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Buyer's agent and financing writer

Derek Wallace

Derek spent six years underwriting mortgages before moving to buyer representation, and he still reads a pre-approval letter the way an underwriter would. He writes about financing and the offer process with the paperwork open beside him.

Focus areasMortgage pre-approvalOffer strategyHome inspectionsClosing paperwork

Homeowner comparing two refinance offers on paper Mortgages and Financing

Refinancing Only Makes Sense in These Cases

A homeowner called me convinced she should refinance because rates had dropped a full percentage point since her original loan.

Derek WallaceSep 15, 20264 min read
Loan officer reviewing paperwork behind a stack of files Mortgages and Financing

What Underwriters Check That Buyers Never See

A file I underwrote years ago fell apart four days before closing over a nine hundred dollar furniture purchase the buyer made...

Derek WallaceSep 15, 20264 min read
Smart thermostat mounted on a hallway wall Home Buying

The Smart Home Features Buyers Actually Use

A listing I underwrote a pre-approval for last year advertised a fully smart home, with app controlled lighting throughout, a...

Derek WallaceSep 15, 20265 min read