Setting realistic expectations begins with determining how much home you can afford. One of the biggest mistakes homebuyers make is beginning the process of looking at homes without knowing if they can qualify for a new home and how much they qualify for. Time is our most precious commodity and no one wants to waste any.

Most sellers will refuse to accept any offers without a loan prequalification letter, which is simply a statement from a lender indicating you have been pre-qualified for a mortgage.

That is why you should start the process by talking with a mortgage lender. A lender knows what information to collect from you, how to run a credit check and how to determine if you are in a position to buy a home. Imagine spending weekends looking at dozens of homes only to find out you are 12 months away from making your dream of homeownership a reality. In the event you are not able to qualify for a home, a qualified lender can help map out a plan to ensure you are in a position to buy in the future.