"Watch out for lenders who dodge specifics or rush through explanations. Trustworthy ones take their time."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've dealt with a lender who seemed great at first—friendly, quick responses—but every time I asked about alternative options or rebates, they suddenly got vague or shifted the conversation back to pricier packages. Felt like pulling teeth getting straight answers. Ended up switching mid-process (annoying, yeah...) but saved enough to make the headache totally worth it. Always trust your gut if something feels off.
Totally get where you're coming from—switching mid-process is a headache, but sometimes it's the best move. I've noticed the good lenders usually:
- Slow down when explaining tricky stuff (even if you've asked a million questions already...)
- Give clear comparisons between options without pushing pricier upgrades
- Admit when something isn't their specialty instead of bluffing through it
If they're dodging your questions, that's a red flag. Learned that the hard way myself—trust your gut for sure.
"Admit when something isn't their specialty instead of bluffing through it"
This right here is key. I've seen too many lenders try to fake expertise on complex zoning or permitting issues, and it always ends badly. Had a project nearly derailed because the lender insisted they knew local codes better than the city planners... spoiler alert: they didn't. A trustworthy lender knows their limits and isn't afraid to loop in someone who actually knows their stuff. Saves everyone headaches down the line.
I've definitely encountered similar issues. Had a lender once confidently assure us they understood the environmental impact requirements inside and out, only to have the whole thing stall when the actual experts got involved. Like you said:
"A trustworthy lender knows their limits and isn't afraid to loop in someone who actually knows their stuff."
Exactly right. Knowing when to step aside and let the specialists handle it is a mark of true professionalism and saves everyone from costly delays.
Had a similar experience myself—our lender was great with numbers but totally underestimated the complexity of green certifications. Luckily, they quickly realized it and brought in an expert. Saved us from a major headache...and probably a few gray hairs too.
