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First step in buying my first home — Agent or Lender?

I'm a FTHB who will be diving headfirst into the homebuying process in a couple months. I have all my finances in order and feel reasonably confident in the type of home I want and what I can reasonably afford, but right now I have one big hangup: first step: agent or lender?

I've read that some agents won't take you seriously until you have a preapproval letter, which makes sense. But I've also read that agents can help you source good lenders and/or brokers. Additionally, since preapproval offers have a 60 or 90-day clock, it feels like a waste to have that clock ticking while looking for an agent. I've already received a few agent recs from friends of mine who have recently bought, so that feels like the logical thing to pursue.

Or, should I consider starting these steps at the same time? Any and all advice appreciated, thanks.

submitted by /u/-AbeFroman
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/RealEstate/comments/113w61a/first_step_in_buying_my_first_home_agent_or_lender/

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