Should I Get Pre-Approved or Look at Homes First?
Today a young lady contacted me and wanted to know if I could show her a home. During the discussion, I found out she wasn’t paying cash and needed to obtain financing, but wasn’t pre-approved for a home loan. After I explained the importance of getting pre-approved first she happily spoke with a lender. Turns out not only could this buyer not afford the home she wanted to see, but she also couldn’t even qualify for a home loan.
The first step in buying a home is getting pre-approved for a home loan and by doing so you will avoid the following situations:
Denial
Lenders are denying buyers! Just because you have a job or were approved for a home loan years or even months ago does not necessarily mean you will qualify for one today.
Affordability
Buyers also need to know what they are approved for and if they can afford the payment. You may be approved for $400,000, but that does not always mean you can afford the monthly payment or want to spend that much.
Need Money?
Needing money for your home purchase? If you need money for closing costs it’s important to get an estimate of your closing fees. Why ask for 3% seller concessions if you only need 2%? That 1% you don’t need will go into the seller’s pocket.
Stepping Back
It is very difficult to step back if you looked at homes above your price range. Falling in love with a 4 bedroom single family pool home when you can only afford a 3 bedroom townhome is a hard step to take backwards.
Required with Offers
In this fast-paced market it is extremely important that you have a pre-approval letter in hand. Having to potentially wait hours or days for a pre-approval letter may cost you a house. A seller is not going to accept an offer without proof of funds or a pre-approval letter.
Final Thoughts
I understand some buyers want to look first and “see if they like anything,” but to avoid a possible heartache and wasting time it’s imperative to get pre-approved first. If you want to buy a home in Wellington Florida or the surrounding area contact us today! We will walk you through the entire buying process, from start to finish and everything in between like the home inspection.
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If you are getting ready to buy a home you might be wondering if you should get pre-approved or look at homes first. This article provides the shocking answer. #realestate #homebuying
About the Author
Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote: “Should I Get Pre-Approved or Look at Homes First?”
Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you call or e-mail her today.
Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.
Michelle Gibson of the Hansen Real Estate Group Inc is a full-time REALTOR who has been specializing in Wellington Florida real estate since 2001. This veteran of the real estate industry has expertise in technology, marketing, and social media.