Why You Shouldn’t Look For Homes Without Getting Pre-Approved First – Dave Gittens
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Dave Gittens!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Dave Gittens…
The conversation began with a word association icebreaker on underwriting, purchase agreement, and more. Dave warmly introduces himself beyond his real estate role. He paints a picture of his vibrant life, where enjoyment and laughter are paramount. He takes pride in his beautiful family – a cherished wife and two beloved kids – with whom he enjoys spending quality time. The motivation behind his work stems from creating a life that facilitates shared moments, whether it’s enjoying vacations, engaging in sports like golf and dodgeball, or actively participating in his Clarkston church community.
Dave’s roots are firmly planted in Clarkston, while his upbringing traces back to Rochester. His sphere of service spans across Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Genesee County. Notably, he possesses a keen interest in assisting first-time homebuyers and investors, all while primarily excelling as a listing agent. Michigan’s landscape is replete with automotive suppliers that generate numerous employment opportunities, enticing individuals to pursue the quintessential American dream of homeownership. Amid this economic prosperity, Dave underscores the availability of statewide grants tailored for first-time homebuyers.
When asked about his most valuable trait as an agent, Dave reflects on feedback from both his perspective and that of his wife. They unanimously highlight his unparalleled ability to treat every client like family. A poignant example reaffirms this quality: Dave’s commitment to truly understanding clients’ desires, needs, and goals upfront. He navigates their journey with integrity, ensuring that their preferences are respected without unnecessary compromise. His steadfast dedication is rooted in ensuring clients find happiness in their chosen homes, firmly advocating for their best interests throughout the process.
Dave’s approach to helping clients position themselves for mortgage pre-approval is deeply ingrained in his referral-based business model. With approximately 90% of his business coming from referrals, Dave typically engages with clients who are either looking to buy or sell a property. He emphasizes the critical importance of starting the home-buying process with a pre-approval. Without it, the rapidly moving housing market can lead to missed opportunities. Dave understands the desire for “window shopping,” but he stresses that having a pre-approval, which is valid for 90 days and doesn’t affect credit, is the essential first step. Through a buyer’s consultation, Dave guides clients through the home-buying journey, discussing the process and providing lender recommendations. His preference for working with brokers ensures that clients won’t miss out on potential opportunities due to weekend adjustments.
Dave’s commitment to continuous learning led him to a recent Jeff Glover retreat featuring a keynote speaker named Ed Mylett. Ed’s impactful message resonated with Dave, particularly concerning the significance of establishing a solid morning routine. This concept aligns with advice from other mentors and books Dave has encountered. Emphasizing that winning the morning equates to winning the day, Dave highlights the flexibility of his industry, where there’s no fixed start time. Implementing a purposeful morning routine has transformed his daily experience. It reduces stress, improves productivity, and prevents him from feeling perpetually behind. Drawing inspiration from the “Miracle Morning” book, Dave’s tailored morning routine fosters family time and primes him for a successful day.
Given his involvement in investment properties and personal investments, Dave has encountered his share of peculiar and sometimes unsettling situations. One memorable instance involves an Oakland Township property resembling a castle. Beyond its grand facade, hidden secrets awaited within. Secret doors unveiled unexpected treasures, including a spiral staircase leading to a high lookout point. Yet, the most captivating feature was a concealed door that, once opened, revealed a tunnel-like passage through artificial caves, complete with stalagmites and stalactites. This eerie, fascinating journey culminated in a spacious room housing an expansive Jacuzzi tub. Dave vividly recalls this unusual property as a testament to the surprises real estate can hold.
Following that, Dave acknowledges the challenges of helping clients remotely, particularly when they’re moving from out of state. He recounts a recent experience where he facilitated the move of a client’s mother from Oregon. The challenges of not being physically present required building trust by prioritizing their needs. A significant obstacle emerged due to a contingency – the client had to sell her house before buying. In the competitive seller’s market, this posed a hurdle. Dave’s team strategically identified a property that had been on the market for a while, negotiated a substantial discount, and expedited the closing process. Effective communication and trust-building were key, with video walkthroughs enhancing remote understanding of properties.
Dave delves into his career progression, revealing how he ventured into real estate and eventually specialized as a listing agent with a referral-based business. This specialization affords him flexibility to spend more time with his family. This has a profound impact on his work-life balance, a quality he values greatly.
Dave resonates with the quote “In life, you are most qualified to help the people you used to be.” He extends its relevance beyond real estate, understanding its applicability to personal struggles and triumphs. As a former first-time homebuyer who overcame challenges, he relates to clients navigating the same path. One such client sought their first home but lacked direction. Drawing from his own experience, Dave assisted in narrowing down their criteria and preferences, leveraging his journey to enhance their process.
The conversation wraps up with Kevin asking Dave what some things he learned about himself, the industry, and the importance of serving others. He’s recognized his resilience and determination, traits honed in previous roles, which now drive his success in real estate. He embodies healthy competition, pushing himself to deliver his best for clients. The Japanese concept of “Kaizen” – continuous improvement – resonates deeply, motivating him to refine his service and streamline processes. Going above and beyond is his ethos, a value he instills in his children. Through hard work and determination, he affirms that achievements are within reach.
Check out Dave Gittens:
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/mipropertysolutionllc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave.gittens.realestate/
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