YES you absolutely want to get a preapproval from a lender before you start looking for a home to buy! Not only do you need one but you'll be doing yourself a HUGE FAVOR by getting a real, detailed, meaningful pre-approval from a qualified LOCAL LENDER and not just a 'pretty piece of paper' that's hardly worth whatever it is printed on. Here's #3keythings to understand why this is so important. FIRST - YOU NEED A REALISTIC BUDGET Before you start looking for a home to buy, you need to be smart about identifying your best budget for this long-term investment. A great local lender can HELP YOU DECIDE what budget you want to stay within. SECOND - KEEPING YOUR EMOTIONS IN CHECK Having a pre-approval (proper budget) will help you navigate the emotional side of buying a home. Making a plan ahead of time to stay within your preferred budget will help you avoid both 'buyer's remorse' and feeling overwhelmed by your mortgage down the road. THIRD - SELLERS EXPECT TO SEE YOUR PRE-APPROVAL When you find that 'perfect home' and make an offer to buy it, the Sellers (and their Realtor) are going to expect to see your pre-approval. And their Realtor is likely going to call your lender to verify your real ability to follow through and buy that home. This is where that 'fancy piece of paper' isn't worth much compared with an actual, detail-reviewed, pre-approval from a trusted local lender. Choose wisely and your local lender is going to help your offer stand out against any others!