As a realtor for a couple of years in Hernando County (Spring Hill, Brooksville and Weeki Wachee) when I first started, I really felt uncomfortable asking people about "pre approval" and their finances. Frankly, I didn't think it was any of my business. At that time, it really didn't matter, because the banks and mortgage companies were virtually lending money to anyone. Then the tides changed!
We started asking "have you talked to a lender?" I still felt uncomfortable but as I watched my buyers being "denied" for one reason or another, it started to become clear that it was benefical and necessary for all parties that the buyer get "pre approved". Now, that is not enough.
Today's market is tougher than ever. A buyer can get a "pre approval" without the potential lender pulling the credit, get into contract and then find out they still don't qualify. It is so necessary in today's market that if you are a buyer, you talk to a couple of lenders until you feel comfortable, then when you have chosen one, ask them to go one step further and pull the credit. Don't do this a lot because that can cause you harm in your credit scores. It is so necessary now because you want to know what you can afford, what they will give you and what you can shop for.
Have a great day and enjoy!
We will always keep you posted!
Elsie Kempsey & Julie Ludovico
Team Tropic Hernando