What If…What If…What If...

For me, there’s always that split second I question my judgment when sticking to my guns for a pre-approval letter before showing houses. I don’t know why I do that, shame on me, I know better but, there’s always that little voice that says what if? What if they really are serious about buying? What if you just missed out because you require a pre-approval letter before showing? Shhhhh!!! Quiet little voice.

I think the voice pops up because I’m an optimist but, even optimists need to be real. A customer on my website that I have been emailing with for a couple weeks requested to see a house this weekend. I replied to the email requesting saying I’d be happy to show the house but, first I’d need his preapproval letter and if he didn’t have one I’d be happy to suggest lenders he could talk to. After that sentence I explained why pre-approvals are so important.

The email I got back wasn’t very nice and one sentence in particular raised an eyebrow “At this stage, I am just viewing this property and any other property which you may show me. As and when a choice is made, we shall discuss the prequalification until then your job is to open doors and let me in houses not pry into my financial business.” OUCH! Well…I’m a consultant not a doorman but, I won’t take it personal. I responded again and explained that I don’t show to anyone that hasn’t been pre-approved and went into detail about why I don’t. To date I’ve had no response nor have I contacted him again.

I thought about it the next day and had a what if I missed out moment…fortunately that didn’t last very long. The truth is I know I didn’t miss out – a serious buyer may not be familiar with the process but, they want to learn and get your advice on how to proceed. Judging by the email this gentleman probably had no use for me and if we had met I don’t think it would have been a good match. My time is valuable and I want to spend it on CLIENTS that value my expertise and want my help.

5 Reasons To Get Pre-Approved