what comes first the Lender or the offer?

[Darryl Jennings]

Is it customary to find a lender before making an offer on a deal? Or Finding and analyzing a deal, look for a lender who is willing to lend, and then offer?

[Sarah Brown]

What kind of purchase are you making?  Lender before deal.  Offhand I can't think of a single benefit to negotiating the deal first.  Understanding your financing can:

1. Help you select deals the fit your needs/financing

2. Help you better negotiate to your situation

3. Prevent you from having to back out several days and a lot of time in because you didn't do your homework before.