06/11/2026
Attention Realtors: Preapproval Story
Some of you know what we do and why it makes a difference for your buyers. I think many of you are still not sure about what we do differently though. The best way to understand is to simply give an example.
We received a referral from our clients who just bought their home roughly four months ago. The new clients are 33 & 34 with an almost three year old and one to be here in October.
Both have good jobs and average credit (just over 700). They have some savings that came from their wedding (not quite $20,000). Very little in retirement so far.
My method to calculate preapproval is based on comfort - not maximums. They told me they could sleep comfortably at night with a total monthly payment of $2,200. For them, based on DTI and their available cash, that means a max approximate loan amount $300,000 and max approximate purchase price of $320,000 (depending on the property taxes of course - I always estimate taxes on the high side, so there is room to bump these numbers up potentially). All normal stuff, right? All the same as every other good loan officer does it. Nothing amazing.
Here is where we differentiate. While we get the info needed for the preapproval analysis, we simultaneously get other financial information. Auto insurance policies, health insurance plans, life insurance, tax return history, 401k or IRA contributions and even phone and gas costs.
Cutting to the bottom line, we have now saved our new buyer clients $400/month on their health insurance (with lower deductible and no doc required networks) and lowered their auto premium by $60/month with improved coverages. They had never even thought about shopping for better options on either. We are also able to significantly improve the life insurance plan, adding $400,000 more coverage for $25/month LESS. Historically, they normally get roughly $2,500-$3,000 back (both W2 earners). We are helping them make super easy changes at work that will put $200/month more in to their take home pay.
So, let’s add that up. $400+$60+$25+$200 = $685
$2,200/month preapproval for $300,000 loan and $685 cash flow improvements, BEFORE THEY EVEN WENT TO SEE THEIR FIRST HOME!
Interest rates are a dime a dozen. We all have that. Lots of loan programs - again, nothing special - many of us have a big menu for all situations. Reliability and knowledge should be a norm that you EXPECT from your favorite lender(s) - but these two things do often separate us from the average or less than average loan officers. Reliability and knowledge don’t make us special or more valuable compared to the real pros. At the pro level, these things are also just common.
We recognize and respect all of the pros in the area. To compete and be different than that group, the loan officers you probably refer to now, we decided to do dramatically more to help buyers. Our client experience ends not only with a new house and mortgage payment, but a comprehensive financial plan and services. We want buyers who are 100% clear and totally comfortable with total financial peace of mind.
If you think of yourself as a relationship driven Realtor, hopefully this speaks to you. When we find financial improvements like above, we always give the full credit to our referral partner. Your introductions are what make those things possible! We work VERY HARD to get YOU more referrals.
If our model fits your personal business beliefs and primary target market, we would appreciate being added to your lender list. Check out our website for more info about other improvements that we can provide. Reach out if you’d like to meet and ask questions. TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More 💪🏼
www.financialhouseplans.com
Dean Loux 223-403-0192
