Agent First or Lender First? | Here’s Why the Order Matters When Buying a Home

Let’s clear this up…

If you’ve started looking into buying a home, you’ve probably seen this advice everywhere:

“Get pre-approved first.”

And while that’s not wrong… it’s definitely not the whole story.

In fact, going straight to a lender without a clear understanding of the full buying process is how a lot of buyers end up confused, frustrated—or worse—stuck with the wrong team behind them.

Let me explain why it actually makes more sense to start with an experienced agent who can guide you, connect you, and set you up the right way from the very beginning.

Not All Pre-Approvals Are Equal

You might be “pre-approved,” but if it’s with a lender who’s slow, unresponsive, or unknown to local listing agents, it could actually hurt you more than help you.

I’ve had buyers come to me pre-approved through a random online lender or big-box bank they found on Google—and they’re already frustrated. Why? Because they don’t know what they’ve been approved for, they’re not sure who to talk to, and they’re getting little to no guidance.

Bottom line: Getting pre-approved is important.
Getting pre-approved by a lender your agent trusts is smart.

A Great Agent Gives You the Roadmap, Not Just a Referral

When you start with an agent, you’re not just getting a name—you’re getting context.

Here’s what I walk my clients through before they even step into their first showing:

• What to expect from pre-approval and beyond
• Timeline breakdown (from offer to closing)
• How to build a competitive offer
• What to budget beyond the down payment
• What to avoid doing financially before you close

It’s not about locking you into one path—it’s about making sure you actually know the path.

A Proven Lender Can Make or Break Your Offer

Here’s a quiet truth: selers, or their listing agents, will likely pay attention to the lender listed on your pre-approval letter.

If it’s a name that’s known to be slow or unreliable? That could hurt your chances—even if your offer is solid.

But if your agent connects you with a proven, responsive lender (local or national) who they’ve closed deals with before, it brings a whole different level of confidence to the table.

Relationships matter in real estate.
And the right lender is part of your offer strategy—not just your paperwork.

It’s Not About Controlling the Process—It’s About Protecting You

Let’s be clear: the goal isn’t for your agent to control who you work with - and there are no "kickbacks".
It’s to protect your experience from the start by surrounding you with professionals who are aligned, reliable, and already know how to work together to get you to the finish line.

Of course you can compare quotes.
Of course you can explore options.
But starting with a trusted agent makes sure those options are coming from the right foundation.

So, Who Should You Call First?

Your agent.
Because we don’t just unlock doors—we build the strategy behind every step of the process.

• You need someone in your corner who:
• Understands the market
• Knows how to structure the deal
• Refers the right people
• And makes sure the whole thing makes sense

Final Thought:

You don’t have to know everything about buying a home.
You just need to connect with someone who does—and who’s committed to guiding you all the way through it.

Thinking about buying?
Let’s connect first—no pressure, no fluff. Just honest advice, straight from the start.