Of all the questions agents get from consumers, this is the one that tops the list.  It’s also the one that’s botched by more agents than any other question.  Here are some answers that I’ve heard over the years:

“You’ll need about 6% of the sales price.”  (Translation:  I would prefer to give you a round number because I don’t want to spend time with you and find out about your financial position and circumstances.  Oh yeah – – – I also really hate math.)

“That’s really tough to say.”  (Translation:  I really don’t understand the costs myself so I’ll just tread water and hope you don’t ask again.)

“Let me hook you up with a lender.”  (Translation:  See previous translation.)

“Let’s plug some numbers into the computer and see what it says.”  (Translation:  The computer god knows all.  Did I mention that I really hate math?)    Continue reading →