Admin

FOCUS to Improve Your Aim

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Ward County Notary Services 607851

I never could spit, much less have any aim when I tried.

Now I'm going to take a hard right turn tying this to my preceding post Being Hungry & Real Estate.   Aim and focus go together, as do these two posts.

The focus centered post was a needs based post while considering your dream homes floor plan. Your dream home today may NOT be your "forever" home as dreams and needs tend to change.

As far as "Aim" and your home hunting goes you need to aim for something with-in your budget. Many first time home buyers have unrealistic expectations thinking they can aim at a speck on the wall of a barn two miles away and hit it. They often don't even hit the broad side of said barn.

How do you avoid disapointment?

Before you even look at ONE home go visit a lender. Be honest with said lender and disclose all debts and income. Don't forget/hide other obligations like college loans or child support.

What lender should you use?

This is one question only you can answer. Your Realtor may give you a referral but I say check around and shop rates. If you are here in Minot ND I would recommend North Star CCU. As a Mobile Notary/Loan Closer I can say I would also shop internet lenders as well BUT be careful when doing so.

Posted by

Do you enjoy the cartoons written by my son (Timmothy N. Timm) which I use as a springboard to write my daily posts? His strip, Titus & Philemon, has run in two newspapers for years as well as being printed in my blog every day. Titus & Philemon (pronounced Phi - Lee -Man) are guinea pigs. Their owner is Joe. Timmothy has never repeated a joke/comic strip in the 12 years he has been writing it. He has never copied another strip, such as Peanuts or Garfield. You can follow Timmothy on FB as Titus & Philemon and you can also check him out on Instagram as Instagram.com/titus and philemon/ .For Timmothy's website type timmtimmothy.com into your browser. I tried to put it in a link here but it refuses to work. Do NOT put anything in front of timmtimmothy.com or it will not work. 

Comments(5)

Show All Comments Sort:
Lise Howe
RLAH RE LLC - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Solid advice and a great analogy. A little preparation on the front end can make the entire home search more productive and a lot less frustrating. 🏡👍

Jun 10, 2026 03:39 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Thank you Lise Howe . I appreciate your kind words.

Jun 11, 2026 06:10 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Bob. I agree with the advice to first understand what you can afford. I don't agree with "shopping lender rates." First of all, rates are a moving target... and a lot goes into rates that's not visible on the surface to most buyers. I believe that buyers who have a good agent should lean on their agent for advice on lenders... I have my list of lenders who would be considered amongst the best in my area... and I know how to "match up" special needs and personalities.

Jun 11, 2026 04:07 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Nina Hollander, Broker I appreciate what you are saying about lenders. My disdain for Minot's local lenders is that like you the lenders have their own "favorites list of Real Estate agents. More than once I sent a client to a lender and they told them to to use XYZ Realtor and dump me. As far as interest rates our local rates are always 1/2 a percent or more than what clients can find on line.

Jun 11, 2026 06:10 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Bob "RealMan" Timm hi Bob... I can't say that has ever happened to me. Of course, people who know me know they'd better not.

Jun 11, 2026 06:21 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

In my mind, having a pre-approval before shopping for homes is a must. How else will a buyer know what they can actually buy?

Jun 11, 2026 06:17 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

I agree Kat Palmiotti and I have heard every excuse in the book as to why they don't get pre approved... it would be nice if they didn't waste everyone's time and just say: "My credit stinks".

Jun 11, 2026 06:46 AM
Kat Palmiotti

That would definitely be helpful

Jun 11, 2026 07:39 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I see that sort of thing quite often at restaurant tables when someone is squeezing a lemon into their drink and accidentally squirts someone in the eye, haha.

Jun 11, 2026 07:12 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors, LLC ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
Educating. Encouraging. Serving.

Good evening Bob,

Preparation goes a long way when making the decision to buy a home. Making sure to have your financing in place before looking is crucial!

Jun 11, 2026 04:26 PM