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Who Should You Talk to First: A Mortgage Professional or a Real Estate Agent?

If you’re planning to buy a home, you might wonder who you should talk to first—a mortgage professional or a real estate agent. Both play critical roles in the home-buying process, but the order in which you consult them can significantly impact your experience. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.

woman holding question marks

Why Start with a Mortgage Professional?

Speaking to a mortgage professional first can set a strong foundation for your home search. Here’s why:

  1. Determine Your Budget: A mortgage professional can help you understand how much home you can realistically afford by analyzing your income, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and other financial factors.
  2. Get Pre-Approved: A pre-approval letter from a lender not only shows sellers you’re a serious buyer but also gives you a clearer picture of your purchasing power. This can save you from falling in love with a home that’s out of your price range.
  3. Understand Loan Options: A mortgage professional can guide you through various loan programs, such as FHA, VA, or conventional loans, and help you choose the one that best fits your financial situation.
  4. Streamline the Buying Process: Starting with financing ensures that once you find a home, you’re ready to move quickly, which is especially important in competitive markets.

When to Talk to a Real Estate Agent First

On the other hand, a real estate agent is invaluable for navigating the housing market. They can help you understand local trends, identify neighborhoods that fit your needs, and find homes that match your criteria. If you’re unfamiliar with the market or need help defining what you’re looking for, starting with an agent might make sense.

The Ideal Approach

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a good rule of thumb is to begin with a mortgage professional to get your financial picture in order. Once you know your budget and have a pre-approval letter in hand, you’ll be better prepared to work with a real estate agent to find your dream home. Both professionals will work together to make your home-buying journey as smooth as possible.


Whether you start with a mortgage professional or a real estate agent, both play key roles in turning your dream of homeownership into a reality. If you’re ready to begin, reach out to one today!

Author Bio: Greg Sandler
Greg Sandler is a distinguished leader and strategist in the mortgage and real estate investment industry. With over two decades of experience, Greg has honed his expertise in guiding his clients to build wealth through real estate.

Greg Sandler has direct and first-hand experience as co-founder and CEO of USA Investment Group Management Inc., focusing on growing real estate holdings and diversified asset portfolios. Under Greg's guidance, the company has executed hundreds of traditional real estate acquisitions and currently manages a substantial portfolio of rental units.

Greg also has a track record of driving multi-million-dollar revenues and leading high-performing teams to success in mortgage loan originations, achieving the prestigious "Top 1% Originator" status in consecutive years. Currently steering the helm as the President at USALending.AI in Keller, TX, Greg has revitalized this division of a mortgage bank, significantly expanding the company's scale.

Prior to this, Greg's role as Senior Vice President at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp in Rocklin, CA, was marked by his pivotal contribution in establishing the company's presence in northern California and northern Nevada. Under Greg's leadership, his team of nearly 110 dedicated mortgage professionals originated and funded approximately $800 million in residential mortgages annually.

Greg's professional journey is marked by his exceptional skills in negotiation, sales leadership, financial analysis, and P&L management. His ability to strategize, coupled with his in-depth knowledge of the mortgage and real estate sectors, makes him a visionary leader and a respected figure in the industry.

To book a call with Greg Sandler, please visit: www.calendly.com/greg-sandler

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