COVID-19 changing how Boston condos for sale are being shown
As a result of COVID-19, some Boston real estate agents have suggested to their clients that they limit in-person tours to people who can show they’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage before viewing they’re Boston condo for sale.
A pre-approval letter is a written offer from a lender that says they’ve been approved for a mortgage, and also how much they’re allowed to borrow.
Importance of a pre-approval to view a Boston condo for sale
Having a pre-approval letter has long been a preferred requirement by agents when submitting an offer, but having a pre-approval letter before looking at homes given the COVID-19 environment is an absolute must,
Cara Ameer, a real estate professional with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., told Money.com.
“Sellers and listing agents are cautious about who is coming into their homes, and they want to ensure that only those that are truly qualified are coming through their doors.”
Boston Real Estate and the Bottom Line
While some Boston condo sellers are insisting on pre-approval letters only, others will also accept a pre-qualification letter instead. A pre-qualification letter is easier to get, as the lender will only ask the borrower for a verbal breakdown of their finances. With a pre-approval letter, the lender will insist on supporting documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, W-25s, bank statements, and so on. For that reason, an official pre-approval letter carries a lot more weight.
