This is the BIGGEST question every purchaser wants to know...But rarely listens.
The average purchaser will immediately begin looking at houses online, calling realtors to schedule showings, shopping online for beds and linens, and lastly using mortgage calculators to determine their possible mortgage.
There is no easy way to say it...this approach is WRONG!
In fact, the first step is for the purchaser to get preapproved before any home search begins.
I have heard every reason why the purchaser does not need to get a preapproval letter before looking at homes..."I just want to see what is out there before I commit" or "I don't want to give my personal information to someone."
These are all valid reasons for someone who is NOT serious about purchasing a home...or simply not educated about the homebuying process.
It is up to the realtor to educate the client on the importance of being preapproved before looking at homes. The simple answer is TIME.
Time is the most important asset in the real estate process: The realtor's time in searching for the perfect home and the purchaser's time in gathering the financial information to buy the home.
MAKE SURE YOUR REALTOR HAS YOUR BEST IN MIND...AND LISTEN!!