Well-priced homes under $400K in Oakland and Macomb County are still going multiple offers. I'm seeing it every week. And the difference between winning and losing often has nothing to do with price — it comes down to how the financing is structured and how the lender shows up.
Here's exactly what I'm doing right now to help my agents' clients win.
1. Pre-Approvals That Actually Mean Something
I don't issue pre-qualification letters. Every client I send to contract has a full pre-approval — credit pulled, income and assets verified, file reviewed by underwriting. When a listing agent calls to verify, I pick up the phone and I can tell them exactly where the file stands.
That matters. A listing agent reviewing five offers knows the difference between a real approval and a guess. Yours will stand out.
2. Same-Day Turnaround
When your buyer finds the right house, they shouldn't have to wait two days for a letter. I turn pre-approvals around same day — often within a few hours. That means your buyers can move fast when the right property comes up, and you're not losing out because of paperwork timing.
"I've had agents tell me they chose to work with me because when they called at 7pm about a listing that just came up, I answered. That's the job."
3. Offer Structure Strategy
Financing can be a competitive weapon — most buyers just don't know how to use it. An escalation clause backed by a solid pre-approval is more credible than one backed by a flimsy letter. Seller concessions structured correctly can make an offer more attractive without changing the net to the seller. A larger earnest money deposit signals commitment.
I talk through offer strategy with agents before the offer goes in. Not to overstep — you run your business — but because the financing piece affects every other part of the offer, and you deserve a lender who understands that.
4. Proactive Communication Throughout the Process
The worst thing that can happen to a deal is a surprise. I don't let that happen. I call agents before issues become problems. If something comes up in underwriting, you hear it from me first — not from the title company two days before closing. I've saved deals that other lenders would have let die because I caught things early.
For Agents: Let's Connect
If you're working with buyers and need a lender who will make your life easier and your deals stronger, I'd like to earn that business. No pitch — just results. Ask any agent who's worked with me what it's like to have your calls returned, your clients handled professionally, and your closings happen on time.
Let's talk about working together.
Call or text me directly. No assistants, no call centers.
📞 Call Tommy — (586) 415-4507