As a Realtor, I've definitely made my share of poor judgment calls based on a certain desperation to sell a home. No, I'm not talking about anything that I would lose my license over, just time. I'm sure we've all been there at least once. You get a lead call from a potential buyer wanting to look at a $300k home, and you eagerly jump in your car and meet them there with the lockbox combo, blank contract, and ink pen in hand. The one small detail that we fail to ask is "Have you been pre-qualified?"
Now this was more of an issue for me when I was a newer agent so eager to break into this business, but with today's new contracts, this question will have to be the 1st one off our lips. Financing is no longer considered a contingency and is now part of the buyer's due diligence. This is also why it will be imperative that the lender is reputable and competent in order to keep the buyer from losing their earnest money deposit. How many situations have we all been in where a financing commitment wasn't issued until the day before closing? That just won't fly any longer!
As Realtors, we need to make sure that we're not using some fly by night lender that promises the moon without looking over the buyer's bank statements or tax returns! It's going to take due dilegence on everyone's part including the Realtor and lender to be sure that we are representing our clients to the best of our ability. Protect that earnest money and your reputation!
Looking for a reputable lender? 
Call Kelly Cherry
DNJ Gateway Mortgage
"Home of the No Cost Mortgage"
919-459-6527 -office
919-622-5745-cell
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