Online Research
Online access to real estate listings gives buyers the opportunity to window shop! Once a buyer reaches out to a Realtor, they usually have an idea of the type of home they want. That idea of the home they want is just the first step of a fun-filled journey!
Using the major real estate websites is good for finding the type of home, but it does little to describe the neighborhood, surrounding community or even the commute. A great example of this is an out-of-town client that had settled on one area with certain schools before he got to San Antonio. He wanted to be shown only homes that fed into a certain elementary and middle school. Once he got here, a trip to the local Wal-Mart didn’t give him the quality-of-life feeling he needed to uproot his family. I was able to email him listings that would give him the same payment with better schools that fed into a small town with a community that would give him the quality of life that he wanted. Although the house was more expensive, the home had no city taxes which gave him the payment he wanted. He purchased one of those homes. As a native San Antonian, I know the neighborhoods, the communities and even the commute. Experience matters!!
Pre-Qualification
My goal for any buyer is to help them find the best house within the best neighborhood and community that they can afford. The words “THAT THEY CAN AFFORD” is very important. Although you know the payment you want, it is important for a good lender to set eyes on your debts and income. There are too many rules and regulations that can reduce the amount of home that you think you can afford.
Once a buyer reaches out to a Realtor, they are ready to look at homes! They have fallen in love with two or three homes online. They want to see those homes. I understand that desire to see those home. If I tell you that you have to get pre-qualified first before I show you these homes, I kill that desire. Even though you are not pre-qualifed to purchase, I will show you these two or three homes. It is important that you get pre-qualified immediately after. We need to be showing you homes within your budget.
A lender pre-qualification letter is needed to send in an offer. A solid lender will work on pre-qualifying you quickly. A solid lender will respond to you calls and email. A solid lender is a must when you’re in a multiple offer situation. A solid lender has a processor that will kindly remind you daily what paperwork she needs from you. I work with many lenders. Based on your needs, I will help you find the right lender.