The local real estate market might be slowing down, a touch.  For the past year the median "days on market" has been five days... which means that half (or more) homes that sold were under contract within five days of hitting the market.  That is fast!  Perhaps we'll eventually get to a time where homes are taking a full week or two (gasp!) to go under contract.

In this very recent speedy market it was absolutely imperative that you had talked to a lender before you went to see a house for sale.  You would likely need to make an offer within 24 hours of seeing a home, so having a lender letter in hand was a must. 

But even if or as the market is slowing a bit it is and will continue to be very important to have a lender letter in hand when going to see a house... though for slightly different reasons this time.

Before... you needed a lender letter in hand to accompany the offer that you might make hours after viewing a house.

Now... you need a lender letter to accompany an offer as well as to make sure you know what your mortgage payment will be within the context of recent rapid increases in mortgage interest rates.

So, if you're in the market to buy a home now, but it's been a while (six months, a year, etc.) since you have talked to a lender... you should do so now.

Talking to a lender doesn't have to be scary.  They'll need some basic financial information from you in order to help you understand the type of mortgage you will qualify for and thus the price range in which you should be searching for homes.

If you need a recommendation or recommendations for a great local lender, let me know!  Call/text me at 540-578-0102 or email me here.