When Should First-Time Home Buyers Call A Real Estate Agent?

First-Time Home Buyers

Purchasing your first home is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience – it can also be very stressful. From saving enough for a down payment to finding the right neighborhood to live in, there’s a lot you need to do before you can even think about signing on the dotted line.

But probably the most important step on your home-buying journey is knowing when to call a real estate agent. Do you do it while browsing for houses online? Or should you wait until your dream home suddenly becomes available? These are all important questions to ask yourself as a first-time home buyer. Thankfully, we’re here to help. 

Don’t Let Personal Timelines Constrain You

If you’re the type of person who likes making checklists, you’re probably taking the same approach when buying your first home. Saved enough for a down payment? Yes. Been pre-approved for a mortgage? Done. Found a great location with good schools and tons to do? Got it. 

Having all those boxes checked, it would seem like you’d be ready to give a real estate agent a call and start the process of owning your first home. But if you’re waiting until you’re offered that exciting promotion at your job or your credit score improves, then you’re taking the wrong approach.

Because here’s the reality: there’s never going to be a perfect moment. And the longer you wait to call, the more ideal properties you’re potentially missing out on. By guiding you through the often-times complex process of budgeting and financing, an experienced agent can help you feel confident in your decision-making process. An agent is there to help you, after all, and wants nothing more than to make your home-buying dreams a reality.

You Don’t Need to Be Stressed

According to a study commissioned by RedFin, more than half of home buyers think that purchasing a house is more stressful than planning a wedding. And for first-time home buyers, the process can be even more daunting. That’s why you should never wait to call a real estate agent – they can help make the entire process much smoother.

By contacting an agent early on, you can talk about your financial situation, as well as what your ideal home looks like. Once the agent knows what your needs are, they can also help you set realistic expectations and begin sending you listings that are within your budget. 

An agent also has up-to-date information on the newest listings in your preferred area and can help you navigate the various fluctuations in the housing market. Think of an agent as someone working for you. They want to make sure you never miss out on opportunities. When you succeed, they succeed.

You Need Someone in Your Corner Early On

As we move into 2025, the cost of owning a home continues to remain at historically high levels. With more people wanting to buy and with limited homes available, the housing market remains competitive. Navigating this complex market isn’t something first-time home buyers should ever attempt to do on their own. This is another reason why you shouldn’t wait to call an agent.

For one, an agent can effectively negotiate on your behalf. In a competitive housing market, some homes will receive multiple offers. However, an agent can strategize with first-time buyers to devise an offer that grabs the seller’s attention. They may suggest something as simple as including a personal letter to the seller. This will humanize your offer, making it really stand out. 

Furthermore, agents can help first-time buyers come up with a financing solution that best meets their needs. For instance, in addition to recommending mortgage lenders, they can also explain the various loans that are available to first-time buyers. Hence, calling an agent early will ensure that first-time buyers are well-prepared and ready to act when they find their dream home.

You Shouldn’t Wait as First-Time Home Buyers

If you’re first-time home buyers who are still unsure of when the best time to call an agent is, think of it this way: Agents are available at every step of the home-buying process. So calling them as soon as you have the idea to buy a house can be extremely helpful. Look, life is challenging enough, and given how complex purchasing a home is, you’re going to need some assistance. So, why wait? 

Buying a home is sure to be one of the most important purchases of your life, and an agent has the expertise and know-how to assist you along the way. By contacting an agent early, you’re taking the first big step on your path to owning your first home.

Are you looking to buy your first home in the Missoula area? Windermere can help! Contact one of our agents today.