Before you book that first showing, there are three things that can save you a ton of time and frustration

The Story That Inspired This Post

Not long ago, I had a lovely couple reach out who wanted to look at homes around Decatur. They’d been dreaming of a cozy bungalow with a front porch and were so excited to finally start the process.

We booked a few showings, toured some solid options, and then, they found the one. But when it came time to make an offer, there was a problem:

They hadn’t talked to a lender yet. 😬

While they scrambled to get pre-approved, another buyer swooped in and grabbed the home.

I see this way too often. Good people, ready to buy, but just not set up for success. So I wanted to share the three things I believe every buyer should do BEFORE stepping into a single home. If you're thinking about buying, doing these first will save you time, stress, and heartache.

Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (Not Just Pre-Qualified)

Here’s the truth: pre-qualification is like guessing, and pre-approval is like proof.

A lot of buyers don’t realize there’s a difference. Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell the lender. But pre-approval means they’ve actually reviewed your income, credit, and documents and are saying, “Yes, we’d loan you this amount.”

So why does it matter?

• You’ll know your real price range (no guessing or overspending)

• Sellers will take your offer seriously (especially in competitive markets)

• You’ll avoid delays once you do find the right home
  

In Georgia neighborhoods, homes move fast. Pre-approval helps you move fast too.

🏡 Pro Tip: Reach out to a local lender (I know a few great ones) who knows how to get things done quickly and keep you updated through every step.

Tip #2: Set a Realistic Budget (And Don’t Forget the Extras)

Most people think, “Okay, I’m approved for $450K, so I’ll shop for homes at $450K.”

But here’s the thing, just because the bank says you can doesn’t mean you should.

A healthy home budget should also factor in:

• Property taxes

• Homeowners insurance

• HOA fees (if any)

• Maintenance costs

• Moving expenses

• Future plans (kids? career changes? travel?)

 A good rule of thumb is to leave some breathing room. You want to love your house and still have a life, right?

 🧠 Pro Tip: Try using a simple budget calculator and map out your full monthly expenses. You’ll feel way more confident knowing exactly what you can comfortably afford and what number you should actually shop at.

Tip #3: Make a Must-Have List (And a Nice-to-Have List Too)

This step right here? It’s one of the most overlooked, but most important things you can do before looking at homes.

When you don’t know what you’re truly looking for, every home starts to blend together. Or worse, you get swept up in the granite countertops and forget you really needed that extra bedroom or home office.

So here’s a fun and helpful exercise to do with your partner or on your own:

Step 1:
 Make a list of non-negotiables. This could be things like:

• 3+ bedrooms

• A fenced yard for your dog

• Commute under 30 minutes

• A quiet street

Step 2:
 Make a second list of nice-to-haves. Things that would be a bonus but aren’t deal breakers:

• A finished basement

• White kitchen cabinets

• Walkable neighborhood

 Having these lists helps me (your agent!) guide the search better, and it keeps you focused on what truly matters long-term. Plus, it makes decision-making way easier when you’re torn between homes.

 📌 Pro Tip: Keep your must-haves list short and honest, like 3 to 5 things max. If everything is a must, nothing really is.

Skipping These Steps = Wasted Time (And Missed Homes)

I know it’s tempting to just “look around” first. It feels exciting! But skipping these early prep steps often leads to:

• Touring homes that aren’t in budget

• Falling for houses you can’t make offers on yet

• Getting overwhelmed, confused, and discouraged

And honestly? You deserve better than that. Your home search should feel exciting and empowered not rushed or disappointing.

Ready to Get Set Up for Home Buying Success?

Before you jump into showings, make sure you’ve got your foundation in place.

✅ Pre-approval
✅ A clear budget
✅ A smart must-have list

Need help figuring it all out? I’ve created a free resource to walk you through the process.

👉 Download my free guide: The Ultimate Guide to Buying or Selling Real Estate

Whether you’re just starting or ready to make moves, it’s full of tips, timelines, and tools to keep things simple.

And of course, if you’re ready to talk through next steps, I’m just a quick message away.

Let’s make your home journey a smart one 💬