Do I Need Proof of Funds (POF) in My Relocation?
When buying a new home in your relocation, you should expect to provide proof of funds (video), often abbreviated in the real estate world as POF. This is essential if you are paying cash, but a smart thing to do even when you are getting a loan.
Sellers want to know that you are qualified to purchase (e.g., have a current written pre-approval) and that you have the funds on top of the financing for the purchase (i.e., the deposit, a.k.a. earnest money deposit; the down payment, and the closing costs).
Plus listing agents may require the POF with the offer - I do!
There are a number of ways to document proof of funds, most commonly bank statements (black out the account numbers), but a letter from your banker, or the loan officer who has verified the funds, might be acceptable. In a competitive market when there are multiple offers providing the POF upfront in the offer is a good idea.
You don’t need to show ALL of your assets (your mortgage professional will have that), nor does the seller need to know how much money you might have.
But the seller will want to know that, if you are paying $600K and getting a loan for $450K, you have at least $150K in assets plus closing costs.
You will want a POF with your name and the bank name, too. And if the funds are from other people not on the offer you may have some explaining to do - certainly the lender will ask (e.g., one spouse is buying the house but the other is contributing funds, or there are bank accounts with different names).
Make sure you will be able to provide this when we submit an offer here in the Carlsbad area.
Keep in mind that things may work differently in other states with respect to making offers so be sure to check with YOUR agent and be prepared.
Need more relocation tips? Check out my Relocation A to Z Blog. I am happy to help from start to finish with your relocation here to SoCal, or with a move out of this area.
Check out the complete Relocation Tips and Advice video series on YouTube
If you are moving someplace outside SoCal, I can still assist you. I have a large network of highly qualified agents around the country that I know, and can make an introduction to the right person to help find your new home and/or sell your current one.
Here are the prior articles (with videos) in this series in case you missed them:
Video #17 – How to Handle Closing on Your Home in Your Relocation
Video #16 – Can You Make a Contingency Offer in Your Relocation?
Video #15 – Making an Offer in Your Relocation
Video #14 - Top Tips for Searching for a Home Online in Your Relocation
Video 13 – Preparing for the Move in Your Relocation
Video #12 – Relocating with Pets
Video #11 – Making the Most of Your House Hunting Trips in Your Relocation
Video #10 – Help Your REALTOR® Help You in Your Relocation
Video #9 – Finding School, Crime and Other Information During Your Relocation
Video #8 – Packing for your Relocation: Do It Yourself or Not
Video #7 – Making Your List and Checking it Twice: Your Relocation Checklist That Is
Video #6 – Questions to Ask Your Movers
Video #5 - Buying vs. Renting When Relocating to Your New Home
Video #4 – Finding the Right REALTOR® to Help in Your Relocation
Video #3 – Moving with a Relocation Package
Video #2 – Getting Pre-Approved
Video #1 – Relocation Expenses
Introduction to Relocation Tips Video Series
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