Finances First! The buying experience usually goes smoother if financing has been secured before you begin searching for your home. For most homebuyers owning your dream home hinges on your ability to get the financing you need, in the price range you can afford. The very first step is ensuring that you are in an optimum buying position. Your Credit Report 
An important factor in your ability to get a mortgage is your credit rating. The best interest rates, as well as the most flexible loan terms, are available to those with the strongest credit scores. Not only will your monthly mortgage payment depend on your interest rate, but the amount you qualify to borrow will be affected by it as well. A higher interest rate translates into a higher payment and may reduce the loan amount for which you can qualify. Review your Credit Report, which can be obtained from the three main Credit Reporting Agencies, to look for accuracy and any discrepancies. By doing so you may just avoid any unnecessary delays in your purchasing process. You can request a free credit report from each agency, once per year. It may cost a nominal fee to request a Credit Score in addition to the credit report. Contact a Lender
Once you have reviewed your Credit Report and are satisfied with the information on it you need to contact a lender. Getting a Pre-Approval letter from a lender not only gives you confidence but also gives you "buying power." A home seller will be much more comfortable accepting an offer knowing you have already gone through the necessary steps to purchase a home. With Approval Letter in hand and completed checklist of must-haves contact Your Spokane Realtor for you are well on your way to happy house hunting! 
Joddie Roberts,
Your Spokane Realtor
8524 N. Wall
Spokane, WA 99208
509.844.7344
http://www.spokaneagent.com/ ...serving REAL needs with REAL knowledge 
 
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Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA
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Hi Joddie: Sounds like you're right on top of things... as I suspect you usually are. Having a buyer already credit approved puts the buyer in such an excellent bargaining position. Great post... thanks for sharing. Also, what you might do, is print out this post and the comments, and share it with any buyers who don't see the sense in getting with a lender. Take care...