Hit the ground running

I hit the ground running this morning.  Not in my new pink shoes to burn off those delicious raisin cookies, either.  Business has picked up in a big way and I had buyers to call and email and a meeting to attend.  I have spent the entire day on the phone, or researching information about properties, or scheduling showings.  It seems the new year has brought a new interest in real estate!

A common thread I've noticed today is that many folks are starting their search without any idea where they stand financially.  I get it.  I really do.  It is a lot of fun to just look at the big beautiful home with a pool without having to pull out all of my financial documents and find a lender that I trust to make sense of it all.  Unfortunately a couple things happen when buyers do that.

1)  They build unrealistic expectations of their dream home.  You probably aren't going to find a single family home with a pool on a $85,000 budget.  If you know going into the search that your budget is $85,000 (or $200,000 or $500,000...the number is going to be different for everyone) you can decide what is the best bang for your buck.

2)  In Reno we are experiencing a seller's market.  If I show a buyer a house and they fall in love with it without a pre-approval letter I am doing them a huge disservice.  Properties are selling quickly and if a buyer finds their dream home, then has to backtrack to a lender and three days later (or even 3 hours in some cases) comes back to make an offer...oftentimes that dream home is gone.  If the pre-approval is already in hand we can write an offer the very minute we come across the perfect house.

Please remember that your agent understands your anxieties and reluctance to speak to a mortgage lender.  And remember that good agents won't judge you or pressure you to proceed outside your comfort zone.  We are here to help.  That often means that I'll suggest two or three lenders for my buyers.  Not only are my buyers able to find a lender that offers a great financing package, they are also able to find a personality they are comfortable working with.

So if you're ready to look for your first home (or second or third) give me a call.  I'd love to help you through the process!

www.jerianne.rnohomes.com