3 Things to Do Before Talking to a Realtor

Intro: Why “Before” Matters

Most first-time buyers start their home search by calling a Realtor but the most successful ones start before that step.

According to J.D. Power’s 2025 Mortgage Origination Research, buyers who connect with a lender early in their journey experience:
✅ 71 points higher satisfaction
✅ 80 points more trust
✅ 133% higher chance of repeat business

That’s because they show up confident, informed, and financially ready not overwhelmed or uncertain.

Check Your Credit and Build Your Budget

Before you start browsing homes, get a clear view of where you stand financially.

• Check your credit: Know your score and understand which factors you can improve.

• Create your budget: List your income, expenses, and savings goals to see how much home fits your lifestyle.

💡 Ron’s Pro Tip
The KeySteps app lets you track your credit weekly, create personalized savings goals, and get a BuyerVision report you can share with me all without a hard pull.
You’ll understand what’s working, what needs work, and what’s truly possible.

Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified

A pre-qualification is a rough estimate.
A pre-approval is a verified commitment and it makes all the difference when submitting an offer.

When you’re pre-approved:

• Realtors take you seriously.

• Sellers trust your offer.

• You know your exact price range.

Inside KeySteps, you can organize your paystubs, W2s, and bank statements so that when it’s time for pre-approval, you’re ready no scrambling, no stress.

Plan Your Timeline

Your timeline matters as much as your credit and savings.

Ask yourself:

• When does my lease end?

• How long will it take to hit my down payment goal?

• What credit milestones do I need to reach?

With KeySteps, you can set a target “home readiness” date, monitor your progress, and stay on track whether you’re three months or a year away.

When your finances and timeline align, that first conversation with a Realtor becomes strategic, not premature.

❤️ Final Thought

Talking to a Realtor is exciting — it means your dream is real.
But showing up prepared means you’re not just looking… you’re ready to buy.

If you’d like to start your own KeySteps plan, scan the QR code or select the link below and together, we’ll create your roadmap to confident homeownership.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why shouldn’t I call a Realtor first?

Realtors are great at helping you find homes, but lenders help you understand what’s financially possible.
Starting with a lender helps you avoid falling in love with a home before knowing what you can comfortably afford.
With KeySteps, you’ll walk into that first Realtor meeting with your credit, budget, and goals already mapped out.

2. Does checking my credit in KeySteps hurt my score?

No the KeySteps app uses a soft inquiry, so it has zero impact on your credit score.
You can safely track your score, simulate changes, and see what steps could boost your readiness over time.

3. How long does the pre-approval process take?

Typically 1–3 days once you have your documents ready.
KeySteps makes it faster by helping you collect and store your paystubs, bank statements, and ID securely so I can review them as soon as you’re ready.

4. What if my credit isn’t perfect?

That’s okay it rarely is!
The KeySteps app gives you a step-by-step action plan to improve your credit, manage debt, and monitor your progress over time.
Remember: pre-approval is about readiness, not perfection.

5. How soon before buying should I start planning?

Ideally, 6–12 months before you plan to move.
That gives you time to strengthen your credit, save for your down payment, and adjust your budget if needed.
Starting early with KeySteps helps you turn “someday” into “soon.”

6. What’s the difference between KeySteps and a regular budgeting app?

KeySteps is homeownership-focused.
It combines budgeting, credit monitoring, and readiness tracking in one secure place and connects you directly with me when you’re ready for professional guidance.
It’s not just about managing money; it’s about building your homeownership plan.

Ron Roberts is your trusted mortgage broker in Orlando, Florida metro area

Buying a home is a major milestone and borrowers deserve more than a one-size-fits-all loan. That’s where Ron Roberts with Amerifund Home Loans, Inc. comes in. As a trusted mortgage consultant, Ron takes a personalized approach helping clients navigate each step with clarity and confidence. From the initial consultation to pre-approval, and from selecting the right loan to closing day, Ron is committed to crafting financing strategies that align with each borrower’s unique goals, budget, and lifestyle. If you're ready to take the first step toward homeownership, connect with Ron Roberts for a tailored mortgage consultation. He'll help make the journey smooth, informed, and truly your own.

Read Some 5-star reviews From Our Happy Clients

Ron was professional and excellent to work with. Very fast follow up, and got me an excellent service to get my house and better rate that right I recommend him and his company highly. It is called five stars and he has earned it.- Dimy

As a first time homebuyer I would have been a little lost but Ron was absolutely amazing from the first day until the closing table. If I ever had any questions or concerns (even in the middle of the night) he was there to help! I highly recommend Ron for your home loan needs!!! Couldn’t have done this without him!! Words can’t express my gratitude!!! – Zach

Book Your Free 15-min Strategy Call Today

Ron Roberts, Loan Officer with Amerifund Home Loans, proudly serves the Orlando metro and greater Central Florida area. As a local mortgage expert, Ron is committed to delivering honest answers, transparent guidance, and a truly stress-free experience from start to finish. With no hidden fees or surprise costs, his clients keep more of their hard-earned money where it belongs in their pocket. Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or refinancing, Ron is a trusted mortgage broker ready to serve you with integrity and personal attention every step of the way.

📞 Call Ron today at 321-332-8049 to get started.