. It may not be the most romantic conversation you'll ever have, but a little planning now can prevent some very expensive and ugly disagreements later. I'm a Realtor, not an attorney, so I recommend having a Pennsylvania real estate attorney advise you on how to take title and prepare the appropriate co-ownership agreement. Best of luck!

How do I negotiate a fair price on a home that is being sold 'as-is' but clearly needs significant work?

As-is usually means the Seller is not going to make repairs or offer credit for repairs. It does not necessarily mean that they won't accept some negotiation surrounding the price. All you can ever do is put your best foot/offer forward, so do that, with numbers that make sense to you. Just be sure that the numbers make sense in the marketplace as well, i.e. you're not likely to get a 30% (or more) discount. You can strengthen your offer with other terms that might be favorable to the Seller, such as a rent-back, flexible move date, leaving furniture behind, and/or making a hefty deposit. Look to your Realtor for solid advice on this and good luck!

How can I buy a home from a family member without a realtor?

Yes, you can absolutely buy the house directly from your aunt without using a Realtor. Since you already know who you're buying from and have presumably agreed on the basics, you don't necessarily need an agent to bring the two sides together. That said, I wouldn't skip the protections that normally come with a real estate transaction just because it's a family sale. You'll still want a written agreement of sale that clearly spells out the price, settlement date, financing, inspections, and any other terms you've agreed to. I'd have a Pennsylvania real estate attorney prepare or at least review it. You'll also need a title company to run a title search, make sure there aren't any liens, unpaid taxes, or other issues attached to the property, and handle the title insurance and closing. If you're getting a mortgage, your lender will order an appraisal. And even though you're buying from your aunt, I'd still get a home inspection. It's not about whether you trust her. It's about knowing exactly what you're buying and avoiding an awkward family conversation six months from now when you discover a $20,000 problem. The deed also needs to be properly prepared and recorded so ownership is legally transferred to you. Your attorney or title company can handle that. One other thing to be aware of: if your aunt is selling the house to you for substantially less than its market value, there could be tax implications because some of that difference may be considered a gift. That's worth discussing with an accountant or attorney before you finalize the price. So yes, this can definitely be done without a Realtor. I just wouldn't do it without a good title company and, ideally, a real estate attorney. With family transactions, getting everything in writing isn't about distrust. It's how you keep Thanksgiving dinner pleasant.

What are the pros and cons of selling my home during the winter?

The best time to sell is when you are ready! Every season has it's pros and cons, selling during the winter is no exception. There may be fewer buyers in the market, but there are also typically fewer homes competing for their attention. And the buyers who are out looking tend to be quite serious. People generally aren't spending their weekends touring homes in January unless they have a reason to move. Presentation matters even more at this time of year. Keep the house warm, bright, and inviting, and pay extra attention to curb appeal, especially when the landscaping isn't doing much of the work for you. Lean into cozy and highlight it inside your home. With the right pricing, marketing, and presentation, winter can actually be a very good time to sell. Less competition can give your home an opportunity to stand out when buyers have fewer choices.

Rebecca Diamond

Berkshire Hathaway Fox Roach

22 Years of Experience

(33)

$6M

Total Sales Last Year

Years of Experience

Recent TransactionsTransactions from the last 3 years

$707.9K

Average Price Point

Service Areas

Ardmore, PA Bala Cynwyd, PA Berwyn, PA Bryn Mawr, PA Chester Springs, PA Gladwyne, PA Haverford, PA Havertown, PA Malvern, PA Merion Station, PA Narberth, PA Newtown Square, PA Paoli, PA Philadelphia, PA Phoenixville, PA Villanova, PA Wayne, PA Wynnewood, PA

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About Rebecca Diamond

Rebecca Diamond brings more than 20 years of Main Line real estate experience to every buyer and seller she represents. As a realtor, investor, and landlord, Rebecca understands the Main Line market from every angle - not just as an agent, but as someone who has bought, sold, and held property in the same neighborhoods her clients call home.

Her track record speaks for itself: consistently in the top 15% of all agents across the Delaware Valley, top 15-20% of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices agents nationwide since 2014, and named a Philadelphia Magazine 5-Star Realtor every single year since the award's inception. Her sales ratio is 99%, meaning nearly every home she lists sells - compared to an MLS average around 43%. Her listings also sell approximately 50% faster than the local market average.

Rebecca has been quoted in Main Line Today, Forbes, and ABC-TV, and she formerly co-hosted a weekly real estate talk radio show on WPEN Philadelphia. This media experience shapes how she markets her clients' homes: with clear positioning, strong photography, and messaging that reaches the right buyer, not just the biggest audience.

Rebecca specializes in the core Main Line townships - Lower Merion (Gladwyne, Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, Wynnewood, Merion Station), Radnor (Villanova, Wayne, Rosemont), Haverford (Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Ardmore, Havertown), Tredyffrin (Berwyn, Paoli), Easttown (Devon), and Upper Merion. She also works Chester County (Malvern, Charlestown, Phoenixville) and select Philadelphia neighborhoods including Manayunk and Roxborough.

What sets Rebecca apart is old-school responsiveness combined with modern marketing. Every client gets her direct cell number and can reach her seven days a week. Every listing gets professional photography, targeted digital advertising, and a written pricing analysis backed by 20 years of local market knowledge.

Whether you're buying your first home in Ardmore, selling a family home in Wynnewood, upsizing to Gladwyne, or looking for a Main Line investment property, Rebecca offers the experience and market knowledge that consistently ranks her among the top agents in the region.
Degrees from Emory University and Temple University. Professional opera singer, dog lover, equestrienne, tennis and pickleball player.

HOBBIES/INTEREST

Tennis, pickleball, opera, musical theater

FAMILY

No kids, just one very large, hairy dog.

Credentials

LICENSE

Real Estate - Pennsylvania - # RS282088

Designation

ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative)

Licensed Realtor

Seniors Real Estate Specialist

Seller Representative Specialist

Certified Negotiation Expert

ePro

REALTOR

Specialties

Buyer's Agent
First Time Home Buyers
Listing Agent
Luxury Specialist
Relocation
Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)
Staging & Home Preparation

Awards

2026
TOP AGENT
Bryn Mawr, PA
2026
TOP AGENT
Villanova, PA

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Rebecca Diamond's Reviews & Ratings

33 Reviews

(4.9/5)

Note: Reviews may include other agents on their team

What clients say about this agent....

Professional
Communicative
Knowledgeable
Responsive
Attentive
Trustworthy
Outstanding
Sold Quickly
Great for new buyers
Hard working

Monica P.

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

June 23, 2026

Local Knowledge

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Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Our experience working with Rebecca couldnt have been better. She understands the practical realities of buying a home, and thats exactly the kind of agent you want in your corner. From our very first walkthrough, Rebecca was always thinking several steps ahead. She pointed out items that would come up during our home inspection, showing just how knowledgeable and proactive she is throughout the entire process. Rebecca is extremely communicative, responsive, and never once pressured us into making decisions that would benefit her over us. What we appreciated most was how down-to-earth, pragmatic, and genuinely trustworthy she is. In a sea of Realtors, Rebecca is the big fish! Hire her and all of your needs will be met.

Deborahmossmarris

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

June 7, 2026

Local Knowledge

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ZillowVERIFIED

I'm incredibly grateful that Rebecca Diamond guided me through the home-buying process. She came highly recommended from a discerning family member who had had a wonderful experience working with Rebecca. I was moving from a well loved family home in the suburbs after thirty years to the city of Philadelphia. Rebecca made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel not just approachable but interesting and fun. She listened closely to my needs with an open mind, was consistently early for every appointment, thoughtful in every recommendation, and responded to telephone calls, emails, and texts quickly, with all the pertinent information included.The properties viewed were consistently appropriate. Rebecca respected my pace and priorities. I never felt pressured, or as if a sale itself was the goal. I was able to purchase a home in the building I dreamed of, on the side where I wanted to be, at the price I expected to pay. Rebecca watched units in this particular building as they came on the market. My dream spot on the North side was captured on the first day of the listing. I appreciated was how steady and resourceful she was when issues came up. Instead of making problems seem insurmountable, Rebecca calmly helped me understand and work through them, explained everything clearly, and provided the information which enabled me to make intelligent decisions. In closing, Rebecca was consistently responsive, easy to work with, and incredibly accommodating throughout the search process.A I ended up in a home that is perfect for me, one I still cannot believe to have actually purchased. The experience would not have gone nearly as smoothly without Rebeccas help. I absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a person of integrity and kindness who also is a reliable, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive realtor in Philadelphia or the Philadelphia suburbs.

Erin A.

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

October 17, 2025

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ZillowVERIFIED

Years ago, we knew our kids would grow and move on, and we would eventually downsize. To prepare, Rebecca came to our home, knowing we wouldnt be moving immediately, and gave us her time and recommendations so we could maximize a return and make sure the home was in tip-top shape when the time came. Rebecca always checked in about what was new and asked about our kids/family. We trusted her so much because she was so knowledgeable about the market, our home needs, and who we were as people. She is meticulous, service-oriented, kind, detailed, and, when the time came to sell, she delivered flawlessly. Our home in Villanova sold in 9 days. Fast forward 2 years, we decided to stay in the Philadelphia area and called Rebecca again. She provided every quality we were looking for in a realtor, and we are so happy with the results. What we wanted was unique and had to accommodate a growing family of 7 that was adding in-laws and grandchildren. We wanted a historical home and a walkable town close by. Boy, did she deliver, again. Those same skills noted before, which we came to know and trust, landed us in Rose Valley, a borough next to Media and Wallingford, in a home we could only dream of that suits our needs perfectly. She listens, she is patient, she is ethical, calm under pressure, focused, and she executes until she knows her clients will be 100 percent satisfied. I wouldn't only recommend Rebecca as a realtor, I wouldn't buy or sell a home with anyone else.

Epk37139

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

November 26, 2021

Local Knowledge

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Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Rebecca was wonderful to work with! She made both buying and selling a home as stress free and as seamless as possible. Rebecca is extremely knowledgeable and effortlessly navigates the ever-changing real estate market. Because of her expertise she saved me money on the purchase of a new home and also sold my home way above the price I was anticipating! Rebecca offers the highest level of service and takes away all the headaches and anxiety of the buying and selling process. I highly recommend Rebecca Diamond as your next real estate agent!

BenDourte

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

August 16, 2021

Local Knowledge

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ZillowVERIFIED

Rebecca has helped me buy and sell homes multiple times. She was just as professional, committed to quality and our happiness, and thorough when I bought my first, tiny starter home with her as she was when she helped us buy the dream home we live in today. She always took the time to explain all of the intricacies of the process in ways we could understand and allowed us to make good decisions. Rebecca is an expert negotiator. The appraisal for the home we wanted to buy came in way under what we had offered. The seller graciously offered to split the difference, but even this would have left us in very uncertain financial circumstances. Over the course of a very long day, Rebecca was able to plead our case, cite current market statistics, and negotiate a deal that saved us a ton of money and made buying the home fit into our budget. I can't recommend Rebecca enough. I would recommend her to any of my friends and family and wouldn't hesitate to call her again if I needed to buy or sell.

Desireejphillips

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

January 14, 2021

Local Knowledge

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ZillowVERIFIED

Rebecca sold our house for $50,000 over asking AND saved us $145,000 during inspection and appraisal negotiations. Really, what more needs to be said? She got us ridiculous results, and was constantly professional and communicative. And, she was uncannily punctual, to-the-minute; it's actually kind of odd, but great! She fought like mad for us, wayA beyond our expectations. Warning: her staging advice was hard to swallow because I like my stuff, BUT... she obviously knew what she was doing!!!

Alan593234

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

November 16, 2020

Local Knowledge

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ZillowVERIFIED

Rebecca was thoroughly professional: knowledgeable about the market, accessible with quick turnaround on my Qs, honest without excessive puffery, transparent about processes and fees and straightforward willing to tell me things I'd rather not hear - that's all I look for in an RE professional. This was the 5th house I've (bought and) sold over the last 35 years - all my personal residences, each in a different city and state. Rebecca jumped in near the beginning of this pandemic with strategies and resources already in place to sell the house and provided extensive analytical work before I chose an agent. In fact, the depth and thoughtfulness of her analysis was the main reason we went with Rebecca. When we were under contract, a complicated issue better resolved through direct contact and negotiation with my buyer arose, she was willing to step back and permit me to work it out with the buyer, while remaining available to advise. Not every agent is willing to disintermediate herself.Only quibble: despite a competitive market, unwilling or unable to reduce her commission. Nonetheless, we went with Rebecca and don't regret it.Bottom line: Highly recommneded.

Olivier P.

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

June 23, 2020

Local Knowledge

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ZillowVERIFIED

Great experience with Rebecca. We have been long time customer of Rebecca and she always understood our needs and exceed our expectations. We found the perfect home for the family 2 streets away where we were renting.

Zuser20170611165804398

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

June 23, 2020

Local Knowledge

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ZillowVERIFIED

I can not say enough wonderful things about Rebecca Diamond's skill and caring as a real estate agent. I put my house on the market right before the beginning of the Covid Pandemic. Rebecca advised me to put a hold on showings and the house was off the market until we were legally allowed to show the house again. The house went on the market on a Monday and I had a signed agreement of sale by the following Tuesday. Not only was I pleased with the quick sale, but Rebecca was there with me every step of the way. If I had a problem or question, she did not hesitate to take my call, answer my question or help me however she could. Rebecca is a true professional, in every way. I could not give her a higher recommendation!

Ca9604

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

May 19, 2020

Local Knowledge

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Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Rebecca sold our home, after 2 others failed, in just 6 days! We had a bidding war and sold the house at asking price. Following her advice, and having a house inspection before it was listed, Rebecca saved us thousands of dollars. We had moved overseas, and Rebecca made sure everything went smoothly. I cannot say enough about Rebecca!

Robert H.

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

May 12, 2020

Local Knowledge

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Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

My wife and I had a wonderful experience working with Rebecca. Her perseverance and determination to find us the perfect house paid off and after a year of hunting - we couldn't be happier with our new home!We still don't have furniture yet and the pandemic situation has put our entertaining plans on hold but Rebecca will certainly be invited to our house warming party :)

Kaanozan78

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

September 12, 2019

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

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Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Rebecca helped me with my first home purchase. I had no knowledge of how it works and I was able to trust her, completely, in a very short time and I could not be happier with my decision. She was an excellent guide, helped me understand home values in the current market, helped me submit a very creative offer that made me the winner in a multiple-offer situation, helped me get unique financing, and showed tremendous expertise in negotiating inspection issues with the Seller. I did not have to worry about a thing, and since it was my first time, I was very very grateful for that. Her professionalism and vast knowledge are the best. This wont be my last transaction with Rebecca, she will definitely be my first phone call when I am ready to move again. Highly highly recommend.

Kaylakrasley

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

July 9, 2018

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

We were referred to Rebecca by our mortgage broker and were EXTREMELY lucky to have happened upon her as an agent. Rebecca has a "get it done", no-nonsense attitude and remained personable and professional throughout our interactions. As first time home-buyers, we had so many question. She had all the answers and took the time to make sure we understood all the details. She was so knowledgeable about the market, about how best to strategize with the seller, and she kept me informed about things that I didn't always know I needed to be informed about, which caused my trust in her to grow, exponentially. She takes the time to understand the needs of her clients so you will always feel like "damn, she's totally got my back". At every turn, whether we were inside a house considering its amenities, drafting paperwork for our offer, negotiating inspection items, or getting ready for closing, she had pieces of advice, large and small, that were valuable and ON POINT. Cannot recommend her highly enough and will most definitely use her again when we upsize.

Nbailey0

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

April 26, 2017

Local Knowledge

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Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

We were extremely impressed with - and grateful for - Rebecca's ability to focus on what was important for us in a house. We were looking for higher-end rentals that had a fairly large number of bedrooms, and allowed large dogs - a task we thought might be impossible. Not only did Rebecca have a list of such houses at her fingertips, but she was available to show them to us at almost a moment's notice.But that was just the beginning! We were concerned about a number of things regarding the house - the deposit, the move in date, etc. Not only did Rebecca understand she was able to get every single issue resolved, quickly, and fairly. Thanks to her, we have the house we wanted, for the money we wanted to spend, on the date we wanted to move in. We literally cannot recommend her highly enough. If you are looking for a house, and don't call her, you are simply doing yourself a disservice.

Rachael G.

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

January 30, 2017

Local Knowledge

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Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

I've worked with Rebecca on three different transactions now, twice as a buyer and once as a seller. She is fantastic. She fights for me like a pit bull, protecting my money like it is her own, like her life depends on it. She's very knowledgeable about the market and tips/tricks for a faster sale. She thinks outside the box - the last house I bought was not one I probably would've considered until she suggested it. I trust her implicitly and find myself never wanting to argue with her advice, it always seems spot on. She's smart and creative - we had a couple of tricky terms to satisfy on both our most recent purchase and most recent sale and she got us through them with flying colors. Let me just say: wow. use her. you will be completely satisfied with her integrity, diligence, and knowledge.

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

December 5, 2011

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Dm_n_stuff

Review for Member: Rebecca Diamond

January 17, 2011

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Ms. Diamond has an extensive knowledge of internet marketing and of the local market itself. Unfortunately, her negotiating skills do not match her knowledge of the market, and her occasional failure to respond quickly hampers her otherwise excellent skills.She does have some unique approaches to selling, which are very innovative, and in a better market would be quite successful.

Answered Questions

What to do-- agent's poor hygiene is turning me off?

If I were in your agent's shoes, I would want to know why it's not working out. If his breath is the only obstacle, while it's a tough topic, if you handle it with compassion, a professional will make an effort to do better. If it's more than just his breath, as in, bodily odor, that's harder. Maybe something like "Hey, I hope you don't mind me saying this aEUR" I've noticed a bit of an odor lately and thought you'd want to know. I figured I'd rather mention it quietly than have someone less kind bring it up.aEUR?

Answered by Rebecca Diamond | Knoxville, TN, USA | 309 Views | Working With an Agent | 1 year ago

What to do about a sick real estate agent?

Sickness is not an excuse for delayed or rescheduled showings. Your agent should have licensed colleagues that can cover in his/her stead. We as agents do this all the time when we go on vacation - someone is in place to co-pilot the ship in our absence. Your situation is no different. Have a compassionate conversation; "I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. I don't want to put added pressure on you, so I'm hoping we can find someone to take over showings until you recover. Is there someone in your office that could help?" After all, you hired an entire brokerage, not just one agent, so someone should be able to help out. Best of luck with your home sale, hope you get top dollar!

Answered by Rebecca Diamond | Raleigh, NC, USA | 618 Views | Working With an Agent | 1 year ago

How do I find a HUD foreclosures agent for help me ? ?

The USAHud.com website has vetted agents in your area that can help you find what you're looking for.

Answered by Rebecca Diamond | Littleton | 2474 Views | Working With an Agent | 1 year ago

Should I walk around with the appraiser?

Probably not. The appraiser needs quiet time to focus, without distraction or pressure to move from one room to another. Most of them do not like to be accompanied, even by your Realtor, and it's always a good idea to keep all the people in your transaction's eco-system, on your good side. That said, a listing agent should provide the appraiser with a package of comparable properties, a detailed list of recent updates, and a brief synopsis of how the transaction went - if there were multiple offers, that's especially important for the appraiser to know. If someone has to be there, that's ok but not preferred; just advise them to stay out of the appraiser's way.

Answered by Rebecca Diamond | La Puente, CA, USA | 1229 Views | Working With an Agent | 1 year ago

How can I find a real lender that will help me apply for go?

First of all, I would stay away from the large, online lenders. A small, local, lender that's flexible is often the best choice. To find one of those, one tactic is to find a trusted Realtor first because most Realtors have lending professionals they work with all the time who are exquisite professionals and can get the job done. I have 4-5 lenders I frequently recommend specifically for first-time buyer government programs and I'm sure there are Realtors in your area who do the same thing. Go find those people. If you'd like, I can refer you to some great agents in your area, feel free to reach out to me.

Answered by Rebecca Diamond | Taunton Massachusetts | 466 Views | Working With an Agent | 1 year ago

Rebecca Diamond

Service Areas

About Rebecca Diamond

HOBBIES/INTEREST

FAMILY

Credentials

LICENSE

Designation

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Awards202620252022

TOP AGENT

TOP AGENT