Why I'm Not Like a Used Car Salesman
Lyn Sims blog hits it on the nail. When a Realtor or agent asks you if you have been pre-approved instead of being upset that someone would dare not believe you when you say "I can afford it" be glad that you are dealing with a professional that wants to make sure that you will not end up with disappointment when they show you a home out of your price range.
You may "think" you can afford it based on your own assessment but unless you are paying cash or have someone else footing the bill you need to have a pre-approval from a local and established mortgage broker, bank or credit union that will take you to the closing table instead of giving you false hope.
Since real estate professionals are paid based on the price of the home we of course would love it if you could afford a million dollar plus home but know that it does not serve our clients if we don't have the financing part of the transaction set before we start the search!
Unfortunately Realtors® are always being compared to used car salesman. It really makes me mad. I personally see nothing wrong with being a car salesmen at all. In fact, I believe it's a tough profession just like my own. It's hard dealing with the public on a regular basis.
BUT ...... Let me tell you how we are so very different!
Realtors® pre-qualify their purchasers to be sure they can afford their product and car salesmen DO NOT. Let me tell you about my recent foray into the purchase of a new car.
NEVER did any salesman ask me if I could afford to purchase a car.
NEVER did anyone even ask me if I talked to a bank or know what my FICO score was.
NEVER.
I ...... had to mention that I would like to talk about finances before deciding to look at a vehicle in any price range. Seems wonkers right? I wanted to know what deals I could get based on my FICO score, any rebates, 60 or 72 months, which vehicle will give me the best deal for my buck!
They looked at me like I had 3 heads and slithered into the showroom instead of walking upright. What THEY wanted to do ..... was put me behind the wheel! Take her for a spin! See if you like the car first!
BEFORE you know if I can afford it Mr. Car Salesman?
Oh no, in real estate - we don't do that! We require that all purchasers talk to a bank or a loan officer to see what they can qualify for. Much different than Mr. Car Salesman.
We don't throw you into our car for a 'test drive' and start to show you homes without knowing what purchase price you will be in.
That's how Realtors® work - that's how we roll. You're not going to get past the front door or in my car without first knowing what will be your financing game plan.
It only makes sense and it's the most practical way to do business. So as a buyer when you're asked to 'flash' your shiny pre-approval, you'll know why.
It's not that we're nosy or trying to pry into your private financial business. It needs to be done so we spend our time together in the most valuable way which is looking at homes that your family can afford.
LynSims.net ● Schaumburg Homes
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Lyn Sims ● Schaumburg IL Area ● Northwest Chicago Suburbs ● (847)230-7324
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