Do I need a realtor before talking to a lender?
No — either order works, and the lender and I work as a team either way. Talking to a lender early tells you your budget; talking to a realtor first costs nothing and can save you steps, including trusted lender introductions. Just have both in place before you're seriously shopping.
No — and this question stops more people at the starting line than it should. Either order works, and the lender and I function as a team either way.
The case for lender first
Talking to a lender early gets you a real budget before you fall for a house. A pre-approval tells you what you can borrow, surfaces any credit surprises while there's still time to fix them, and makes you credible the day the right home appears.
The case for realtor first
Reaching out to me first costs nothing and can save you steps. I'll lay out the whole path from where you're standing, connect you with local lenders I trust to be responsive and straight with you, and help you avoid the classic early wrong turns. Plenty of buyers loop us both in the same week.
What actually matters
Not the order — the completeness. Have both pieces in place before you're seriously shopping: a budget you trust and a guide who knows the local market. Touring homes with neither is how buyers end up making rushed decisions with the least information.
If you'd rather start with a conversation than a credit check, start here — that first chat is free, unhurried, and you'll leave it knowing your next two steps.
This answer is general education, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Your situation is unique — let's talk through the specifics together.