Understanding Who’s on Your Homebuying Team
The prospect of buying a home can be intimidating, but you don't have to navigate the journey alone. Your homebuying team — a housing counselor, real estate agent and lender — is made up of professionals who are there to support you every step of the way.
Each housing professional plays a different role in the homebuying process.
Housing Counselor
A housing counselor can help you assess your financial standing, budget appropriately and prepare for homeownership. Housing counselors are not a required part of your team but are highly recommended — especially for first-time homebuyers. Their services are free.
Real Estate Agent
Think of your real estate agent as your team captain, the person who will be with you every step of the way during the homebuying process. Your agent will play an important role in:
- Helping you find the right home.
- Helping you prepare an offer.
- Representing you in negotiations with the seller.
- Guiding you through the closing process.
Lender
Your lender determines if you qualify for a loan and how much you can borrow. Your lender will:
- Teach you about the mortgage loan process.
- Introduce you to different options, rates and other terms.
- Walk you through the costs and terms of your specific loan.
- Help you compile any documentation needed before signing day.
It is important to find a lender you trust and who offers competitive rates and terms. You should consider getting multiple loan estimates to compare costs and interest rates and ensure you are choosing the best lender for your situation.
Roles and Responsibilities
Let’s take a closer look at what each team member is responsible for and where those responsibilities overlap.
Responsibilities | Housing Counselor | Real Estate Agent | Lender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provide money management skills. | ✓ | no | no |
| Help you build and improve your credit. | ✓ | no | no |
| Assess your readiness for homeownership. | ✓ | no | ✓ |
| Educate you on down payment options. | ✓ | no | ✓no |
| Help you find a home that’s right for you. | no | ✓ | no |
| Provide information about neighborhoods. | no | ✓ | no |
| Manage purchase negotiations with the seller. | no | ✓ | no |
| Help you complete your mortgage loan application. | no | no | ✓ |
| Determine how much you’re qualified to borrow. | ✓ | no | ✓ |
| Educate you on rates, points and general mortgage terms. | ✓ | no | ✓ |
| Help you understand financing options. | no✓ | no | ✓ |
| Ensure you understand all costs related to your loan. | ✓ | no | ✓ |
| Help you understand documents you’ll sign. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Represent you at closing. | no | ✓ | no |
It’s wise to speak with multiple candidates for each role to ensure you are building a team that understands your unique financial situation and housing needs and can provide the proper support.
The people you select to be part of your team are invaluable. Get to know them well, lean on them and ask questions — it's their job and this is your home.
Learn more about the homebuying process, including shopping for a lender, in our step-by-step guide to homebuying.
Last reviewed: December 29, 2025
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