Realtor

What Realtors Should Know About TRU Approval® When Writing Offers

A fully underwritten approval changes the conversation with listing agents. Here's how to position it when your buyer has one.

Steve Bucciarelli Jan 20, 2025 4 min read

Why It Matters to Listing Agents

Listing agents have seen deals fall apart at underwriting. A buyer gets pre-approved, goes under contract, and then the underwriter finds an issue with income documentation or asset sourcing that kills the deal — sometimes weeks into the process.

A TRU Approval® changes that dynamic. When your buyer has been fully underwritten before making an offer, the listing agent knows the financing risk is substantially reduced. The only remaining condition is the property itself.

How to Position It in the Offer

When submitting an offer with a TRU Approval®, make it explicit in your cover letter or agent-to-agent communication:

"My buyer has a TRU Approval® from Preferred Mortgage Corporation — a fully underwritten approval completed prior to property selection. Income, assets, and credit have been reviewed by underwriting. The approval is subject only to the property."

That's a different conversation than presenting a standard preapproval letter.

In a Multiple-Offer Situation

When a listing agent is presenting multiple offers to a seller, financing strength is a real factor — especially if the offers are close in price.

A buyer with a TRU Approval® is a lower-risk choice than a buyer with a standard preapproval, all else being equal. Experienced listing agents will communicate that to their sellers.

What It Means for Your Buyer's Timeline

Because most of the underwriting is already done, the path from accepted offer to clear-to-close is faster. There are fewer surprises. The process moves more predictably.

For buyers who need to close on a specific timeline — relocation, lease expiration, or a contingent sale — that predictability has real value.

Getting Your Buyers TRU Approved

The process is the same as a standard mortgage application — your buyer just does it before finding a property. It takes 24–72 hours after a complete file is submitted.

If you have buyers who are actively shopping in competitive segments, getting them TRU Approved before they start making offers is worth the conversation.

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