It happens all the time. A couple decides they’re ready to buy a home, and within minutes they’re deep in the rabbit hole of Zillow listings, mentally decorating bedrooms and debating whether the kitchen is big enough. Before they know it, they’ve fallen in love with three houses they can’t afford, toured one they could, and are now emotionally exhausted and confused about what they actually want.

I get it. Browsing homes online is fun. But starting your home search on a listing site before you’ve done two crucial things is one of the most common mistakes I see buyers make — and it costs them time, heartache, and sometimes the home they really wanted.

So where SHOULD you start? Right here.

Step 1: Call a Realtor — Before You Do Anything Else

I know, I know — I’m a Realtor, so of course I’m going to say this. But hear me out, because this advice genuinely protects YOU.

A good Realtor is your strategist, not just your tour guide.

When you work with a buyer’s agent from the very beginning, you get:

·     Market knowledge: A real, honest picture of the current market in your specific area — what’s selling fast, what’s sitting, and where the value is.

·     A customized search: Guidance on what to prioritize in your search before you waste weekends touring the wrong homes.

·     Early access: Access to listings the moment they hit the market — sometimes before they’re even listed publicly.

·     Negotiation expertise: A seasoned negotiator in your corner when it’s time to make an offer.

·     An objective eye: Someone who can spot red flags in a home that you might miss when you’re excited.

Here’s something many buyers don’t realize: in most transactions, the seller pays the buyer’s agent commission. That means you get all of this expertise and representation for free. There is genuinely no reason not to call a Realtor first.

“The best move I made was calling Jacie before I even knew what I wanted. She helped me figure out exactly what I needed — and found it in two weeks.” — A happy buyer in the Triad

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved with a Lender

This is non-negotiable, and I say that with love. Before you tour a single home, before you save a single listing, you need to know what you can actually afford.

Pre-approval vs. pre-qualification — know the difference.

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on numbers you provide. Pre-approval is a full review of your finances — income, credit, assets — by an actual lender. In today’s competitive market, sellers won’t take your offer seriously without a pre-approval letter in hand.

Why this step saves you from heartbreak.

Here’s a scenario I’ve seen play out too many times: a buyer spends weeks touring homes in the $450K range, falls in love, makes an offer — and then discovers they’re only approved for $380K. That’s not just disappointing. It’s avoidable.

Getting pre-approved FIRST means:

·     You shop in the right price range from day one.

·     You understand your monthly payment, not just the purchase price.

·     You learn about any credit issues that need to be resolved before you’re ready to buy.

·     You can move fast — because in a competitive market, speed matters.

·     Your offer carries real weight when a seller reviews it.

Pro tip: Ask your Realtor for lender recommendations. A great Realtor has relationships with lenders who are responsive, competitive on rates, and experienced with local markets. This team approach can make or break your transaction.

Step 3: NOW You Can Browse — The Right Way

Once you’ve talked to your Realtor and have your pre-approval in hand, the fun part begins. Now you can browse listing sites with clarity and purpose — because you know exactly what you’re looking for and what you can afford.

Popular sites and what to know about each.

·     Zillow: Great for browsing and getting a sense of the market. However, Zestimates (automated home valuations) are often inaccurate — sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars. Use it for inspiration, not valuation.

·     Realtor.com: Pulls directly from MLS data and tends to be slightly more accurate on listing info. A solid resource for browsing active listings.

·     HomeSearchCarolinas.com: If you’re searching in the Triad area, this is one of the best resources for hyper-local North Carolina listings. The search tools are tailored to our market, and the data is updated in real time from local MLS feeds.

The key thing to remember: every listing site has limitations. Data can be outdated, homes can show as “active” when they’re already under contract, and the "Zestimate" or automated valuation is no substitute for a real comparative market analysis from a licensed Realtor who knows the neighborhood.

Your Realtor can set you up on a custom MLS search that sends you real-time alerts the moment a home matching your criteria hits the market — which is faster and more accurate than any third-party app.

The Right Order: A Quick Summary

·     1. Call a Realtor. Get expert guidance, market knowledge, and representation — at no cost to you as a buyer.

·     2. Get Pre-Approved. Know your budget, strengthen your offer, and shop with confidence.

·     3. Browse Listings. Use Zillow, Realtor.com, HomeSearchCarolinas, or your agent’s custom MLS alerts to find the right home.

·     4. Tour with Purpose. Let your Realtor schedule showings and guide you through each property with an expert eye.

·     5. Make a Strong Offer. With your agent negotiating and your pre-approval ready, you’re in the best possible position to win.

Ready to Start the Right Way?

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Winston-Salem, Pfafftown, Lexington, or anywhere in the Triad — I’d love to be your guide. I’ll help you get clear on your goals, connect you with a trusted lender, and find a home that truly fits your life.

The market moves fast. The best homes don’t wait. Let’s make sure you’re ready when the right one comes along.