Another way you can help your buyers!

The damaged credit markets and slow economy continue to affect home buyers.  Foreclosures show little sign of slowing down.  While agents do not have a "fiduciary responsibility" to buyers, helping them with basic budgeting is a great way to help them get the most out of their home purchase!  A mortgage payment (plus the often overlooked maintenance costs), should fit comfortably into the household budget and adequate savings "for a rainy day" should remain after the down payment is made and "move in" costs are incurred.  If your client doesn't have a trusted Financial Advisor to help with this analysis, make sure you have at least one or two that you trust and can refer them to with confidence.

Helping your buyer to "qualify" now entails much more than just clearing hurdles to obtain a mortgage.  Making sure they position themselves to enjoy lasting financial peace and contentment long after the thrill of moving in and "making a home" has passed goes a long way toward creating a "client for life"!