Why You Need a Pre-Qualification Letter

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Today, we will discuss the importance of the pre-qualification letter. The pre-qualification letter is essentially physical evidence that you can afford a home. 

The pre-qualification shows seriousness to all parties involved: your own agent, the listing agent, and the sellers. A pre-qualification also helps to inform the buyer. You'll know how much you can afford, and you can plan on how much you actually want to spend. 

The lifespan of a pre-qualification letter can vary from lender to lender. If nothing changes, it could be good for up to 90 days. It's important that you don't change anything. Please don't quit your job or buy a car. Don't do anything that would significantly impact the numbers your lender has pulled.

In terms of what the pre-qualification letter says, my preference is not to have a number on the letter. We merely include the letter in the offer packet. The seller doesn't need to know how much you could afford. That would definitely hurt your negotiations with the seller if they know you can afford $250,000 but you're only comfortable offering $200,000. Frankly, it's none of the seller's business how much you could afford.

 

When you get a pre-qualification letter, you're not required to stick with that lender. However, whether you change lenders or not, make sure you select a reputable lender. 

If you have any questions on today's video, give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!