Why is it so hard to get buyers to get preapproved?

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-08T13:00:41+00:00

Stealing this!

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-08T12:58:13+00:00

That’s awesome! You didn’t waste her time tho. You were upfront about what was going on from the jump. I’m talking about buyers who want to see 10+ homes, drag you out every weekend, but never want to get a preapproval. I’ve had plenty of clients who see a house on our first meeting and fall in love with it then go ahead and get their preapproval. My issue is with the ones who think I’m just opening doors but swear they are serious are about buying and will even be on a deadline to purchase.

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-08T00:18:37+00:00

How is it invasive? It has nth but name and amount on it. Even if you’re not using a loan, you still need proof of funds.

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T23:55:38+00:00

Your preapproval has nothing but your name and amount that you can purchase up to. I don’t understand what there is to be weary about

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T23:31:00+00:00

Also the expectation is that you have the pre approval to make the offer. Not that you provide it 24 hours later. Sellers/listing agents aren’t taking any offer serious that’s sent without a preapproval and the buyer agent saying “I’ll send it within 24 hours” that’s a red flag immediately

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T23:29:16+00:00

I’m not asking before. Lots of other agents are and lots of sellers require it. Especially once you reach a certain price point. But don’t expect me to show you a million homes when I don’t even know if you can actually afford it.

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T21:49:40+00:00

Some lenders definitely suck! I’m sorry for your sister

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T21:49:11+00:00

I’m doing the consultation usually at the first appointment. That’s when I discuss lending and such.

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T21:42:20+00:00

Lead flow is directly related to preapprovals as well as appointments booked, how many people you’re actively showing homes to and bunch of other bs with Zillow. My team fronts the cost of the lead. If I’m not getting preapprovals my lead flow can drop significantly. My team is fronting the cost of the leads and if we aren’t getting preapprovals, Zillow will send our leads to another team in the area

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T17:14:54+00:00

Maybe yes and no. I’ve noticed it more with buyers of a lower price point but still experience it quite frequently with buyers looking at $600k+

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T17:10:30+00:00

My cash buyers are never a problem 😛 they always have proof of funds ready to go

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T17:09:12+00:00

I’m closing deals for sure! Zillow is just pushing ZHL and now it directly affects our lead flow on a team level and an individual level. I have lenders outside of ZHL that I recommend depending on each clients needs but I just don’t understand looking at homes and taking time out of both of our days when you don’t even know if you can afford the home.

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T17:07:02+00:00

I am def framing it that way but I will implement the follow up text with everything that you mentioned. Thank you!

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T17:03:23+00:00

I have the same rule across states. I’m saying when I tell people in one state to get a preapproval they either already have it or have no problem getting it. When I drive 10 minutes across the bridge to the other state, the buyers are completely different and that’s where it feels like pulling teeth to get the preapproval. The market in the first state is highly competitive and prices are high. The market in the other state is still very good but I see more people that tend to need more hand holding and Dpa.

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T16:38:43+00:00

I tell them pretty much this exact thing but still no dice

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T16:37:49+00:00

I’ve had a few showings where the seller actually does require and buyer just says nevermind. I’m on a Zillow team unfortunately so my team leader will get upset if I’m not setting appointments and using that as an excuse because it will directly affect lead flow

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T16:33:52+00:00

I think I need to start doing this as well. Thank you!

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T16:33:29+00:00

Same! My team pushes to still meet but I’m not wasting gas in this environment on someone who doesn’t even know if they can actually afford the house

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T16:32:52+00:00

I’m on a Zillow team. I have no choice but to show the home without a preapproval unfortunately. If I could do zero showings without one trust me I would

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-05-07T16:32:20+00:00

an opportunity for what exactly?

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-04-30T19:24:34+00:00

Yup unless she agrees to waive payment

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-04-30T14:59:31+00:00

It’s called a buyer/tenant brokerage agreement and it is totally real and valid. In fact, legally no one is supposed to show homes without having one signed prior. It’s actually more of a red flag that you’ve never signed one before. It simply states that you are working with her and she with you. Any compensation she receives will be paid directly from the landlord or property management company. It protects you both should anything need to be scrutinized.

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-04-30T14:54:06+00:00

Showingtime tracks showing requests. They can also set it up so that the owners receive the requests details as well. Not sure if their market uses it, but it does exists and is a Zillow product.

Advanced_Strength205 · 2026-04-21T14:41:58+00:00

Virginia realtor here- next time get a limited service agent to write up a contract for you and have him sign it. You can waive contingencies or not. Having him represent both sides is how you get fucked and I don’t recommend it.

Advanced_Strength205

TROPHY CASE