I have not, but have heard about some of these issues. I owned and operated a mortgage company in the past and have many lenders at my fingertips who can help the approval process along. I am currently a realtor with Coldwell Banker/MM Parrish. I enjoy helping home buyers find all type of properties. Feel free to check out my website or call to discuss your options. We all have our own way of helping others. Maybe I can help you with this process.
Amy McKnight http://www.oberhardtmcknight.com

Don't Call The Rest - Call the Best !!
If you looking to rent or looking to buy - I can Help
Over 31 years experiance in The Gainesville Market

Fred Andree 352-375-2900 http://www.AndreeRealty.com

There are a ton of hungry real estate agents out there right now. Take some time to find someone who you not only like, but also trust to be a capable professional. Here is a link to some questions you may want to ask agents when you interview them. http://www.we-promise.com/blog/?p=1444

Remember, there is no right answer for everyone - but there is a right fit for you.

As far as refinancing goes, I haven't heard about this issue before - but I know that some banks are pretty slammed right now.

You can get pre-approved to move forward, but remember that you may choose to switch to a different lender before you officially apply for your loan. The pre-approval isn't your commitment yet. Don't forget to shop for fees & rates before you do commit to a lender (usually you have a few days to do this once you have a contract on a house).

Hi Amy,

We are in the process of buying a home in Gainesville right now and we LOVE our realtor! We have been looking for several months and have just had an offer accepted on a home. We have looked at many homes, and our realtor has been incredibly patient , always available and quick to respond to calls and questions.

We were looking for a realtor that wouldn't give us a "hard sell" or be too aggressive. We met our realtor when we stopped in an open house and really liked her personality. She's just a really nice person, who wants to help you find the right home for you. We would highly recommend her!

Her name is-
Jennifer McIntosh
ERA/Trend Realty
Office # 352-225-4700
Tollfree# 800-568-7373

We have had good luck at Bank of America and Wells Fargo with getting pre-approvals. sunTrust is swamped with refi's and won't give you a pre-approval without a specific home address.

We have lived in Gainesville for many years and love it! There are so many great homes for sale in Gainesville and so many wonderful neighborhoods. Prices are low and the market has been slow for many months, but it seems to be picking up the last few months. Good luck with your home search!

Best Wishes,
Mary

Hi Amy,

I did not have the trouble you're having with pre-approval. It may make a difference where you go. Mine was through Countrywide - which is now B of A. Contact Eric Remy.

As for realtors - I have the BEST realtors. I'm from out of state and they have helped me tremendously - including taking over 100 photos of the property that I bought so that I could see things better. Contact Shawn Hicks at Keller Williams Realty.

Additionally, don't waste your time on Trulia. I wasted so much time and effort searching here. Go to http://www.gainesvillemls.com and click on the Public Site button. All of what you see is current! The homes listed on Trulia have been sold for months sometimes.

Best wishes,
Liz

Hi Amy,

I did not have the trouble you're having with pre-approval. It may make a difference where you go. Mine was through Countrywide - which is now B of A. Contact Eric Remy.

As for realtors - I have the BEST realtors. I'm from out of state and they have helped me tremendously - including taking over 100 photos of the property that I bought so that I could see things better. Contact Shawn Hicks at Keller Williams Realty.

Best wishes,
Liz

Good evening, Amy,

I would be happy to help you find your new home here in Gainesville. I have been helping people buy and sell homes for the last 30 plus years...18 of them here in Gainesville.

I think you will be very happy living here in Gainesville. It's a great city with so much too offer. As I'm sure you know we are fortunate to be surrounded with gorgeous trees and rolling hills. As unusual as this may sound, we actually have four season here. . which gives us the best of all worlds. And, of course, last but not least the we are home of The Florida Gators NCAA National Champions for the years 1996, 2006, 2007 and 2008. You'll love being a Florida Gator, Amy.

I am so sorry you had such a rough time finding a lender who would give you the time that you need. I have quite a few lenders whom I work with regularly. I promise any one of them would be more than happy to work with you, answer any questions you might have. So you can get your home buying journey started.
I would be happy to introduce you to them.

I would love to help you find your next home, Amy. I look forward to hearing from you. I can be reached at the numbers below or by email.

Helene R. Newman
Realtor
Prudential Preferred Properties
4915 NW 43rd Street
Gainesville, Florida 32606
(352) 258-0424 Cell
(352) 224-1229 Direct Line
Hrnewman@pppgainesville.com http://www.pppgainesville.com

A pre-approval differs from a pre-qualification in that the pre-approval checks your credit, verifies down payment funds and verifies employment and income. Then all that is left is for you to find a home that also qualifies for the mortgage. Many banks in our area will pre-approve you and work with you every step of the way.

The Realtor you choose to work with will probably have several lenders and banks they work with to aid you in obtaining your mortgage.

We work with banks, credit unions and mortgage brokers to help our customers obtain financing and become educated with the home buying process and mortgage process. Good luck in your search, and you are going to love Gainesville.

Amy, the person from the bank was rude. I have a friend in that area:

Gail Dispenza, Realtor
1-352-258-0960
Coldwell Bankers
M.M. Parrish Realtors
3870 NW 83rd Street
Gainesville, FL 32606

I've know her for over 25 years and she is an awesome person. Great personality, hard worker and very honest. Give her a call! Good luck!

Hi Amy,
I think you will love Gainesville. I would be happy to discuss what you are looking for in a home and your plans. I have a few lenders I work with and would be surprised if you had the same reaction once you speak with them. I have not heard that from any of them.

Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks,
Mike Hastings, Realtor
Dawn Realty
352-538-1092