We have standard agency agreements for both listings and selling. 99% of agents in SC use the same ones because they're written and approved by SCAR. 

Then we go to the bank and ask them to put a mortgage on the house now that it is fixed up (sometimes the properties we buy wouldn't be initially approved for a mortgage until fixed up) Then when your house appraised they will give you back 80% of the amount the house then appraised for.

The days of "drive by" inspections are over.Don't even think about proceeding with any work until you have written approval from your inspector.

Or you tell them they're approved and they promise to put the deposit down...in three weeks!

@Robert Russotti that is correct for some of the areas, which I am sure means a lengthier approval and permitting process.

Even if you are approved today, they can cut your line tomorrow or next week if things get worse.

To determine whether the property qualifies for protection under the “grandfather” provision would require more extensive research of the historical zoning maps and more information about the past use(s) of the property.It sounds like the particular lender you mentioned is going to require you to take some action with local government before they approve the loan (whether obtaining written confirmation that the property is grandfathered, confirmation of re-zoning, or perhaps even simply a letter from Knox County stating that they are not going to seek to strictly enforce zoning with respect to the property might suffice).

Specifically, I put in an offer on a property with pre-approval for 3.25% with Ally and now I see the rate is around 5.5%.

I put an offer in without pre-approved financing and the seller had accepted.

I put an offer in without pre-approved financing and the seller had accepted.