Do I need to be pre-approved before I find an agent?

If you are not pre-approved -- your agent will recommend that you speak with a lender prior to scheduling home tours. (They may even have some suggestions of local lenders to contact.) Price range is only part of your home search. The type of financing and special requirements (such as closing cost assistance) needs to be know before house hunting. If you qualify for a 100% financing loan -- the condition and location of the home that you can buy with that financing matters. No one wants to fall in love with a house that they cannot buy. If you are a serious Buyer, then getting approved is a very important first part of the process -- otherwise you are window shopping.

You do not have to be pre-approved to start looking! I will usually do one or two showings for someone without one. After that I would require one