Sometimes people's hopes and dreams are bigger than the balance in their checkbooks.  It's unfortunate she couldn't qualify, but hopefully with your assistance, she'll be able to sell her home and get into one she can afford, and be happy with.

That is sad new.  I think she should have got pre-approved to find out how much of a house she could afford before she fell in love with the one that she saw, so she could have known at what price range she was looking at.

Get your financies figured out first then you'll know how much you can afford for the monthly payment.

Patricia Aulson Hampton NH Real Estate 

I strongly encourage my clients to get approved BEFORE we start looking because I have had it happen, and it is heartbreaking.  Clients would fall in love with a house that they can't afford and it is very hard for them to like anything else after that. I know that your heart breaks too with their disappointment and I would rather spare them an unnecessary disappointment and emotional turmoil.  I just don't like to set my clients up for failure.  I would much rather keep it upbeat and positive. Besides for some it is embarrassing that they find out after the fact that they can't afford what they want.  Sometimes we  just "have champagne test on a beer budget"!  I am not discounting the way you feel when that happens, I am just saying it just works out better in the long run for everyone involved to get them qualified first. It sounds like you have a good heart and that is important!  Vickie

This seems to be the common story of how most people seem to live at or beyond their means.

It's tough when this sort of thing happens. I listed my wife's old home when we moved into our current home and found a couple the was absolutely in love with the place. They came up short on their credit score and still can not get approved for a loan. I feel very sorry for them, because they were so excited about the place.

The lady called me off the sign....  She wasn't a customer before she called me....  I do ask people to prequalify so this doesn't happen....  Sometimes this happens with open houses and sign calls....I have already suggested they call the loan officer on Monday.  I think they will qualify for about $120K.