It was a crisp November morning in Dreamville, where the air smelled of roasted chestnuts and turkey dreams floated like mist. Jackie and Jim, first-time homebuyers, were determined to find their perfect house before Thanksgiving. Little did they know that the hunt for The Colonial of Dreams would lead them into the shadowy side of real estate—and the all-important question of trust.

Act 1: The Pre-Approval Puzzle

Scrolling through their favorite national real estate platform, Jackie gasped. “Jim, look! The Colonial of Dreams! Wraparound porch, wood floors, and it’s in our budget.”

Jim clicked the “Call Now” button, and a cheerful voice answered. “Hi, I’d love to help you see this home! Are you available tomorrow?”

“We are!” Jackie replied.

“Great! Have you been pre-approved for a mortgage?” the agent asked.

“Uh… no,” Jim admitted. “We plan on making a cash offer, actually.”

“Oh, wonderful!” the agent replied smoothly. “In that case, I’ll need to see a proof of funds letter before we schedule a showing.”

“A proof of what?” Jackie asked, confused.

“A proof of funds letter,” the agent explained. “It’s a document from your bank that confirms you have the cash available to purchase the home.”

Jackie and Jim exchanged uncertain glances. “We don’t have one of those,” Jim said.

The agent paused. “That’s okay! I’d be happy to guide you through getting one. It’s a simple process, and it protects everyone involved in the transaction.”

But Jackie wasn’t so sure. “This feels a little… invasive. We just wanted to see the house. Why all these difficult questions before we’ve even met?”

The agent replied gently, “These steps ensure you’re in the best possible position to make an offer when you find the right home. They’re not just for me—they’re for you.”

But Jackie and Jim weren’t convinced. “We’ll think about it,” they said.

And just like that, the agent’s carefully paid-for lead vanished into the ether.

Act 2: The Ethical Realtor’s Quandary

Later that day, Jackie and Jim were still thinking about the call. “Why was that agent so pushy?” Jackie asked.

“Maybe we should find someone less intense,” Jim suggested.

Enter Ellie Ethical, a Realtor known for her integrity and no-nonsense approach. When Jackie and Jim called Ellie, they were relieved by her warm, approachable tone—until she began asking those exact same questions.

“Have you been pre-approved?”

“No, we’re planning a cash offer,” Jackie said, her voice tight.

“Great,” Ellie replied. “Then I’ll need to see a proof of funds letter before we tour any properties.”

Jackie groaned. “Ugh, not again. Why does every Realtor keep asking us this stuff?”

Ellie leaned in. “Let me explain. Imagine you’re a seller, and someone makes an offer on your house. You take it off the market but then find out the buyer doesn’t have the money or financing in place. It costs you time, money, and possibly other opportunities. The proof of funds or pre-approval ensures that doesn’t happen—for you and the seller.”

“But we don’t even know if we like the house yet!” Jim protested.

“I get it,” Ellie said kindly. “But here’s the thing: my job is to advocate for you every step of the way. We must be prepared if we’re serious about finding your dream home. That’s why I work exclusively under a Buyer Agency and Compensation Agreement. It ensures we’re building trust and working toward your goals together.”

“A contract?” Jackie exclaimed. “We haven’t even met in person yet!”

Ellie chuckled. “It’s not a trap. Think of it like a first date with a plan. We agree to work together for a set period of time, and if it’s not a good fit, we part ways with no hard feelings. But this agreement allows me to fully commit my time, resources, and expertise to you—and ensure you’re getting the best advice possible.”

Act 3: The Wolf in Realtor Clothing

Meanwhile, Jim stumbled upon Rex Roguish, a Realtor known for his “whatever works” approach.

“No contracts, no pre-approval, no proof of funds—let’s go see some houses!” Rex said with a grin.

Relieved, Jackie and Jim quickly scheduled a tour of The Colonial of Dreams. But as they walked through the house, Rex’s lack of professionalism became glaringly obvious.

“What about the age of the roof?” Jim asked.

“Not sure,” Rex shrugged. “You can check that later.”

“Is the fireplace safe to use?” Jackie inquired.

Rex waved her off. “Details, details. Let’s talk offers!”

When Jim hesitated, Rex leaned in. “I wouldn’t wait. There’s lots of interest in this house. You should offer full price—maybe even more.”

“What about the comps?” Jim asked.

“What’s a comp?” Rex replied, smirking.

Jackie and Jim left feeling uneasy. Was Rex really advocating for them, or was he just trying to close a deal?

Act 4: A Thanksgiving Revelation

The next day, Jim called Ellie back, his voice sheepish. “We’re sorry for doubting you. That other agent… let’s just say we don’t think he was looking out for us.”

Ellie smiled. “I’m glad you called. Let’s start fresh. I’ll guide you through the process, make sure you’re prepared, and help you avoid pitfalls—like overpaying or buying a money pit.”

With Ellie’s help, Jackie and Jim discovered that The Colonial of Dreams wasn’t quite as dreamy as they’d thought. The roof needed replacing, the plumbing was outdated, and the seller had turned down multiple offers for being “too low.”

Instead, Ellie found another colonial that perfectly fit their needs. By Thanksgiving, they were settled in their new home, raising glasses of cider to toast the agent who had guided them there.

The Moral of the Story

Preparation is Key. Pre-approval and proof of funds are not “difficult questions”—they’re essential steps to ensure you’re ready to buy.

The BACA is a Partnership: A Buyer Agency and Compensation Agreement protects buyers and agents and fosters trust and transparency.

Beware of Wolves: Agents who skip necessary steps might seem convenient, but they’re often more interested in closing a deal than protecting your interests.

Do Your Homework: Choosing the right Realtor is as important as choosing the right home. An ethical agent will save you time, money, and heartache.

So this Thanksgiving, give thanks for the agents who ask the hard questions, guide you with integrity, and ensure your dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare. Remember: a little preparation goes a long way, and ghosting isn’t just rude; it’s a recipe for regret.