The decision
What to know before you decide
Cash and financing change the mechanics of an offer, but neither is automatically the better economic decision. Families should compare liquidity, financing cost, investment alternatives, condo project eligibility and the effect of debt on the property’s overall hold strategy.
Put the evidence to work
SMU properties to evaluate
From the SMU Buy inventory · checked Sep 6, 2026. Confirm availability with the listing source.
Straight-line campus distance; not walking time.
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Property diligence checklist
Separate offer strength from financial strategy
A cash offer may reduce financing contingencies, while a financed purchase preserves capital. Those are different questions. The family should choose the financing structure based on its broader financial plan, not solely on the desire to win a property.
Review the evidence
Check condo financeability early
Some condo projects require additional lender review. Buyers using financing should identify project-level documentation needs early so the property search does not advance far beyond what the lender can approve.
Review your costs
Keep rates and loan eligibility with the lender
Drew can coordinate transaction timing and property documents, but loan products, rates, underwriting and occupancy classification belong to the lender. Use current lender guidance for every specific deal.
Review with DrewLocal decision support
How Drew can help
Drew can help identify property-level issues that may affect the transaction and coordinate with the buyer’s lender. He should not quote loan eligibility or substitute for a financing professional.
Meet Drew BurroughsSources & data
Check the evidence
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide · General Information on Project Standards
- SMU RLSH — Residency Change Information and FAQs
- SMU Admission — Living on Campus FAQs
- SMU RLSH — Future Resident Policies and Procedures
- SMU Residence Life and Student Housing — Apply for Housing
- SMU RLSH — Future Resident and Housing Portal
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CollegeHousing.ai and Drew Burroughs are independent of SMU. Confirm property, financing, tax, insurance and legal questions with the responsible professional.