Listing Agents Who Call the Buyer’s Lender

As a Buyer’s agent, how can you tell if the listing agent (representing the Seller) is taking your client’s offer seriously?

They call the Buyer’s lender — specifically, the lender on the Buyer’s Pre-Approval letter — and verify key information.

Like, whether they’ve previously worked with the Buyer; the type of loan being applied for (conventional, FHA, etc.); and any other circumstances likely to affect the Buyer’s creditworthiness — and therefore their odds of getting a mortgage.

Of course, if the home has received multiple offers, the listing agent will also want to confirm whether: the Buyer can afford not just the list price, but the (much) higher amount they’re presumably offering to pay; the lender can meet the financing deadline(s) in the Purchase Agreement and their Pre-Approval Letter; and whether the Buyer has the wherewithal to make up any deficit if the home appraises low (translation: they can raise more cash).

Qualifying the Buyer — and the Buyer’s Lender

When I’m the listing agent, I also like to vet the lender, their institution (if it’s not a “name brand” like Wells Fargo or U.S. Bank), and generally get a feel for whether they know what they’re doing.

As I tell my selling clients, when I receive an offer, before I call them, my first call is to the Buyer’s lender . . .

P.S.: A good omen is when you reach the lender on their cell, first time.

A bad omen is when . . . the number on the pre-approval letter is disconnected (that’s actually happened).

See also, “First-Time Buyers’ Handbook.”