What do agents complain about most with lenders?
Communication. Deals are fragile right now: In NAR's September 2026 Realtors Confidence Index, 16% of contracts were delayed and 7% were terminated. Source: www.nar.realtor
What will I hear from you during escrow?
You'll hear about every development as it happens, not in a weekly batch. That includes:
- File reviewed and any early concerns
- Appraisal ordered, and the result when it comes in
- Underwriting conditions, and who owes what
- Rate lock status and expiration date
- Approval and clear to close
What makes a strong pre-approval?
One that answers the listing agent's questions before they ask:
- Has the buyer been fully underwritten or just prequalified? Some files can be fully underwritten before you write an offer, and I'll tell you plainly which this one is.
- Have income and assets been verified? I review documents before I issue a letter, and I'll tell you what has and hasn't been verified.
- What could delay this closing? I'll name anything I see up front.
- Are there credit or appraisal concerns? If there are, you'll know before you write the offer.
- What loan type is being used, and why? I'll explain why it fits this buyer.
- Is the rate locked? I'll tell you the lock status and when it expires.
- Are there funds to cover an appraisal gap? I'll confirm what the buyer has available beyond the down payment and closing costs.
- Is the buyer comfortable with their payment? We review it together before they shop.
- Who should the listing agent call? Me, directly, at 562-743-6666.
Can a seller refuse an FHA offer?
In my experience, FHA rarely gets pushback from listing agents. A buyer's down payment size doesn't change the agreed price the seller receives.
FHA appraisals do follow HUD property standards, so certain condition items may need attention. I'll tell the listing agent early what the appraiser may focus on, so nobody is surprised.
Why do some listing agents hesitate on VA offers?
Mostly from misunderstanding. VA offers get more pushback than FHA, often based on assumptions about the process or the buyer. VA appraisals have their own property requirements too. I'm glad to answer a listing agent's questions directly.
Do conventional buyers need a large down payment?
No. Listing agents who prefer conventional offers often assume a large down payment, but most conventional buyers put down much less. Either way, the down payment doesn't change the agreed price the seller receives.
Can my ITIN buyers still buy a home?
Yes. ITIN loans remain available through Non-QM lenders. FHA is not available to non-permanent residents. See Buying a Home with an ITIN in California.
What is Deal Rescue?
Deal Rescue is a short form for agents with a deal in trouble. Send it, and you'll get an honest answer within 1 business day, often sooner. If I can't help, I'll tell you that too.
The form asks for:
- Your name, brokerage, phone and email
- Deal stage (for example: pre-offer, offer accepted, in escrow, appraisal, underwriting, closing date at risk)
- What's wrong (check all that apply): buyer denied · lender not responding · appraisal came in low · income or self-employed documentation · credit issue · ITIN buyer · down payment or assistance issue · closing date at risk · other
- Rough numbers (approximate price and loan amount)
- The situation in two sentences
- A checkbox: "My buyer agreed I can share this."
Please do not include borrower names, Social Security numbers, ITINs or documents. I'll collect what's needed directly from the buyer through the secure application. Requests come straight to my email.
Send a Deal Rescue request
Email: beyourlender@gmail.com · Phone: 562-743-6666
Reviewed by Bernardo Esparza, NMLS #906396 · Updated October 2026