Special offer

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Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

When a prospective buyer calls my office it is one of the first questions I ask.  In fact, it has been our policy for 22 years, that we do not take a buyer out shopping unless they are pre-approved.  Pre-qualified is useless as nothing has been verified yet.

Nov 28, 2016 07:34 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,176
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Right off the top, after some initial discussion. "Will you be paying cash for your purchase, or do we need to provide lender resources?" If they reply they are a cash buyer: "Excellent. During the offer process, we will need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to close. Do you have that handy or will you be able to get that quickly?" Listen to the answer.
If they reply that they have a lender, "Excellent, I will send them an AZ pre-qualification form--it is addenda to our purchase contract. Have them send it back to me completed." Listen to the answer.
The more listening you do, the more you learn.

Nov 28, 2016 06:28 PM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

I do in the first conversation. There's always a way to bring it up without making it sound like the inquisition, and buyers usually don't mind.

Nov 28, 2016 07:57 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I do it in the first conversation because I want to know how far along they are and whether they need to get prequalified now.

Nov 28, 2016 07:23 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

As early as possible , because that will uaually tip you off as to if they are working with another agent  !

Nov 28, 2016 05:57 PM
Rainmaker
711,752
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

As soon as you start working with them.  It is pointless to show them homes they are not qualified to purchase.  And if they haven't been prequalified, they need to learn the importance of getting it done so their offer has more weight with a seller.

Nov 28, 2016 05:15 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

First conversation.

Nov 28, 2016 04:54 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

At the conclusion of the first meeting.

Why?

At that time I have appraised the client, and they me, and the reality is there could exist a great incompatibility. This could be they are not yet prepared to make difficult decisions, are indecisive regarding 'this time of their life' or reveal they are in pursuit of entertainment.

If 'it's a go' I will advise, to avoid certain heartbreak, they need to be prepared. That means, "Show me the money."

Nov 29, 2016 05:09 AM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

First communication.  It's a great way to learn about their motivation AND their knowledge of the home buying process. 

Nov 29, 2016 04:35 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I ask about pre-qualification the first time we have a discussion about their needs. If they call to see a house and I've never talked to them before, that's when I ask that question.

 

Nov 29, 2016 02:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

As soon as possible, unless they pay cash, so ask for POF. 

Nov 28, 2016 11:59 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Early in the process if it is applicable to the situation.

Nov 28, 2016 11:24 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Vanessa Aparicio - at your consultation meeting. If they are not pre-approved, connect them with your lender.

Nov 28, 2016 10:49 PM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

During the initial discussion. If they are not, they need to get approved and provide me approval letter and proof of funds before I will work with them.

Nov 28, 2016 09:26 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I bring that up in our first conversation. If they haven't talked with a lender I mention the benefits of doing so. Most buyers get it. 

Nov 28, 2016 09:25 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Upfront is the best.

Nov 28, 2016 07:01 PM
Ambassador
2,178,533
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Before they start looking at homes.

Nov 28, 2016 05:49 PM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

Right after "hello"

Nov 28, 2016 05:31 PM
Rainer
1,775
Laura Tate
Keller Williams Realty, Coastal Area Partners - Richmond Hill, GA
Associate Broker servicing Coastal Georgia

Hi Vanessa! 

When I work with Buyers, I ask several questions - re: is this their first home purchase, are they relocating with work, etc. - to get some idea of where they are financially, if possible. After some "small talk" I usually have an idea of where they are and if there's a good time in the conversation, I'll ask if they are working with a local lender or if they need some mortgage lender contacts. 

Nov 29, 2016 06:00 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,353
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

One of the first questions!

Nov 29, 2016 05:16 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I do it within the first 5 minutes - it's part of my script

Nov 29, 2016 04:40 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

At first significant contact.

Nov 29, 2016 04:09 AM
Rainmaker
556,536
Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

It depends on the lead. Buyers looking in the $200k range are treated differently than than those looking in the $600k+ range. First time buyers get asked right away, affluent buyers don't get asked. Look up where they live, that will help you decide when/if to ask.

Nov 29, 2016 03:39 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

There is no hard and fast rule, but I'd say sooner is better.

Nov 28, 2016 09:04 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

When you first meet them.  If they haven't, then it would be a good time to suggest it.

Nov 28, 2016 07:59 PM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

hi, my name i s vanessa, have you been pre qualified

Nov 28, 2016 06:48 PM
Ambassador
5,229,439
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

First call after you've found out if they are currently working with a real estate agent!

Nov 28, 2016 05:56 PM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

This needs to happen immediately when you meet a new buyer client.  There is no point in moving forward unless you are all on the same page.  

Nov 28, 2016 05:41 PM
Rainmaker
7,835,329
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

During the first call.

Nov 28, 2016 05:41 PM
Ambassador
6,392,929
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

In the initial interview, ask all the right questions and get everything signed.

Nov 28, 2016 05:38 PM
Ambassador
5,048,748
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

In the initial conversation with them

Nov 28, 2016 05:21 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Before the 5th sentence.

Nov 28, 2016 05:09 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,123
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Whenever the question is posed...the timing is soon to follow...Richfuscious

Nov 28, 2016 05:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

ASAP  before they go with another agent.

Nov 28, 2016 04:52 PM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Soon in the process.

Nov 28, 2016 04:50 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,472
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

If they are wanting to go out right away, in that first conversation.

Nov 30, 2016 11:55 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Anytime will work.

Nov 30, 2016 08:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,898
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

At the very start!  "Hi Jim, I'm Ryan.  Are you working with a lender?  Great, what have you been pre-qualified up to?"

Nov 29, 2016 06:14 PM
Rainer
67,369
Evelyn M Epperson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Johns Creek, GA
A Tradition Of [Excellence, Trust & Service]

I ask if they have spoken with a loan officer yet.  If they say no or yes I have my answer.  I usually ask the first time I speak with them.

Nov 29, 2016 04:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,280,748
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Right at the beginning when you are talking about their needs, wants, neighborhoods and price range. No sense getting someone's hopes up when you don't know what they can afford.

Nov 29, 2016 10:10 AM
Rainmaker
4,935,567
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

First time you talk to a buyer.

 

Nov 29, 2016 09:08 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

as soon as you have your first conversation with them.... and if the answer is NO, then get that job done before you waste your time....

Nov 29, 2016 08:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Vanessa Aparicio Up front otherwise you may be wasting a lot of yours and the buyers time.

Nov 29, 2016 06:42 AM
Ambassador
2,161,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Right away. If you don't want to be too direct, you could ask them who the lender is they are working with... that will open up the conversation.

Nov 29, 2016 05:53 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

The second question, first is are you working with another agent

Nov 29, 2016 05:44 AM
Rainer
150,416
Michael Thacker - Re/Max Real Estate Center - Louisville
Re/Max Real Estate Center - The Thacker Group - Louisville, KY
Your best friend who just happens to be a Realtor

Day one, as part of my "are you already workign with a Realtor".

Nov 29, 2016 05:29 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

When I first talk to them.

Nov 29, 2016 04:58 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

At your first contact either in person or on the phone.

Nov 29, 2016 04:58 AM
Rainmaker
4,571,967
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

The sooner a mortgage pre-approval is given, the better.   

Nov 29, 2016 04:54 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

During the initial discussion with them

Nov 29, 2016 04:40 AM