I want to be shrift and Plei when I grow up.

I need a reality check. I spoke with the mortgage gal at my credit union on Monday morning. She said she needed to do some research on the co-signer aspect as that is a new thing they are offering. She said she would get back to me later that day. I called yesterday afternoon after not hearing from her. I got her voice mail and left a message. I still haven't heard from her, so I sent her an e-mail a couple of hours ago.

I wanted to stick with my credit union because I would rather support them than some mega bank. But I'd like to get the process moving so I can officially start house hunting. Or, if I can't get qualified, then apartment hunting.

Am I being unreasonable in my expectation of response time?

I don't think that's unreasonable. She may have had some kind of emergency that took her away from the office, but I'd still expect some communication within a day or two.

I'm with Zen. Communication is key.

One thing is bothering me though. Co-signing on loans, including mortgages, is not a new thing. What do they do about married folks?

Not all mortgage brokers work with large banks, and there's a good chance that your mortgage would be sold before your first payment is due, even with a credit union. Your servicing company could also change. Your realtor may have suggestions for you. Mine gave me a list of people to contact, and all of them were local lenders. I never once dealt with the Wells Fargo, Bank of America, or PNC monstrosities when I bought the house in PA.

I actually chose my mortgage credit union by which, of the CUs and banks I initially contacted, had the most responsive representative. Seriously, she answered my voice mail after 6pm on a weekday.

I was offered the opportunity to attend the philly flower show, but I'd have to pay for the ticket. What's the point of being a staff member on a staff-led trip if I don't get it for free? I'm paid peanuts, please don't recruit me to make your departments budget, jerkwad.

Maria - I think it is the co-signing, but not residing that is the issue. But really - seems odd for that to be new. I'm mainly using my dad for his good credit. I have the income to cover the payments.

Timelies all!

Waiting to see a) how much snow we get tonight/tomorrow b)whether I have work tomorrow(which will depend on a, I guess.

I think it is the co-signing, but not residing that is the issue.

It looks like it's more the co-signing but not being on the title that is the issue, but still... familial relationship. Even the feds have exceptions for that.

Trust me, you don't want someone you can't get a hold of, especially when it's down to the wire. My selection method was the same as Una's.

That is my gut feeling, Maria. One of my good friends is an insurance agent and she gave me the name of a local mortgage broker that many of her friends have used. I'll contact him tomorrow and see what I get there.

For now, a glass of Templeton Rye and some Harry Potter are in order.

Suzi, my cousin Maureen would be happy to either help you herself, or refer you to someone. She works for iMortgage and I got my first mortgage through her. She's extremely responsive and helpful, and her assistants are the same. Lemme know if you want her info.