Special offer

It's a Buyer's Market and I Have Lots of Options

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners 178281

Buyer:

I am aware of the process for applying for a loan.  I was a home owner before.  However, I do know that I do not have to prequalify before looking at homes. It's a buyer's market and I have a lot of options.

 Answer:

I understand. You are doing an overall prequalification for a certainAtlanta homes for sale amount, not a certain home.  How else will you know what you qualify for? Yes, it is a buyer’s market and there are lots of homes to choose from.

 

I only work with prequalified buyers in my business.  It makes sense to know you will qualify in the price range you are looking at. Sellers require the letter for any offers and if you are looking at homes you should be prepared to have everything you need for any offers on property. After all, you want to find the best property that will work for you and be ready to make that offer. You can only do that if you have a letter as you submit the offer. The best houses with the best value are going quickly. It is to your benefit to take that first step.

 

It’s not a requirement to have your letter. You can make an offer without it, but the seller then sees that you are not a “serious” buyer, they would say,  and might accept another offer where the prequalification letter is attached.

 

I don’t want you to feel I am asking for something out of the ordinary. It is good business and really helps you start the process of home ownership.

 

 

 

Comments (9)

Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

In my experience the customers that just refuse and generally the ones  that can't qualify anywhere near the price range they think they can.

Jun 02, 2011 07:02 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Debra. This just makes good sense for buyers to have that Pre-Qual Letter at least. Those Pre-Approval Letters pack more weight with sellers. I would hate for any buyers to lose out on an offer simply because they did not take the extra step to get their approval in place before making that offer.

Tammy has a good point in comment #1 about buyers shopping above their price range.

Jun 02, 2011 03:05 PM
Debra Davis
Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners - Snellville, GA
Realtor - Atlanta, Decatur, Snellville, Loganville

Tammy-I agree. Funny how they disappear when you bring this up.

Jerry-It only makes sense to get the letter.

Jun 02, 2011 03:14 PM
Melissa McKinney
Everything Pines Partners Fayetteville - Fayetteville, NC
Realtor, www.LivingFayetteville.com

Debra~I agree! It is so important to get your "ducks" in a row so that when you find the home that meets your needs you dont want anything to stand in the way of realizing your goals!

Jun 02, 2011 03:51 PM
Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, ePRO, GRI
Keller Williams Indianapolis Metro NE - Carmel, IN
Carmel, Fishers, Westfield IN Real Estate Expert

Debra--You convinced me!  I will get that pre-approval in place before I ask you to show me the first house!  By the way, I will take the one in the photograph. :-)

Jun 04, 2011 06:02 AM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

I'm not sure how I missed this, girl! Sorry! You are so right! (Laughing out loud at Pat's comment above!! She's so cute!).

Jun 07, 2011 05:22 PM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

A Pre-Approval Letter and / or Proof of Funds Letter indicates seriousness of intent.

I also refuse to show property to persons who will not get the Letter.

 

Jun 14, 2011 02:19 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Buyers who are not pre-qualified at least stand no chance of buying a home because it is going to come back and bite them one way or another.  They certainly will not be taken seriously by any seller.

Jun 16, 2011 05:41 PM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

Stopping by to wish you a Merry Christmas and to let you know that you are missed! XOXO

Dec 17, 2011 01:31 PM