There's just something special about working with someone who is buying their first home. 

I just got off the phone with a lady who received my name from one of my past clients (who herself had been referred to me by a past client-it's a lovely domino effect!).  Her lease is up in November and she's ready to start the process of purchasing a home here in Charlotte NC (although she may wind up in Concord NC, Huntersville NC, or Harrisburg NC). 

She's a smart cookie. She's got a good month and a half to locate a home, since it takes roughly 30 days to go from contract to close when you're buying a home in North Carolina.

Her first step?  Pre-approval.  Once she's established a price range, she and I will sit down and establish our game plan-which will include neighborhood selection, builder evaluation, deciding between new construction and buying a resale, the inspection process, when possession is delivered, etc.

Then and only then will we get in the car to go looking.  Going any sooner is a waste of the buyer's time and a waste of my time. 

She's smart to purchase now.  Interest rates are down again, sellers are getting realistic, builders are offering fantastic incentives, and the Charlotte NC real estate market is still strong (this, despite the best efforts of the national news media!).