EMAIL Q & A

Hello Daniel,

I’ve been a city dweller my entire life, but lately I find myself daydreaming about wide open spaces, fresh air, and a slower pace of living. My husband thinks I’ve lost my mind, but I can’t shake this feeling that we’re meant for something more than our tiny backyard and noisy neighborhood.

Last week, I stumbled across a listing that stopped me dead in my scroll. Nearly 2 acres just outside the little Village of Farwell, Michigan — easy highway access on US-10, so we wouldn’t feel completely cut off from civilization. A big 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom two-story home with room for our kids, my mother-in-law, and honestly still room to spare. First-floor laundry, a formal dining room, a primary suite, and even a second-floor family room. Abby, it has TWO barns. Two. Plus sheds and a garage.

I’ve watched the virtual tour seventeen times. I’ve studied the floor plans. I’ve started a Pinterest board called “Our Hobby Farm Era.” My husband has started calling me “Farmer Jane.”

The only wrinkle? The sale is subject to court approval, which my husband says is a red flag. I say it’s just part of the process and the right buyer, someone with vision won’t be scared off.

Daniel, am I crazy for thinking this could be our fresh start? And how do I convince my husband that two barns is a selling point, not a problem?

— Daydreaming in the Grand Rapids

Dear Daydreaming,

You’re not crazy, you’re inspired. There’s a difference.

Properties like this don’t come along often, and there’s nothing wrong with recognizing a rare opportunity when you see it. Court approval sales are common in estate situations and simply require a little patience and are hardly a reason to walk away from nearly 2 acres and two barns with good bones.

As for your husband, show him the floor plans, walk him through the virtual tour, and remind him that “Farmer Jane” has done her homework. Sometimes all a skeptic needs to do is stand on the land themselves. I have found the phrase “Yes, Dear” and “As you wish” go a long way.

My advice? Call your agent, schedule a showing, and let the property speak for itself. The right buyer is the one with the vision to see what something can become, and Daydreaming, it sounds like that might just be you. — Your Region’s Real Estate Professional, Daniel Dwyer-Snyder, Associate Broker

Hey there Daniel,

I am at my wit’s end. My husband and I have been under contract on our dream home for weeks now and every time I ask my agent what is happening, she says we are just waiting for the “clear to close” from the loan underwriter.

What does that even mean? What are these people doing over there? We have handed over every document known to mankind. Tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, even a letter explaining a $200 birthday deposit from my mother. I feel like we are being investigated by the FBI. At this point I’m afraid to buy a cup of coffee with my credit card. How much longer can this possibly take?

— Climbing the Walls in Clare County

Dear Climbing the Walls,

Take a deep breath. You are closer to those keys than it feels right now.

The Clear to Close is the final green light from your lender’s underwriter confirming that every condition of your loan has been satisfied and you are officially approved to proceed to closing. It is the last major hurdle, and the fact that you are waiting on it means you are nearly there.

As for what is taking so long? Underwriters are reviewing an enormous amount of documentation. Your appraisal must be accepted, your title must come back clean, your employment and finances must all check out, and any outstanding conditions must be fully satisfied before that approval can be issued. High loan volumes mean underwriters are often juggling multiple files at once, which adds time even when everything on your end is in perfect order.

The good news? That $200 birthday deposit letter you grumbled about? That means they are doing their job thoroughly, and that is actually in your favor.

Keep responding to any lender requests immediately, avoid opening new credit lines or making any large purchases, and stay in close communication with your agent and loan officer for daily updates.

You have done the hard part. Hang tight. Your closing day is coming.

— Your Region’s Real Estate Professional, Daniel Dwyer-Snyder, Associate Broker

Have a real estate question or curious about a career in real estate? Email it to Info@RealtorDaniel.com or Mail to: CENTURY 21 Signature Realty, Attention Daniel Dwyer-Snyder, 1102 N. McEwan Street, Clare, MI 48617