Today the internet provides a wonderful opportunity to begin shopping for homes. You can see what is available before you are even ready to buy.

But, before you actually start physically looking or inspecting homes, get a pre-approval letter in writing from the actual lender.

Mortgage brokers are the “middle people” in many cases, but a mortgage broker may be able to arrange a pre-approval letter from the actual lender

Remember this is a pre-approval letter not a mortgage pre-qualification.

This important step in purchasing a new home will save you and your real estate agent time.

Seller, save your time by telling your agent to only show your home to buyers with a written pre-approval letter.

Home buyers want to know the benefits of purchasing a home, not just the features of a home. There are benefits to buying a certain home in a certain community and there are questions a smart buyer will ask. The home buyer should know what questions to ask.  A smart seller and their real estate agent will be ready with an answer.  The buyer who asks the right questions will buy the right house.  The seller who really wants to sell should be ready to share all the benefits of living in the home and community they are leaving.

The features of a house are often listed and the potential buyer can read them. Today many buyers begin their search online and they know the features before they ever see the home. Some features include a fireplace, a swimming pool, a new roof or remodeled kitchen. The home seller will list the features, but the buyer will want to know the benefits of living there.

Often a buyer and seller of a home do not meet before negotiations (or not even then) but the number one question buyers have is, “Why are they selling their home?” This reason may be a benefit to the buyer. They want to know the seller’s motivation for selling their home. Often, the answer makes a difference to the buyer and an honest answer is important. Don’t let the listing agent be an obstacle. The agent may think they are protecting the home seller, but they may be preventing a sale. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Why are they selling their home?”