As a realtor in Charlotte, NC, I often receive inquiries like:

“Why won’t any Realtor show me this house? ”

The Seller’s Perspective
Many savvy sellers today require that potential buyers go through the pre-approval process—or at least the pre-qualification process—before viewing their home. Simply put, sellers want to avoid having people “just looking” who are not ready or qualified to purchase. Wouldn’t you want to protect your home in the same way?

The Risks for Sellers
Consider the implications for sellers. If a seller accepts an offer from a buyer who isn’t pre-approved, the paperwork and loan processing can take 6 to 8 weeks. Too often, this leads to disappointment when the buyer ends up not qualifying. During this time, the seller incurs ongoing expenses like mortgage payments, taxes, and insurance, all while their home is off the market. If the seller needs to relocate quickly, they risk having to accept a lower offer later on.

The Impact on Buyers
Now, let’s focus on you, the buyer. Imagine two buyers make offers on the same property. One is pre-approved, and the other is not. The pre-approved buyer can close quickly once inspections and appraisals are complete, while the other buyer may face delays of 6-8 weeks, if they qualify at all. If you were the seller, which offer would you choose? The pre-approved buyer, even with a lower offer, presents a more secure option, saving the seller time and money.

If you find yourself in a situation where you lose out on a home you love because another buyer was pre-approved, it can be disheartening. This happens frequently, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared.

Steps to Take
If you’re serious about buying a home and want to make the process smoother, I recommend the following:

Contact a Lender: Start the pre-approval process with a lender of your choice. This gives you a clear understanding of what you can afford.
Choose a Trusted Realtor: Find a realtor who understands your needs and stick with them. “Realtor hopping” can hinder your chances of receiving the best service.

Remember, as your licensed realtor, I can help you navigate any listed property—whether it’s new or pre-owned—throughout Charlotte and beyond.