I was referred to a lender who is not affiliated with a bank or major institution, something I am not at all familiar with so apologies for my ignorance on this.

@Rick Pozos this is a great point of reference for me.

For reference, I am in central Mass along Route 2 corridor between Leominster and Gardner.

I am totally fine paying a monthly retainer and a generous rate just to know I have a company I can trust to be responsive, professional and do good work.Thanks in advance for any references here!

Sometimes referred to as "commercial" loans.

It could also refer to old termite/ant damage.

Can you provide me with references or testimonials from previous home buyers? 

@Joe VilleneuveWhat numbers are you referring to?

Anyone have a reference for getting a property with a newly built house appraised down in Lake City, FL?

I keep "lesson learned" notes to reference as we go along because it's too much to remember (and sometimes you want to forget some of the painful moments, ha!)