Who Should You Contact First: A Lender or an Agent?

Understanding the First Step in Building Your Homebuying Team

When you’re starting the journey toward homeownership, one of the first big questions is: Should I talk to a real estate agent or a mortgage lender first? Both play an essential role, but the order in which you connect with them can shape your experience in different ways.

At BankFirst Mortgage, we believe the sooner you understand your budget, the smoother your path forward will be—which is why we often recommend starting with a lender. That said, a good agent is equally vital to your success. Let’s walk through the pros and cons of both approaches.

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Why Start with a Lender?

A lender helps you understand what you can afford. Before falling in love with a home, it’s important to know your numbers.

1. Know Your Budget First

Talking to a lender early gives you a better understanding of what loan amount you qualify for through pre-qualification. This isn’t a formal approval, but it gives you a clear estimate of your price range—helping you shop with confidence and avoid falling for homes outside your budget.

It also gives your real estate agent a clearer idea of what properties to show you, saving time and setting realistic expectations from the start.

2. Get Financial Clarity and Guidance

Your lender will walk you through different loan types, explain how your credit, income, and savings affect your options, and help you understand how interest rates impact your long-term costs. These insights can shape your home search in meaningful ways.

3. Be Ready When the Time Is Right

When you find a home you love, being pre-qualified shows that you’re a serious buyer. In competitive markets, that can give you an edge—especially when other buyers are just getting started with financing.

Potential Con: Time Pressure

Pre-qualifications typically have a shelf life. While they’re not as formal as approvals, your financial profile can still shift over time, and you may need to update your documentation if your search extends for several months.

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Why Start with an Agent?

A great real estate agent does more than show homes—they act as a trusted advisor, local expert, and strategic partner in your search.

1. Local Expertise You Can Lean On

Agents know the ins and outs of the market: what typical home prices are, how quickly homes are moving, and where your wish list aligns—or doesn’t—with what’s available. This local knowledge can help you make informed choices as you narrow down your options.

2. They Know the Process—and the People

Agents work with lenders all the time and can point you toward ones they trust. If you’re unsure where to start with financing, your agent can help you make that connection—and even help coordinate communication between everyone involved in your homebuying team.

3. A Human Touch

If you’re still early in your journey—just curious, or figuring out what you want in a home—an agent can be a valuable sounding board. They can help you sort through priorities and realities, giving you a clearer sense of what’s possible.

Potential Con: Budget Uncertainty

Without first speaking to a lender, you may not have a clear idea of how much home you can afford. Touring properties without knowing your estimated loan amount can lead to disappointment or delays once you’re ready to make an offer. In fact, some agents may prefer—or even require—that clients be pre-qualified before they start house hunting.

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Working Together: Lender + Agent = Your Dream Team

Here’s the reality: both your lender and agent are crucial to the process. Each plays a different role, but the best results come when they work in partnership on your behalf.

Your agent helps you find the right home and negotiates on your behalf. Your lender helps you secure financing and guides you through the mortgage process. When they communicate openly and often, you benefit from a more seamless experience.

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So… Who Comes First?

It depends on where you are in the process:

• If you’re ready to buy in the near future: Start with a lender to establish your budget and get pre-qualified.

• If you’re still exploring options: Consider starting with an agent to get a sense of the market and your preferences.

Either way, you’ll need both. And the sooner they’re working together, the better.

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Ready to Begin?

At BankFirst Mortgage, we’re here to help you build a strong foundation for your homebuying journey. Connect with one of our mortgage specialists today to get pre-qualified and start planning with confidence.

* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.