How Soon Should I Talk To A Lender If I Want To Buy A Home?

Can't say it loud enough... PREAPPROVAL IS the FIRST step in home buying in any market.  Think about showing the same respect you would expect from your Real Estate Professional.

We do not get paid unless you purchase a home, so please don't ask us to show you homes until we all knwo you can actually purchase a home.

If you want a tour of our area, call a taxi.  At $3.89 per gallon, and no compensation unless you purchase, if you don't have 15 minutes to speak to a lender, then I don't have 2 hours to drive you around. 

You need to know right from the get go as to whether you are in the position to buy a home let alone the price range you are looking at ... everything else is just hurting yourself and is just window shopping with someone who can't afford to loose that time.

start yesterday then call your realtor to help you find your dream property today that is the way we roll!

Agreed!  Most agents won't (shouldn't) even work with you without that pre-approval letter.  I don't.  My time, as well as everyone else involved, is too precious.  It's usually free through a mortgage broker and takes 5 mins. If you go to a bank it varies.   You'll be thankful you did it.  You'll know how much house you can afford, if any, or what you can do to prepare your credit to buy a home.

I have had people talk with a lender even more than a year out.  Sometimes they didn't qualify for what they wanted, but were advised in ways to get there... paying off a car, paying off a credit card ect... It's always the best first step and frankly never too early.

Get thee to a lender before you start the process. Watching a buyer look at homes out of their range can be devistating. Hard to comprimise when you have gotten used to homes $100k over your budget. On the other hand, you may be qualified for a lot more depending on the available programs etc.