No I Can't Let You View the Property Today Unless You've Been Pre-Approved
Why? Because part of my job is to ensure for the seller that everyone that looking at their property is qualified to buy it. I don't want to waste their time, or mine.
I've recently gotten a rash of calls from buyers, particularly on my most recent listing, calling up wanting to know if they can view the home TODAY! No. Well then, how soon can I look at? Well, have you spoken with a lender yet about financing? No, okay, I'll be happy to provide you with some phone numbers, but we need a pre-approval letter before I can show you the home.
Some buyers understand this, but others...well, maybe the others simply don't watch the news, and know how difficult financing is to obtain these day.
One buyer called up wanting to see a home. When I asked her about financing, she replied that she was just planning on looking at some houses before she bothered with finding financing. Great, but how will you know what you can afford (ie, what the lender will actually loan you) if you haven't spoken with one, yet? She got it.
Another buyer recently called up with the "I've got to look at it TODAY!" call. Have you spoken with a lender about financing? Financing will NOT be a problem. GREAT! Let me know when you have the pre-approval letter and I'll be happy to show you the home. He hung up on me.
So, was that a legitimate buyer, a looky-loo, or a thief trying to case the house out? The world may never know.
How about you? Do you let people in houses that you have met, don't have a relationship, and who hasn't spoken with a lender yet about financing?
Are you a buyer interested in getting in a new home today? I've got several quality lenders available to speak with you about your financing needs. Just give me a call and we can start the process today! It's important to know where you stand in your lending needs before you start house shopping. You don't want to find your dream home, only to have it slip away because of a lack of financing.
photo courtesy of gruntzooki
Comments (11)Subscribe to CommentsComment