A co-worker is mine just got pre-approved for a mortgage. The property is listed at 518k (in Laurel, Maryland). He wants to offer 400k. He actually got pre-approved for around 475k. If he tells them that he can only afford “400k” will they ask for pre-approval letter before taking the offer serious? He wants the property but would not be devastated if he lost it. Should he even mention how much he was pre-approved for? What would be the best tactic for getting the best price. He stated he will not go any higher than 450k. Thanks in advance.


Comments

  1. guikazoid: you also can look at this from oposite point of view:

    it is good that I do not live in Manhattan, where prices twice higher.

  2. Agree with bohuma. I also wouldn’t lie about something I may want to backtrack over later and lose credibility. Just make the offer and don’t get into the other stuff. Just because you are qualified for an amount doesn’t mean you want to pay it for a particular house.

  3. In making an offer in times like these, it’s always best to play your cards close to your chest. The vendor wants the highest price possible, and sometimes they think they’ll get whatever the purchaser can afford, which may bear no relationship to the market value. Start low, they can only say no.

  4. I got another pre-approval letter. In fact, I got several, depending on the property and the offer. The mortgage broker should be able to oblige.

  5. Just make an offer! It’s not about what he can afford, it’s about what the property’s worth… or what he feels it should be worth.