That Feeling When the Plane Starts Shaking

My last flight, and your next home purchase

Author

Mike Ugarte
October 30, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Bumpy Landings and Buyer Financing

I was flying back from a short trip recently, sitting in a window seat over the wing, when the turbulence hit.

The seatbelt sign dinged. The plane rocked hard left. Drinks stopped. People looked around.

The pilot came on calmly: “Just a little rough air, folks. Nothing to worry about.”

But we all know that moment, when your stomach drops and you wonder, are we actually okay?

Buying a home with financing can feel exactly like that.

You take off with a solid plan. You’re approved. You’re cruising. Everything looks good…

And then, just as you're getting close to the destination, things start to shake.

That’s what happened recently with a buyer I was working with and how we handled it made all the difference.

Other Popular Posts From The Week

Over the clouds

The Deal Looked Solid…Until the Financing Shifted

A few months ago, I had buyers under contract on a $715,000 home in Pembroke Pines.

The offer was strong. The lender had already issued a pre approval. Everyone was excited.

Then, two weeks before closing, turbulence.

The lender flagged a recent change in income, a commission check hadn’t cleared, and underwriting was suddenly uncomfortable. Technically, the loan wasn’t denied… but we were no longer cleared to close.

That’s the real world version of the seatbelt light coming on..

What Actually Happened Behind the Scenes:

  • Called the lender directly, not waiting on “We’ll get back to you.”

  • Brought in a backup lender to create options.

  • Negotiated a small extension with the listing agent, but kept the sellers calm with no alarms.

  • Gave the buyers one clear message: We’ve got a plan. We’re not crashing this deal.

Five days later, the issue was resolved.

We landed. Smooth enough that no one on the outside even knew how close we were to circling.

What Clients Don’t Always Realize

This market makes lenders more cautious than ever. Even with a pre approval, financing can hit unexpected turbulence:

  • Income verification issues

  • Credit check timing

  • Underwriting guideline changes

  • Employment status review

When it happens, you don’t just need an agent who can write offers.

You need someone who knows how to fly the plane when the autopilot shuts off.

Final Thought

I don’t mind turbulence, in the air or in a transaction.

Because experience teaches you when it’s serious and when it’s just a bump.

Buyers need someone who can keep the deal in the air and bring it down smoothly, no matter the weather.

If you’re planning to buy soon, or you’re already approved and wondering what could go wrong, let’s talk about how to make sure your landing is a confident one.

No pressure. Just solid information to help you prepare.

Stay Safe,

Mike