A couple of years ago I listed a home and sold it. The sellers were interested in buying another home in the area. Against my advice they decided to wait until they "sold" their home before talking to my lender. They were convinced their high credit scores and strong income would be more than enough to qualify for a home. The mere discussion of "getting approved now" bothered them. As if I was going to miss out on a free set of steak knives if they didn't go and get approved now or something.

A week before we closed on the their home they called and asked me to "tear up the contract" because they couldn't get approved with "their lender."

Unfortunately for these sellers they learned the hard way.

One of the spouses was self-employed. His AGI (adjusted gross income) was only 10k a year. At best, he could qualify for a set of steak knives from Sears. The majority of self-employed people write off A LOT of their income. The other spouse in this situation had a car that she co-signed for that wasn't being paid on time by one of her relatives. This hanging liability prevented her form being approved as well.

 

The sellers didn't have the option to just not close. The buyers could have sued them for specific performance. The sellers moved to another state and had to lease a home.

Regardless if you have excellent credit you should get yourself pre-approved before selling your home. Minor changes in your loan application could kill your chances of getting a home loan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

production award  RE/MAX HALL OF FAME, CLASS OF 2011

The information contained in this blog is believed to be reliable and while every effort is made to assure that the information is as accurate as possible, the author of this blog, and its comments disclaim any implied warranty or representation about it's accuracy, completeness or appropriateness for any particular purpose. All information is copywritten and the property of Greg Nino.  

 

 

 

 

 
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38 Comments on Make sure you're approved to buy before you list your home for sale!

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUN
12
468,451 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Why is it we have to almost stand on our heads to get this one important message across?

8:27pm • #19
165,214 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
I can understand their hesitation even if it's irrational. They probably feel as if you're trying to "lock" them into the purchase through you do they're wary. Too bad it turned out as it did.
8:53pm • #20
193,478 Points 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

Greg -- very wise advice. I chuckled at first when I read the title, but with an afterthought, this is pretty serious.

9:55pm • #21

Greg, I've had a bad experience with a similar situation.  A client got pre-approved with a friend of a friend dispite my recommendation to use a lender I knew.  By the time his house sold, he couldn't qualify to purchase what we were supposed to close on in about a week.  He was in sales and his income fluctuated but I'm not certain if he was really qualified even at the beginning.  The buyer's father ended up buying the house and renting it to his son.  It was a bit of a mess! 

10:19pm • #22

Excellent information, it should be paid attention too, this is a great post. Have a great day!

10:27pm • #23
1,352,557 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Greg - I have clients of mine going through a full underwriting approval before I list their house because there are a few potential issues, and I want to make sure they won't hae trouble later.

It just makes sense.

10:32pm • #24
JUN
13
368,014 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hey Greg,

This post is really sound advice for sellers.  And so many clients are resistant to this advice.  Best of success to you this year!

12:16am • #25
1,141,356 Points 154 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You are so right Greg, and that is such a sad story.  I guess another example of where they should have listened to their real estate agent's advice.

3:32am • #26
1,653,168 Points 134 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Greg, I've seen this happen and it is amazing that they won't talk to a lender.  This one is a good one for me to re-blog for my market.  Thanks!

4:59am • #27
275,890 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

That is a sad tale for those sellers.  They would have done well to follow your advice.  And it is stunning that they thought you could just "tear up" a CONTRACT!

5:20am • #28
398,257 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Greg, as a former loan officer, I have seen this before...  However, in today's market, I think we are going to be seeing more and more of this as people tend to think that abotaining credit was as easy as it was 5-6 years ago.  The lenders are now looking at one's ability to repay the loan based on their current situation.  Fixed income people getting their money from interest earned are really hurt by this as interest rates are so low, they earn virtually nothing on their investment(s).  It is a different world out there compared to 5 years or so ago.

5:30am • #29
262,886 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Greg, great post.  I have seen this alot lately, where the client wants to sell their home first and then get pre-approved.  Way to Risky!!!  Cover Your Butt and Get Pre-Approved for your next mortgage!

6:12am • #30
654,074 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

So did they get the steak knives?  

Last year I had a buyer that wrote an offer on a home and had it accepted.  Two days later, the listing agent calls me and says that they want out because they can't qualify for another home.  I said "Sorry.  We are under contract.  Better get moving to help them find something to rent."  

Luckily for the sellers, the inspection was terrible and we walked.  It worked out for everybody in the end, but it could have been ugly. 

Good post.  

6:16am • #31
841,205 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

these tid bits of information are necessary if one is to succeed first time out....a good agent always is on point

6:47am • #32
221,610 Points Outside Blog

Some people only learn the hard way.  That was an expensive lesson.

11:29am • #33

Greg,

This is excellent advice, esp in this current market.

Thanks for the post.

kevin

12:25pm • #34
187,094 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp

just had that discussion with a new seller of mine this afternoon. 

3:15pm • #35
229,179 Points Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Greg -- if their lender was their bank, they may have been overly limited.  However, your point is excellent, in that getting their credit reviewed early on, could have provided time to get some of the issues cleaned up, knowing how long it takes to sell most houses these days.

5:39pm • #36
JUN
16
315,578 Points 5 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Greg, great post. People always think they will get a loan---NO PROBLEM.  This week I urged a soon-to-be seller to call one of my preferred lenders.  The seller thought he could buy something w/o selling first...but now he realizes he must sell first.  A simple 10-15 minute talk with a lender makes all the difference.

4:27pm • #37
JUN
23
609,504 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

And in our area homes are selling so quickly you better get qualified and know you have plenty of options before you list as you may find what you want is not out there....I have a number of sellers who haven't listed yet because they can't find "the" house!!!

6:52pm • #38

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Greg Nino Houston Texas

Houston, TX

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RE/MAX West Houston Professionals

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