Everyday being a Realtor I am always amazed by people who call and want to look at home I've listed or that they have seen on the Internet. The first question I typically ask is have you been Pre-approved yet? In most cases the answer is a resounding No...I'll do that if I find a house I like.
Wow! That's like going skiing down the Expert Trail when you're a Beginner.
RISKY! 
Here's what should happen. This is what happens when you get pre-approved by a lender ahead of time.
Dear _______,
Congratulations! Here is your check for $500,000!
It's safe to begin searching for a house. When you and your Realtor have selected your home of choice,please have your Realtor call me with all the details of the property. I will then fax a Lender Letter to your Realtor and a Good Faith Estimate of all the costs involved in buying your home of choice.
Till then, please see the attached Good Faith Estimates based on the scenario's we discussed on the phone. If you have any questions about the loan process and or rates please don't hesitate to call me.
Have fun house hunting!
Your Local Neighborhood Loan Officer
Buying a home is a team effort. If you align yourself with the right tools ( the pre-approval letter and good faith estimate) and with an Experienced Realtor, you will empower yourself to a successful purchase.Whether you're looking for a new home or a resale home we can help you. The first step is to Get Pre-approved then it's time to research your options. Did you know it doesn't cost you a penny to have a Top Producing Realtor to work as your Buyer Agent? We coach buyers daily and negotiate on your behalf. We're here to help and it would be our pleasure to assist you with your real estate needs.
Call Erick and Company at 703-590-2252.
Got a question? Just type out a comment I'll be right with you.....
Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelderof Erick and Company/Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's
" You would want to hire me as your REALTOR®, if you're looking for a high energy, positive, take charge,knowledgeable person that is passionate about helping you get what you want! "
That's me! I'm easy going, and prefer to communicate by email, text and I use the latest technology to not only to stay in touch with you, but to market homes for sale as well and to negotiate.Still not sure I'm the right local professional for you? Check out my LakeRidgeVARealEstateNews blog or head on over to my LakeRidgeVAHomesForSale.com website to learn how I have others just like you sell or buy a home in the local area.
Read Success Stories Here
To search for home currently Active Sale right now Start Here
The area's I service in Virginia are Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Manassas. If you live outside these area's let's talk. If you have found my information helpful and you like what you see, chances are if I cannot help you, I know another REALTOR® who can.
Tip: when reading any blog post, pay close attention to the date post was written as homes sell quickly. Call author for up to date information.
Do you need help? Have a question? Contact me now
Note: This real estate blog is written by me Peggy James and it is is my opinion and may not reflect the opinion of Exit Choice Realty 14067 Crown Ct, Woodbridge Virginia 22193.
I have been blogging since 2008 and I am a full time REALTOR® .
Hi Peggy - wow that's so true! I moved for the first time in 18 years this past summer. By chance, we came across an ideal property in an area where only two had been listed in the past two years. We had to act in a hurry and if I hadn't had my ducks in a row, we would have lost out.
Susan
Hi Susan,
Wow..moving after 18 years! What's your advice for anyone moving after that long of a time?
Regarding your respons: Many of the homes, Buyers will look at in our area are REO ( Real Estate Owned) Foreclosed Properties. These properties tend to move fast especially since banks price them low to move the inventory.
It's critical for prospective buyers to get a Good Faith Estimate from the lender so that we can write an offer that will meet their needs. If they need all closing costs paid, I will structure that in the offer. Without the pre-approval and the estimate, the buyer runs the risk of a few additional out of pocket expenses on the way to settlement. Why go there, when you don't have to
I would say, don't underestimate the amount of stuff one can accumulate in 18 years! LOL. Be ruthless in purging and sorting. I actually opened a box in the basement and the newspaper wrapping was dated 1988 - I figured if I haven't needed it (whatever it was) in the last 20 years, I don'tneed it was now so off to charity it went without being unpacked.