“A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be.”
– Douglas Pagels
It’s okay, you don’t have to say it, I will…
I know some of you want to support my real estate business (and I can’t thank you enough!), but I also understand the hesitation when it comes to sharing personal details. Here’s the lowdown on what I need to know to help you reach your real estate goals without feeling like I’m snooping in your diary.
Yes, I’ll need a few details, but don’t worry, I’m not after your bank statements or paychecks. In fact, I don’t see any of that – not even your credit score. Financial details and loan terms (including what you want your monthly payments to be) are discussed entirely with your mortgage lender. Once you’ve had that meeting, your lender will share your Pre-Approval with both of us. This Pre-Approval is essential for writing offers and showing sellers we mean business and have the means to back the offer we are putting on their house – “so pick us!”.. if you will. Should you be purchasing with cash, I’ll need to submit proof of funds to the seller.
After that, you can ask for my recommendation or decide what you’re willing to put up for earnest money – it’s entirely your decision!
What information is on a Pre-Approval?
Pre-Approvals are straightforward, and once you’re approved for a mortgage loan – you’re approved. Your Realtor and lender should be getting fresh Pre-Approvals tailored to each home you make an offer on. The approval shows the loan amount and down payment to cover the offer, as well as, the loan type. Loan type means is it Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, etc. Knowing the loan type is important for some homes that may not pass certain elements of inspections under government guidelines.
Why Your Reason for Moving Matters
There’s a section in the listing agreement where you can choose to disclose or not disclose your reason for selling to potential buyers. However, for my sake, understanding your basic motivation helps me find properties that align with your lifestyle and aspirations. Are you upsizing, downsizing, or just craving a change of scenery? It’s all about finding a home that fits your current narrative in your given timeframe.
Setting the Right Timeline
Whether you’re in a hurry to move or just casually looking, knowing your timeline helps me pace our search effectively.
Respecting Your Boundaries
If there’s anything you’re not comfortable sharing, just let me know. Your comfort is my priority. I’m here to support your real estate journey while respecting your boundaries every step of the way.
How to Communicate with Your Realtor
Your preferred communication style matters to me. Let me know how you prefer to receive updates during business hours: email, text, or a good ol’ phone call, and we’ll stick to that. Also, let’s keep business talks during business hours to avoid any unnecessary stress. Know what’s time-sensitive and what can wait until the next day. Recognize if you have a quick question or need to schedule time for a discussion.
Mixing Friends and Business
They say not to mix friends and business, but I see an exception here. Assuming your friend isn’t foreseeably difficult to work with, why wouldn’t you want the comfort of sharing this process with someone who’s got your back? Of course, this only applies if they are exceptional at their craft, and you trust in their abilities – not just because they’re your friend.
Ultimately, as your friend and Realtor, I’m here to support your home-buying or selling journey with professionalism and respect for your privacy. It’s my career’s greatest pleasure to see my friends through one of life’s milestones with trust and boundaries at the core. Support your beloved friend’s business so you can celebrate your successes together!
Other relevant blogs you might find helpful: The True Value of a Realtor, Why Choosing the Right Realtor for You Matters
Engage with Me
Share Your Story: Have you ever used your friend or family member for professional services? How did it go? Were you able to maintain boundaries?
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