When is the right time to hire a real estate agent?

There’s no wrong time to start speaking to an agent—whether you’re considering buying or selling a home in the next year or you’re already preapproved and ready to start searching or list your home. A qualified real estate agent can guide you through the process at any phase of your journey.

If you’re looking for a home, once you have decided on a budget and contacted lenders about getting a preapproval letter, now is the time to choose the agent you want to work with. If you’re selling your home, you’ll want to secure an agent as soon as possible. Your agent will be able to help you prepare your home to sell, organize staging services, photography, and begin educating you about showings and open houses right away.