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May Q&A: Available now
This month, the Making Sense team answers client questions related to trade policy developments and their impacts on key economic issues.
William "Chip" Chitwood
Mortgage Banker
Buying in a competitive market with low housing inventory doesn't have to bring an outsized sense of anxiety. These markets just require you to become more strategic in your approach to finding a home.
Working with a mortgage loan officer can help you feel more at ease about searching for a home and give you the confidence that comes with knowing your options before you ever set foot inside a listing.
By putting the mortgage at the front of the line in a low-inventory market, you may find that you're better equipped to compete with other home-hungry buyers. This process not only helps you expand your options but can also boost confidence in your buying power and financial health before signing on the dotted line.
Meeting with a mortgage loan officer is the start of a relationship that can shape your entire homebuying experience. As you share your financial information, your loan officer will perform a temperature check on your finances. They'll give you expert insights on where your financial profile is strong or where it might need some work. Your loan officer will balance this picture with a clear understanding of your homeownership goals and their own knowledge of the local housing market and banking procedures.
Your mortgage loan officer can then make recommendations to help you get the most home at the best rate and with the strongest possible application. Areas of recommendation can include:
These recommendations from a loan officer can uniquely equip buyers in tight markets with three key advantages:
In a tight housing market, you want to use every tool at your disposal. By starting your homebuying journey with a mortgage loan officer before you begin touring homes, you're gaining a partner whose sole mission is to help you present yourself well to any lender.
By reviewing your finances and making recommendations to improve your application, they're helping you increase the odds of getting approved for the mortgage you want. A financial consultation can also lead to putting a plan in place to improve your overall financial strength, which can save buyers money at the closing table and in their monthly payments.
This one strategic shift in competitive markets—putting your mortgage first in the homebuying process—can help you adapt from curious consumer to confident buyer.
Get guidance on what works best for your situation from a friendly expert who's always in your corner.
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